The forgotten battle of the Reichswald forest

08-02-2025 | 14:30 - 16:15 | Lezingen

On 8 February 1945, more than 50 000 British and Canadian soldiers marched into the Reichswald forest to destroy the German defences there. This forest became one of the fiercest battlefields of WW2 in Europe. On Saturday 8 February 2025, Adrian and Dawn Leyland Bridge will present their book about this historic battle at the Freedom Museum.    

Adrian's father was 18 when he entered the Reichswald Forest with the 15th Scottish Division. His memories of this time inspired the book his son Adrian and daughter-in-law Dawn wrote. ‘Britain's Forgotten Battle: The Reichswald Forest Campaign, 1945’ provides a new overview of one of the last, bloody battles at the end of the war in Europe. Near the end, over 200.00 allied soldiers were involved. The book includes sources from British, Canadian and European museums and archives.      

Adrian L. Bridge studied history at the British Academy, where he also obtained his master's and teaching qualifications and conducted research. He has taught for almost 20 years and works part time for the University of Cambridge. Dawn L. Bridge studied history and specialises in women's history. On this subject, she has given exhibitions and lectures at Cheshire Women's Institutes and Mothers' Unions.   

  On Saturday, February 8, the lecture will take place at the Freedom Museum. Walk-in starts at 14:00 and the programme begins at 14:30. After the lecture, there will be room for questions from the audience and then to chat in the café or briefly visit the museum. The museum will close at 17:00. The lecture is in English. Tickets cost € 9.00 per person and can be ordered here.