Roermund Netherlands was a 75th Infantry Division Command post sometime between February 21 and March 11, 1945. The 75th Infantry Troops secured a 24 mile front on the west shore of the Maas River. There were nightly patrols where a squad of men would cross the river to find out anything possible about German defenses. While the troops dug in along the river the big brass got to enjoy this gorgeous historic city.
During the winter of 1944-45 Roermund was a frontline city when the initial Allied advance stalled. The city was heavily shelled by the Allies while it was under German occupation, and most of the civilian population was evacuated. The Germans occupied the city since 1940 but in February 1945 the Allies pushed their way into the city.
Construction first started on theSaint Christopher Cathedral in 1410. It has been the backbone of the Catholic faith in Roermund since then. The retreating Germans blew up the Cathedral tower on the day before the cities liberation. The tower was restored after the war.
Since I knew of this historic photo of the destroyed bell tower, I decided to find the spot where the photographer took the shot. There is a sweet little foot bridge that crosses over a Roer River tributary. It was a glorious hot day as I sketched. I was afraid I might get a sun burn. Occasionally people would stop and watch me work. If they commented, I would assume it was a compliment and say “Bedankt”, which is the one Dutch phrase that came in quite handy.
One couple turned out to be Urban Sketchers from England who spoke English. They were riding their bicycles over the bridge and they suggested I go to a war memorial site. I also got to flip through his sketchbook to see his wonderfully loose and spontaneous sketches. It felt so good to discuss art with them.
This WWII sketch project has had me living in complete isolation for several months now. It turns out I crave a little conversation in my native tongue now and then. The only conversations I have now are with my iPhone Google Maps navigator lady. She is usually quite reliable but tends to go stone silent when I need her help the most. She tends to tell me to tun to early and several times sent me down walking trails. We argue a bit. Or rather I argue and she ignores me as I get mad.
So, was 1st Lieutenant Arthur Thorspecken in Roermund, probably not. He would likely send a messenger to the command post if communication was needed. Or better yet radio communications back from the front lines. Then again if granted a few days leave, he might just explore the city which at the time was 90% destroyed.