The Final Push: Holland, 27 March-12 April 2015

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Saturday March 28th 2015:
TFP Breakfast
Continue arrival of vehicles/participants at the bivouac around the National Bevrijdingsmuseum and estate “Den Heuvel” in Groesbeek. From 12.00 hrs. lunch and then the convoy will depart for the Commemoration at Groesbeek War Cemetary.
Tour through Groesbeek, static show at Town Hall and a Liberty concert ft. Double2 (Andrew Sisters). Coffee and donut served by ARC truck. Participants receive a hot meal served by ARC truck in the bivouac.

Yesterday the first day and convoy of The Final Push! I was not there personally, but I have attached some pictures of one of the participants.

I won't be joining the fun till next week, in the meantime I will updtae this thread if and when information becomes available.
Here's a link to a local broadcasting station with a 2 min. video: http://www.omroepgelderland.nl/web/n...m#.VRfoj_mUf-Z

Hanno

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[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Saturday April 4th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
“Delden back to Then” (April 1945) starts. Liberation tour Delden – Zenderen – Hertme – Borne – Delden Centrum – Delden Twickel. Festive entry through Azelo, commemoration at the monument Vloedbelt, wrath laying in Hertme and lunch. Large march-past through Borne, including Poppy dropping by WW2 Recon planes (only by good weather).Festivities and speech by Mayor.
Visit to the bivouac open for public. Shows of Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten / Dames en Heren van Toen / Prinses Irene Brigade(?) / Canadian re-enacters. A steam train shuttles between Hengelo and Delden (maybe Goor also)back and forth. Grand party night at ‘t Hoogspel with Big band music (De Zendmasters). Dress contest for Ladies and Gentlemen in uniform and civil WW2 clothing.

Alex reported the number of Commonwealth vehicles taking part is limited, mainly because in Holland they are outnumbered by American-built vehicles.

But I can tell you the organizers made all the participants well ware of the historical setting in which this tour is taking place. A 63(!) coulor printed page road book has been put together, with historical background and bits 'n bobs on all the places being visited.

Many of the towns being visited have done their best to commemorate their liberation 70 years on. Delden for example has adopted a "back to then" theme, putting the tour into a historical setting as much as possible.

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[Hanno Spoelstra]

As I didn't have the time to fix my F15A, so the plan changed to me driving the Royal Netherlands Army Chevrolet CGT Field Artillery Tractor. It will not be pulling the limber plus 25-pdr gun, as it is a live gun and there are serious restrictions on weapons during this commemoration.

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To be continued!

[Alex van de Wetering]

Attached are some of the pictures I took in Groesbeek, yesterday. The first two were taken at the Camp site....the always impressive Sexton, restored by an MLU member and the very rare Dodge WC60.

The other pictures were taken in the centre of Groesbeek....a nice selection of vehicles, with some US heavies.

Alex

[Alex van de Wetering]

The amount of Commonwealth vehicles was somewhat disappointing, but I have good hope next weekend will be different! It's Easter, which means a lot of people have a few days off. I know for a fact that at least three forum members will be bringing some Commonwealth vehicles to the event next weekend.

[Stefan Leegwater]

Hey Hanno!

Then that will make two CGT's !!

Till next weekend.

Mvg

Stefan

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Stefan Leegwater

Then that will make two CGT's !!

Stefan, indeed! We should try to make an effort to team up.

See you next week,
Hanno