When did Operation Plunder take place?
Operation Plunder began on the night of the 23rd of March 1945, when the 21st Army Group crossed the Rhine at Rees, Wesel, and south of the river Lippe.
Questions about Operation Plunder
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who commanded Operation Plunder?
Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery commanded the 21st Army Group during Operation Plunder. The British Second Army was led by Lieutenant General Miles Dempsey, and the US Ninth Army was led by Lieutenant General William H. Simpson.
What was Operation Varsity's role in Operation Plunder?
Operation Varsity was the airborne assault that supported Operation Plunder. On the 24th of March 1945, it landed the US XVIII Airborne Corps along with the British 6th and US 17th Airborne Divisions east of the Rhine.
How did German forces respond to Operation Plunder?
The German 1st Parachute Army under General Alfred Schlemm, already worn down by the Battle of the Reichswald, could not hold the line and withdrew northeast toward Hamburg and Bremen. Within a week of Plunder's start, the Allies had taken 30,000 prisoners of war north of the Ruhr.
Did Winston Churchill visit the Rhine during Operation Plunder?
Yes, Winston Churchill was at Montgomery's headquarters near Venlo on the eve of Operation Plunder. On the 25th of March 1945, he crossed into enemy territory on an LCVP landing craft and stood there, unchallenged, for about 30 minutes.
How was the American rivalry with Montgomery connected to Operation Plunder?
General George S. Patton crossed the Rhine with his Third Army at Nierstein on the 22nd of March 1945, ahead of Operation Plunder. General Omar Bradley then timed the press release to take attention away from Montgomery's crossing.