21st Gallery

Commandos Crossing the Rhine at Wesel; Second World War, 194

Sketch showing the night crossing of the River Rhine, made by British Royal Marine Commandos of the 21st Army Group, near Wesel in Germany, 23rd March 1945. This illustration shows the Commandos in their Buffalo amphibious transports leaving the West bank of the Rhine and heading towards the opposite shore. In the right background of the picture, can be seen the fires then burning in Wesel. This drawing was made by Captain Bryan de Grineau, Illustrated London News Special Artist, who was then attached to the 21st Army Group

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Les Diables Bleus - 21st Regiment of the Chasseurs Alpins

Les Diables Bleus - the 21st Regiment of the Chasseurs Alpins. A platoon on a mountain path by a stream. Pierre Comba (1859-1934). Pierre Comba Dedicated Himself To The Representation Of The French Military, In Particular The Chasseurs Alpins, Nicknamed Les Diables Bleus'. Indeed At The Time Of The Great War, Comba'S Watercolours Were Being Reproduced As Postcards To The Glory Of The Blue Devils. Pierre Was A Member Of The Society Of Military Painters And Of The French Alpine Club And He Was A Recipient Of The Palmes Acad魩ques (An Honour From The French Government For Outstanding Achievements In The Arts Or Literature). He Was Also Deeply Involved In Charities Dealing With Soldiers In Nice And In The Region (Alpes-Maritimes)

© David Cohen Fine Art/Mary Evans Picture Library

21st Independent Para Coy Memorial, Oosterbeek

The 21st was commanded by Major B. A. B. Boy Wilson who, at the age of 45, was one of the oldest paras in the 1st AB Division. The task of the 21st - Wilson and four officers and 185 men - on 17 September 1944, the first day of Operation Market Garden, was to drop 30 minutes ahead of the main force to mark the three zones DZ X, LZ Z and LZ S with navigational aids (Eureka beacons and smoke signals) so that they could be readily located. It was done impeccably. There is a Memorial to the 21st at the Quatre Bras junction in Oosterbeek and then this one, also in Oosterbeek at No 21 Paasberg. It is in the form of a vase (which always contains fresh flowers) in the garden of the house called Monty'. A platoon of the 21st defended this area in the last four days of the battle. The owner, Han Kardol, was 10 years old and sheltered in the cellar of the house during the fighting. Date: 2000

© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans