51st Highland Division – The Liberation of Brabant

Operation Colin – October 1944

Introduction

October 1944 marked a turning point in the history of Brabant, as the 51st Highland Division, a courageous Allied unit, once again took action to liberate the region. This comprehensive analysis follows the daily events during Operation Colin, detailing each village and town involved in this historic liberation campaign.

Day 1: October 21, 1944

The operation began with detailed plans for the 51st Highland Division, including the liberation of Schijndel, Schutsboom, Halder, Weibosch, St. Michels Gestel, and Vught. While the 7th Argylls cleared the forests south of the South Wilhelms Canal, the 7th Black Watch advanced towards St. Michels Gestel and Vught.

Day 2: October 22, 1944

The 2nd Derby Yeomanry and the 5/7th Gordons played a crucial role in clearing Halder and Weibosch. Detailed plans were forged for the crossing of the Aftwaterings Canal, with strategic points in Schijndel, Schutsboom, and Weibosch.

Day 3: October 23, 1944

The 7th Argylls and the 7th Black Watch launched their attacks, focusing on St. Michels Gestel and Vught. The liberation of Halder by the 1st Black Watch was a crucial part, while the 2nd Derby Yeomanry held the right flank.

Day 4: October 24, 1944

Intense fighting took place at St. Michels Gestel, with the Northamptonshire Yeomanry playing a key role in securing the northern flank. The battle for Vught began, with the 7th Black Watch facing heavy resistance and mortar fire. Building bridges over the River Dommel and the Halsche Water was essential.

Day 5: October 25, 1944

The 7th Argylls, supported by the 2nd Derby Yeomanry, crossed the River Dommel and advanced towards Vught. Intense fighting with German troops launching a counteroffensive made this day exhausting for the Argylls.

Day 6: October 26, 1944

The 7th Black Watch passed the 7th Argylls and occupied Vught without much resistance. The discovery of a concentration camp testified to the horrors of the occupation. Despite the liberation of the city, it was still under heavy enemy fire from “Fort Isabella.”

Day 7: October 27, 1944

The liberated areas were consolidated, but sporadic fighting and German patrols continued to pose a challenge. The 51st Highland Division hoped for a well-deserved period of rest, but unexpected turns of the war remained a threat.

October 28, 1944: Movement to Helvoirt

On October 28, the 51st Highland Division, including the 7th Black Watch and 7th Argylls, moved to a concentration area west of Helvoirt to make way for a brigade from the 53rd Division. This movement prepared for an attack across the Aftwaterings Canal.

October 29, 1944: From “Operation Colin” to the “Battle of Maas”

The next phase, known as the Battle of Maas, began on October 29. The 51st Highland Division collaborated with other Allied units to clear the area east of the South Willems Canal and ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Tactical Numbers and Colors

During these operations, tactical numbers and colors were used to distinguish between different units. The units of the 51st Highland Division were respectively identifiable by the colors and markings on the vehicles as shown in the table below.

ETO Sept 1944 - Holland - 51st Highland Division (HD)

