Lecture | The Battle Of The Scheldt 1944: The 52nd (Lowland) Division Returns To Europe.

Tuesday 19th November
6.30pm-8.00pm

Allan Downie’s lecture will look at the operations to clear The Scheldt Estuary in order to open up the approaches to the port of Antwerp. These operations were carried out by 1st Canadian Army including the 52nd (Lowland) Division during October and November 1944.  Although the campaign is one of Canada’s greatest actions of the Second World War it is often overlooked in spite of its importance to the final Allied Victory in NW Europe.  Of the 13,000 Allied casualties during the campaign, over half were Canadian. The talk will explore the background, build-up and objectives of the campaign including the operations on South Beveland and Walcheren.

Allan Downie is a retired Mathematics teacher who served in the TA for 23 years. He was the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion The Royal Highland Fusiliers from 1997 to 1999. After his TA service, Allan went on to be Commandant of the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion, Army Cadet Force.

Allan’s interest in the Battle of the Scheldt began in 1985, when the drill hall in Maryhill was refurbished and renamed Walcheren Barracks and he was tasked by his then Commanding Officer to prepare an Officers’ Study Day on the battle.

6.30pm Drinks Reception (Drink included in ticket price), 7.00pm Lecture Commences

£11 non members | £9 Friends

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Why not Stay for a post lecture supper in the Castle Bistro (See Menu)