Liberation Route Marker 160: The Achtmaal package

The Achtmaal package
On the 27th of October 1944, Achtmaal is liberated by the US 104th Infantry Division, nicknamed the Timberwolves. The soldiers of this division are fighting for the first time it and experience how cunning the Germans operate. In Achtmaal, the commander is given a special package.

On the 20th of October 1944, the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, the 49th British Infantry Division, the 104th US Infantry Division and the 1st Polish Armoured Division attacked on a broad front towards West Brabant. This operation was named Suitcase. The aim was to cover the flank of the Canadians advancing towards Zeeland and drive German troops out of West Brabant.

The Americans of the 104th Infantry Division, known as the Timberwolves, crossed the Dutch border south of Achtmaal. It was the American troops first battle. Achtmaal constable Lambert Vermeer, a member of the underground, approached Lieutenant Colonel Kelleher. He handed Kelleher a package with information about the German defences that proved to be very useful.

The Timberwolves liberated Achtmaal on the 27th of October 1944.

Audiospot - The Achtmaal package

Liberation Route Europe is a certified Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. With hundreds of sites and stories in nine European countries, the route links the main regions along the advance of the Allied Forces in 1943-1945.
The entire route consists of themed routes that can be travelled by by hiking, walking, cycling and car. These routes pass numerous historical and interesting sites and tell stories from a multitude of perspectives that were important in the final phase of World War II.
Many routes feature listening spots, offering the opportunity to listen to a historical story at a location. In addition, many ‘Vectors of Memory’ have been placed, indicating that the passer-by is on one of the Liberation Routes.
The routes can be found on the Liberation Route Europe website or in the app through which many stories can also be listened to.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar & Liberation Route Europe
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze