Operation Amherst facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Operation Amherst
Part of the Western Front of 1944-45 in the European theatre of World War II
Monument in Assen, the Netherlands
Date 7–8 April 1945 Location Drenthe, Netherlands Result Allied victory
Belligerents
France  United Kingdom  Netherlands  Canada	Germany
Commanders and leaders
Mike Calvert Pierre Sicaud
Strength
Special Air Service 3 SAS (French) 4 SAS (French) 8th Reconnaissance Regiment	Elements of the 25th Army
Casualties and losses
34 killed 60 wounded 69 captured	300 killed or wounded 187 captured

Operation Amherst was a secret mission during World War II. It involved brave soldiers from France and Britain. These soldiers were part of a special group called the SAS. Their main goal was to capture important Dutch canals, bridges, and airfields. They wanted to make sure these places were not destroyed by the Germans. The operation was led by Brigadier Mike Calvert.

The Battle for Drenthe: Operation Amherst Begins

Operation Amherst started on the night of April 7, 1945. About 700 French SAS paratroopers jumped from planes. They were from the 3rd and 4th French SAS regiments. Their mission was to land in the Drenthe province of the Netherlands.

Paratroopers Spread Out to Secure Key Locations

Once on the ground, the teams quickly spread out. Their job was to capture and protect important places like bridges and airfields. They also carried out quick attacks on German troops who were trying to retreat. Later, Canadian soldiers from the 8th Reconnaissance Regiment arrived. They helped the French SAS teams who were fighting alone.

Captain Sicaud's Brave Mission

Most of the French paratroopers landed in the northwestern part of Drenthe. A smaller group, led by Captain Pierre Sicaud, landed in southeast Friesland. This was near the border of Drenthe. Heavy clouds helped them land without being seen by German soldiers.

An Unexpected Landing and Injury

However, Captain Sicaud had a difficult landing. He landed in a pine tree, and a branch poked his eye. This injury made it very hard for him to see. Despite this, he continued to lead his team.

Working with the Dutch Resistance

Some French paratroopers were found by Dutch resistance fighters. These fighters were hiding in the large forests south of a village called Appelscha. An agent from the Dutch government, which was in exile in England, helped the paratroopers. They regrouped and started attacking German troops. These German soldiers were trying to escape through the area back to Germany.

Fierce Fighting Near a Bridge

Captain Sicaud and his paratroopers took control of a very important bridge. This made it difficult for German troops to move around. Many small battles happened near this bridge. French soldiers, Germans, and Dutch people who supported the Nazis fought fiercely. The people of Appelscha had lived quietly for five years under German rule. But now, they experienced five days of heavy fighting. Luckily, no civilians were hurt, but many German soldiers died.

A Separate Skirmish in Haulerwijk

One group of paratroopers landed too far from Captain Sicaud. They ended up near the village of Haulerwijk, about ten kilometers north of Appelscha. German troops discovered them early on April 8. A firefight broke out between the French and the Germans. One French SAS soldier was killed. Some French soldiers were captured, but others managed to escape. They later joined the French fighters in and around Appelscha.

The Last Amherst Battle

Eventually, the German forces, though disorganized, managed to launch a counterattack. Some SAS soldiers and civilians were killed during this fight. However, the remaining SAS troops fought back hard. They forced the Germans to retreat. This final small battle was called "the last Amherst." Part of the town was destroyed, and a big conflict took place.