Black Watch and Kangaroo
23rd March 1945
Black Watch and Kangaroo
Supporting Information :
Description:
On the night of 23rd March 1945 men of the three Black Watch battalions in the 51st Highland Division were ferried across the Rhine under cover of artillery barrage and a massive smoke screen. They are seen here moving forward in 'Kangaroos'. The HD 69 signifies the 7th Battalion. Little opposition was met before they were established on the far bank. The credit for being the first British troops across the Rhine fell to this battalion. The term 'Kangaroo' was applied to converted tanks and gun platforms like the hulls of Shermans and Priests which were converted into infantry armoured personal carries from Normandy onwards.
Copyright:
Queens Own Highlanders Museum
Tags:
Division History References :
The Tactical Numbers and colours were painted onto vehicles, signs and flags to distinguish the units and formations.
Personal Account / Extract References :
An account of 154 Brigade's crossing of the Rhine in Operation Plunder, March 1945. This extract is taken from the 154 Brigade History.