Title:12TH CORPS FORMATIONS CROSS THE RIVER AA AT ESCH [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 184-6
Other titles:
Summary: Switch from the s'Hertogenbosch sector of 12th Corps front to intercept German forces retreating from Tilburg to the Maas, units of the 7th Armoured Division cross the Aa river into a bridgehead established by the 51st (Highland) Division at Esch.
Description: Cromwell tanks belonging to the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars and a Sexton 25-pounder self-propelled gun from 'E' troop in the 5th Royal Horse Artillery's 'F' Battery, all bound for Udenhout, are seen crossing an 80-foot long Class 40 Bailey bridge built by 275th Field Company RE shortly after the 5/7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders had cleared a bridgehead for 153rd Brigade on the west bank of the Aa; among the other vehicles seen using the bridge are a Bedford water truck from the 40th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA and a motorcycle despatch-rider from the 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Sappers on duty at the bridge exit shovel soil onto the churned-up road in order to keep its surface compact.
Production Details: Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film and Photographic Unit (Production company)
Walter, Ernest Henry1919Family origin: Barry, Glamorgan, South Wales (Production individual)
