Attack on Belle Island

1 Cdo Bde HQ War Diary Jan-Mar 1945

27 January 1945

Brachterbeek

No change in weather. More snow showers.

2215 - 45 RM Cdo sent a fighting patrol to Anchor island and Belle Isle. Anchor island was not held but the patrol ran into violent opposition on Belle island. The patrol withdrew after inflicting heavy casualties and suffering 30 casualties itself.

28 January 1945

Brachterbeek - No change in weather. The enemy allowed us to evacuate our dead from Bell island under cover of the Red Cross.

Lt. Peter Winston of 45 R.M. Commando who was killed in action in the early hours of 27th January 1945 during the 45 RM Commando action at Belle Island on the River Maas in the Netherlands. He lies today at Nederweert CWGC Cemetery

Read more here: Lt Peter Stanley Winston - Escape across Occupied France