The book "Battle for the Roer Triangle" describes the relatively unknown Operation Blackcock, the clearing of the Heinsberg salient by the 21st Army Group in January 1945. This site supports the book by giving the reader a look inside.
All sales proceeds from the book go directly to Erskine Hospital.You can order our book online via Erskine's webshop (int'nal delivery) or via this site (for delivery within NL only!)
February 2010
On 18 and 21 January and on 23 February 2010 I gave a lecture on the battle for the Roer Triangle for several local history societies The powerpoint slides of this lecture can be viewed below via slideshare (see www.slideshare.com/hgootzen ).
January 2010
On 16 January 2010 a new plaque was unveiled by the mayor to commemmorate the liberation of Echt-Susteren in 1944 and 1945. Currently the plaque, which was designed by me on behalf the Stichting Herdenking 4/5 Mei, is part of the war exhibition in the local museum in Echt. The plaque will be moved to the entrance of the Town Hall on 4 May 2010. The plaque is a map showing the moves and insignia's of all divisions and regiments that fought in Echt-Susteren.
January 2009
Finally, after 64 years, a plaque to commemorate the liberation of Koningsbosch by the 52nd Lowland Division on 19th January 1945 was unveiled in the village's church on Sunday 25 January 2009. No less than seven veterans of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and Royal Scots were present at the ceremony. One of the speakers during the ceremony was Col. Robin Hunter who, as Captain in the 4th KOSB, received the Military Cross for taking out 2 German Tiger tanks near Koningsbosch on 21 January 1945.
October 2008
It is with great sadness we mark the death of Brigadier Frank Coutts (photograph below) who died at the age of 90 on 20 October 2008. Brigadier Coutts - writer of the foreword in our book - was a veteran of the battle for the Roer Triangle and had a notable career as policeman, soldier, rugby international and author.
August 2008
On 5 August 2008 our book was (re-)launched at Erskine Home in Edinburgh aimed at raising extra funds for Erskine's new veterans homing facilities which are currently under construction. The launch got attention in local Scottish press and is expected to trigger additional sales in Scotland and the rest of the UK! The photo below was taken in Edinburgh during a photo call at Erskine's construction site. In front is Brigadier Frank Coutts. Behind him are the authors: Kevin (left) and myself.
May 2007
On 5 May 2007 a new plaque to commemorate Henry Eric Harden VC was unveiled in Linne by his daughter Mrs. Julie Wells-Harden near the spot where Lance Corporal Harden of the Royal Marines was killed during the battle for the Roer Triangle on 23 January 1945. Mrs. Wells-Harden was presented a copy of our book during her stay in Maasbracht.
January 2007
The launch of our book was announced in an article which was published in the regional newspaper "De Limburger" on 18 January. Veteran German para Peter Schall, who saw action during the battle for the Roer Triangle and currently lives in Roermond, recognized himself on it. He had never seen the photograph before!
Last updated: February 2010
Book Details:
A5, Softcover, 292 pages.
Language is English
Printed on high-quality paper. Over 100 photographs and 15 situational maps.
Het boek is óók te koop bij Boekhandel & Antiquariaat Boom in Roermond.
Of bestel het boek "Battle for the Roer Triangle" nu eenvoudig online in Nederland voor € 26,50 incl. verzendkosten (let op: alléén voor levering in Nederland).
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