Map: East Frisian Islands - An unknown map – an unknown war scenario

Coming from standard-freeholder comes: VE Day 75th: An unknown map – an unknown war scenario

At the headquarters of the British 21st Army Group in Leopoldsburg, close to the Belgian-Dutch border, the strategic planners of the Royal Army are facing major questions in November 1944.

Since the large Allied army tasked with overthrowing Nazi Germany landed in France in June, the constant supply of weapons, ammunition, fuel and food to the troops has been the greatest challenge. It must also be secured for when the war continues into Germany. For that purpose, the British are now targeting a German port city: Emden.

But let’s take it in sequence.

Immediately after the landing, the Allies built an artificial port in Arromanches, France, through which all supplies were landed and taken to the front lines, until the capture of Cherbourg in July 1944. The rapid advance created ever greater problems for the logistics experts, as the supply routes become longer and longer.

Map outlining the Allies' plans to clear the mouth of the River Ems in Germany, in the final stages of the Second World War



Sometimes, the troops had to come to a halt because they ran out of fuel, ammunition and rations.

In September, the Canadians conquered the Belgian city of Antwerp and, with it, a port close to the front. But Antwerp is located on the Schelde river— and its mouth, 80 kilometres to the west, is still held by strong German positions on the island of Walcheren and in the Beveland.

It is the Canadian troops who, in heavy and costly battles in October 1944, have to gain control of the estuary to be able to use the port

The same will be necessary when the Allies invade Germany. A port, and unhindered access to it, is required.

British headquarters has already selected the port: Emden.

Military document outlining Emden as a likely candidate to help secure the Allies’ movement into Germany during the final stages of the Second World War



In November 1944, a plan is being drawn up to gain control of the Ems river fairway between the islands of Borkum and Norderney.

Immediately after the capture of Delfzijl and Emden, Canadian troops are supposed to land on both islands after intensive air attacks and artillery fire, take out the fortifications and anti-aircraft batteries and bring the heavily manned islands under control.

The operation is prepared in minute detail. Wind and weather conditions are recorded, as well as currents and tidal movements.

Which beaches are most suitable? How can you get to the islands through the tideland? How many troops are required, what will the morale of the defenders be like, and what losses can be expected?

Eventually, this operation plan is recorded on a map. If it is implemented, the two East Frisian islands left and right of the Ems estuary would face complete destruction.

For the Canadian soldiers, it means another high-casualty landing operation.

It would not come to that, as the rapid advance of the Allies through Germany in the spring of 1945 ended up making the plan obsolete.