Unit	No.	Colour	Description
HQ 51 (H) Div	40	Black	Headquarters 51st Highland Division (HD)
HQ R.A	40	Red-Blue	Headquarters Royal Artillery (R.A.)
120 Fd Regt	42	Red-Blue	126 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
127 Fd Regt	43	Red-Blue	127 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
128 Fd Regt	44	Red-Blue	128 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
61 A/Tk Regt	46	Red-Blue	61 Anti-tank Regiment Royal Artillery
49 L.A.A Regt	47	Red-Blue	49 Light Anti-aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery
H.Q.R.E	40	Blue	Headquarters Royal Engineers (R.E.)
239 Fd.Pk.Coy	48	Blue	Field Park Company Royal Engineers
274 Fd.Coy	49	Blue	274 Field Company Royal Engineers
275 Fd.Coy	50	Blue	275 Field Company Royal Engineers
276 Fd.Coy	51	Blue	276 Field Company Royal Engineers
DIV SIGs	40	White-Blue	Divisional Signals
H.Q. 152 Bde	81	Scarlet	Headquarters 152 Brigade
2 Seaforth	56	Scarlet	2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders
5 Seaforth	57	Scarlet	5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders
5 Camerons	58	Scarlet	5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders
H.Q. 153 Bde	87	Green	Headquarters 153 Brigade
5 Black Watch	60	Green	5th Battalion The Black Watch
1 Gordons	61	Green	1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders
5.7 Gordons	62	Green	5th/7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
H.Q. 154 Bde	94	Brown	Headquarters 154 Brigade
1 Black Watch	67	Brown	1st Battalion The Black Watch
7 Black Watch	69	Brown	7th Battalion The Black Watch
7 Argyll & S.H	68	Brown	7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
1/7 Middlesex	64	BlaCK	1st/7th Battalion Middlesex Regiment
H.Q. RASC	40	Red-Green	Headquarters Royal Army service Corps (R.A.S.C.)
525 RASC Coy (152)	70	Red-Green	525 Company RASC with 152 Brigade
526 RASC Coy (153)	71	Red-Green	526 Company RASC with 152 Brigade
527 RASC Coy (154)	72	Red-Green	527 Company RASC with 152 Brigade
458 Div. Tps Coy RASC	73	Red-Green	Divisional Transport Company
H.Q. RAMC	40	Black	Headquarters Royal Army Medical Corps (R.A.M.C.)
174 Fd.Amb	75	Black	174 Field Ambulance
175 Fd.Amb	76	Black	175 Field Ambulance
176 Fd.Amb	77	Black	176 Field Ambulance
29 Fd. Hyg. Sec	78	Black	29 Field Hygiene Section
A.D.O.S. HQ & DUM	40	Black	Army Depot Ordnance Supplies (A.D.O.S.)
H.Q. REME	40	Blue-Yellow–Red	Headquarters Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E.)
152 Bde W’Shops	88	Blue-Yellow–Red	152 Brigade Workshops
153 Bde W’Shops	89	Blue-Yellow–Red	153 Brigade Workshops
154 Bde W’Shops	90	Blue-Yellow–Red	154 Brigade Workshops
Provost Company	79	Black	Military Police (M.P. / PROVOST)
Postal Unit	80	Black	Postal Unit
13 Fd. Sec. Sec	40	Black	13 Field Security Section
2. D.Y.	41	Green-Blue	2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry

