German Paratrooper Last Stand - Operation Elephant 1945

A tiny island on the River Maas in the Netherlands defended by a small force of stubborn German paratroopers proved a thorn in the side for the Allies in the winter of 1944/45. Polish forces were defeated, as were British Royal Marines. In January 1945, the Canadians were ordered to captured the island, resulting in a week-long bloody battle known as 'Operation Elephant'.

Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a wellknown British historian, the author of 22 nonfiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at

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Credits: The National Archives; Library of Congress

Sources:

Operation Elephant (ii),

- The Canadian Army 1939-45, Chapter XIV The Campaign in North-West Europe: The Battle of the Scheldt and the Winter on the Maas, September 1944-February 1945 (Department of National Defense)