12th sept 1944 liberation of Bruges (1 Viewer)

[Guy]

Hi folks,
a bit of history related to the city in which I live.

Exactly 66 years ago, sept 8th 1944,the Germans blew up all the bridges leading into the city.Canadian units had been spotted South-west of the city.Helped by the resistance movement ( The White Brigade) they tried to cross the canal Bruges-Ghent.German resistance was extremely heavy.
On sept 9th more Canadian units comming from the south and the souht-east increased the pressure on the Germans. On the demand of the Lord Mayor the Germans left the city on the 12th sept, thus avoiding total destruction of this historical city(city centre is today Unesco herritage)
The firts Canadian troops entered the city via a temporary bridge. They belonged to the reconnaissance unit " 12th Manitoba Dragoons"
Today the city still cherishes the Manitoba Bridge and the memorial inaugurated on the 12th sept 1948( 2 life-size Canadians Bisons flanking either side of the bridge).The memorial tablet reads"This Bridge was errected in memory of the Canadian forces who liberated the city of Bruges on sept 12th 1944"
Thank you Canadian friends
Guy

 

[MapleLeaf]

As a Canadian i learned something
and appreciate the feeling of this city (Bruges) towards the Canadians
Maple Leaf

 

[Guy]

As a Canadian i learned something
and appreciate the feeling of this city (Bruges) towards the Canadians
Maple Leaf

Hi
attached a picture of one of 1 of the 2 bisons(emblem of the 12th Manitoba Dragoons) flanking the memorial bridge in Bruges

 

[Guy]

Hi
attached a picture of one of 1 of the 2 bisons(emblem of the 12th Manitoba Dragoons) flanking the memorial bridge in Bruges
View attachment 47012

Hi,
This time with the picture in the correct position
Guy