ETO Sept 1944 - Holland - 51st Highland Division (HD) - Attached Units

Description	AFFILIATIONS	152 BDE	153 BDE	154 BDE	DIV RES TPS*	Remakrs
Squadrons of the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry	Sqns 2 D.Y.	A	B	C	(* Divisional Reserve Troops)	Support for 51st Highland Division: The 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry played a crucial role in supporting the 51st Highland Division during Operation Colin. Accompanying the 51st Highland Division: The armored cars of the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry accompanied the infantry of the 51st Highland Division during the operation. Advance and Support: As part of Operation Colin, the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry advanced alongside the Highlanders, providing reconnaissance, armored support, and engaging the enemy as needed. Role in the Capture of Schijndel: The Derbyshire Yeomanry likely played a role in the capture of Schijndel, contributing to the success of the operation. Collaboration with Infantry: The armored capabilities of the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry would have been instrumental in dealing with any opposition encountered during the advance. Coordinated Effort: The operation would have involved a coordinated effort between the infantry of the 51st Highland Division and the armored support provided by the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry.
Field Regiments of the Royal Artillery	Fd.Regts RA	128	127	126		126: Offensive West of 's-Hertogenbosch (Night of 23 October): The division's next offensive action occurred west of 's-Hertogenbosch on the night of 23 October. With massive artillery support, the infantry successfully took all their objectives. Advances through Loon op Zand and Afwaterings Canal (Late October - Early November): Following the initial success, there were follow-up advances over succeeding days through Loon op Zand and across the Afwaterings Canal towards the Meuse (Dutch: Maas) by early November. Assault Crossing of Willems Canal (14 November): On 14 November, the division carried out an assault crossing of the Willems Canal near Weert, accompanied by another heavy artillery barrage. Advance to Zig Canal and Crossing (17 November): After the assault crossing of the Willems Canal, the division moved on to the Zig Canal and crossed it on 17 November with much less preparation. Move to 'The Island' (Mid-November): Subsequently, the 51st (H) Division was moved to hold 'The Island,' the wet low-lying country between Nijmegen and Arnhem, which had been captured during Operation Market Garden. 127: Offensive West of 's-Hertogenbosch (Night of 23 October): On the night of 23 October, the division launched an offensive west of 's-Hertogenbosch, utilizing 300 guns for massive artillery support. The infantry successfully achieved all their objectives. Advances through Loon op Zand and Afwaterings Canal (Late October - Early November): Following the success, there were follow-up advances over succeeding days through Loon op Zand and across the Afwaterings Canal towards the Meuse (Dutch: Maas) by early November. Assault Crossing of Willems Canal (14 November): On 14 November, the division carried out an assault crossing of the Willems Canal near Weert, accompanied by another heavy artillery barrage. Advance to Zig Canal and Crossing (17 November): After the assault crossing of the Willems Canal, the division moved on to the Zig Canal and crossed it on 17 November with much less preparation. Move to 'The Island' and Rest Period (Mid-November - Mid-December): The 51st (H) Division was then moved to hold 'The Island,' the wet low-lying country between Nijmegen and Arnhem, captured during Operation Market Garden. In mid-December, the division was pulled out of the line for a rest period. 128: Offensive West of 's-Hertogenbosch (Night of 23 October): The 51st (H) Division launched an offensive west of 's-Hertogenbosch on the night of 23 October. The infantry, supported by massive artillery, successfully achieved all their objectives. Advances through Loon op Zand and Afwaterings Canal (Late October - Early November): Following the successful offensive, there were follow-up advances over succeeding days through Loon op Zand and across the Afwaterings Canal towards the Meuse (Dutch: Maas) by early November. Assault Crossing of Willems Canal (14 November): On 14 November, the division carried out an assault crossing of the Willems Canal near Weert. This operation was accompanied by another heavy artillery barrage. Advance to Zig Canal and Crossing (17 November): Subsequently, the division moved on to the Zig Canal and crossed it on 17 November with much less preparation. Occupation of 'The Island' and Rest Period (Mid-November - Mid-December): The division was then moved to hold 'The Island,' the wet low-lying country between Nijmegen and Arnhem, captured during Operation Market Garden. In mid-December, the division was pulled out of the line for a rest period.
