Rhine 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

Rhine crossing: two Commandos looking out for snipers

Photograph showing the Rhine crossing: two Commandos looking out for snipers among the ruins of Osnabuck, 4 Apr 1945. Armed with a Bren Gun and Thompson sub-machine gun, the commandos were probably members of No. 10 (Inter-Allied) Commando which captured the town alongside 6th Airborne Division. No. 10 (Inter-Allied) was recruited from the volunteers of many nations who had fled to Britain to carry on the fight after their own countries had been occupied by the Germans. Date: 1945

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library

Road signs on the Autobahn near Braunschweig, Germany

Road signs near Braunschweig (Brunswick) leading from the Autobahn (motorway), Lower Saxony, Germany. The letter Y is the sign of the 5th Division, British Army of the Rhine. Date: circa 1946

© The Kathy Butler Collection / Mary Evans

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