Thread: Just curious?
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Unread 11-05-2003, 12:38 AM   #3
Doubs
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RK, my next door neighbor when I was growing up was a Glider Infantry Veteran of the 17th Airborne Division. During "Operation Varsity", the Airborne assault across the Rhine, his squad was tasked with capturing a bridge across a canal or river near Wessel. There was a combination farm house and barn on the far side of the bridge and held by the Germans. Using covering fire to keep the German's heads down, they crossed the bridge one by one. He told me that was the longest run of his life!

Once everyone was across they demanded the surrender of the German garrison who refused. They then used a bazooka to set fire to the hay in the attached barn which caused the Germans to give up. He said they were very surprised to find that the Germans outnumbered them by quite a few men!

All this to say that from one of the Germans he captured a JP Sauer & Sohns Model 38H pistol and holster in 7.65mm or .32ACP. I don't know the rank of the prisoner he removed the pistol from but I can ask. I've seen the pistol once as he kept it in the attic and the last time I inquired about it, he'd given it to his oldest son. It was in pristine condition when I saw it but that was many years ago.
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