Field Companies of the Royal Engineers	Fd Coys RE	275	276	274		Unit History (274 Field Company Royal Engineers): 274 Field Company Royal Engineers was a 2nd Line Territorial Army Engineer Company. It served initially with the 9th (Highland) Infantry Division in the United Kingdom until August 6, 1940. Afterward, it converted to the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division. Service Periods: The unit had various deployments, including: United Kingdom (pre-1940 and November 26, 1943, to June 2, 1944) At Sea (August 12, 1942, to August 11, 1942, and July 8, 1943, to July 10, 1943) Middle East (July 8, 1943, to November 7, 1943) Mediterranean (November 7, 1943, to November 26, 1943) North West Europe (June 7, 1944, to August 31, 1945), including Normandy, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany. Furthermore: Field Company, Royal Engineers: Summary of Field Company, Royal Engineers (1944-1945) Personnel and Structure: Unit Overview: - The Field Company was the standard unit of the Royal Engineers within infantry divisions during WWII. - Each infantry division had three Royal Engineers field companies. - Functions included bridging, demolitions, obstacle clearance, defense construction, water supply, and bomb disposal. Command Structure: - Major commanded each field company, with a Captain as the second-in-command. - Small company headquarters included the company serjeant major and company quarter-master-serjeant. - Each company comprised three platoons, each with a headquarters and four sections. Personnel: - Total Personnel: 247 - Officers: Major, Captain, 5 Subalterns. - Serjeants: Company Serjeant Major, Transport Serjeant, 4 Serjeants. - Lance Serjeants, Corporals, and Lance Corporals (sapper and driver classes). - Sappers: 145 - Drivers: 47 Attached Personnel: - 9 individuals, including Officers' Mess Cook, A.C.C., Corporal Cook, A.C.C., and 7 Cooks, A.C.C. Personnel by Trades: - 194 individuals with various trades such as blacksmiths, bricklayers, carpenters, clerks, concretors, draughtsmen, drivers, electricians, fitters, masons, miners, painters, decorators, etc. Non-Tradesmen: - 39 individuals, including batmen, batmen drivers, drivers of vehicles, sanitary dutyman, transport non-commissioned officers, water dutyman. Vehicles: - 16 Motorcycles, 3 Jeeps, 2 Light Recce Cars, 7 Trucks (15cwt General Service), and others. Company Headquarters Personnel: - 46 individuals including Major, Captain, 2 Subalterns, Company Serjeant Major, Transport Serjeant, Serjeant, and others. Platoons or Troops Personnel: - 67 individuals at Platoon Headquarters including Subaltern, Serjeant, Lance Serjeants, Corporals, Lance Corporals, Sappers, and Drivers. Equipment: - Each company carried explosives, cutting charges, mine detectors, Bren gun, Sten gun, Lee-Enfield rifles, PIAT anti-tank weapons, and 20mm anti-aircraft guns. - Specific quantities of explosives, primers, and other equipment were allocated. Organization: - All transport was at platoon headquarters, carrying various vehicles and personnel. - Each platoon issued with PIAT anti-tank weapons, explosives, cutting charges, mine detectors, and other equipment. This detailed information provides a thorough understanding of the personnel, command structure, trades, non-tradesmen, vehicles, and equipment of the Field Company, Royal Engineers during the specified period in 1944-1945.
Companies of the 1st/7th Battalion, The Manchester Regiment	Coys 1/7 Mx	D	C	B	A	Move to Turnhout and Advance into the Netherlands (September): The 1st Manchesters, along with the rest of the 53rd (Welsh) Division, moved to Turnhout. Later in the month, they advanced into the Netherlands. Heavy Action in the Netherlands (September): The 1st and 7th Manchesters saw heavy action in the Netherlands during their advance. 7th Manchesters in the Battle of the Scheldt (Late September): The 7th Manchesters, now part of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, participated in the Battle of the Scheldt under the command of the First Canadian Army.
Batteries of the 61st Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery	Btys 61 A/Tk. Regt	243	242	241	193	Regimental Composition: The regiment served under the 9th (Scottish) Infantry Division in the United Kingdom until August 6, 1940. On August 7, 1940, it transferred to the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division and remained with it for the rest of the war. Batteries mentioned include 241, 242, 243, and 193. Troop Allocations: Each battery had three troops, typically labeled as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L. The January 1945 war diary indicates troop allocations for each battery. Equipment Distribution: In January 1945, the regiment had 16 x Self-Propelled (SP) 17 Pounders, 16 x towed 17 Pounders, and 16 x 6 Pounders. Each battery had a troop of SP guns. SP Gun Troop Conversions: Specific troops within batteries were converted to Self-Propelled guns at different times. For example, C Troop of 241 Battery was converted on December 15, 1944, and E Troop of 242 Battery on December 19, 1944. D & H Troops of 193 Battery were converted on March 10, 1945. Locations: The regiment was in locations such as Egypt, Normandy (around June 7/8, 1944), and Germany. The 61st Anti-Tank Regiment participated in the Ardennes Campaign in 1945, with mention of Menil-Favay near Hotton in the Belgian Ardennes.
Field Ambulance	Fd.Amb	174	175	176		Field Ambulance Units in 51st (Highland) Infantry Division: 174 Field Ambulance: - Designation: 174 Field Ambulance - Role: Medical unit providing frontline medical support and evacuation. - Assigned to: 51st (Highland) Infantry Division 175 Field Ambulance: - Designation: 175 Field Ambulance - Role: Medical unit providing frontline medical support and evacuation. - Assigned to: 51st (Highland) Infantry Division 176 Field Ambulance: - Designation: 176 Field Ambulance - Role: Medical unit providing frontline medical support and evacuation. - Assigned to: 51st (Highland) Infantry Division Field Dressing Stations: 47 Field Dressing Station: - Designation: 47 Field Dressing Station - Role: Medical facility for the initial treatment of wounded soldiers. - Assigned to: 51st (Highland) Infantry Division 48 Field Dressing Station: - Designation: 48 Field Dressing Station - Role: Medical facility for the initial treatment of wounded soldiers. - Assigned to: 51st (Highland) Infantry Division Field Hygiene Section: 29 Field Hygiene Section: - Designation: 29 Field Hygiene Section - Role: Responsible for maintaining hygiene and sanitation in the field. - Assigned to: 51st (Highland) Infantry Division Note: - Field Ambulances played a crucial role in providing medical care to wounded soldiers on the frontline. - Field Dressing Stations provided immediate medical attention before soldiers were evacuated to further medical facilities. - Field Hygiene Sections were responsible for ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation practices in the field to prevent diseases. This medical infrastructure was essential for the well-being of the troops in the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division during their operations.
Companies of the Royal Army Service Corps	RASC Coys	525	526	527	458	The Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) played a crucial role in supporting the 51st Highland Division during the early stages of World War II. Here's an overview of the RASC units within the division in 1940: Overall Command: - The RASC element of the 51st Highland Division in 1940 was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel T. Harris-Hunter TD. Divisional RASC Units: - The Divisional RASC included three main units: 1. Divisional Ammunition Company 2. Divisional Petrol Company 3. Divisional Supply Column Brigade RASC Companies: - Each brigade within the 51st Highland Division had its own RASC company to provide support. The breakdown was as follows: 1. 525 Company RASC was associated with 152 Brigade. 2. 526 Company RASC was associated with 153 Brigade. 3. 527 Company RASC was associated with 154 Brigade. Additional Unit in 1940: - In 1940, there was also a unit called 458 Div. Tps Coy RASC. This unit likely provided additional divisional transport and support services. These RASC units were responsible for handling crucial logistical aspects such as ammunition supply, petrol supply, and general supplies for the 51st Highland Division. During the challenging period of the retreat to St. Valéry, the RASC played a vital role in sustaining the division's operational capabilities. The specific responsibilities of each unit would include transportation, distribution, and management of essential resources needed by the division's combat units.
Batteries of the 40th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery	Btys 40 LAA Regt	140	105	268		Move to Antwerp (End of September): The division made a long move to the Antwerp area at the end of September. Three Weeks in Sint-Oedenrode (September-October): Following the move, the division spent three weeks in the line at Sint-Oedenrode. Operations towards 's-Hertogenbosch (October): In October, the division was brought back into the line for operations towards 's-Hertogenbosch to clear the Antwerp area. Advance to River Maas (October): After tough fighting, by the end of October, the division had pushed forwards to the River Maas. Occupation of 'The Island' (October-December): The division was then moved to hold 'The Island,' the wet low-lying country between Nijmegen and Arnhem. The division remained there until mid-December when it was pulled out of the line for rest.