The Netherlands / Landmark

Ommershof


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Ommershof was situated on the high grounds on the Northern side of the perimeter. When the British troops retreated from Dreyeroord, the troops at Ommershof had to leave their positions.

Ommershof is a residence today, but in the past it used to be a vacation home surrounded by woods and owned by a trader from Rotterdam. The house used to be on high grounds overlooking the railway. On Tuesday September 19th, the house and surrounding gardens where taken by the 21st Independent Parachute Company and the 4th Parachute Squadron RE.  

A day later, Wednesday 20th September, Ommershof was hit by several shootings and mortar fire. The British soldiers were summoned to surrender several times. The first time by a German officer with a white flag and the second time by a speaker, which also played Glenn Miller’s song “In the Mood”. The British responded by shouting and whistles.  

On Thursday, the British troops at Ommershof received instructions to leave their positions. The troops of the 7th King’s Own Scottish Borderers at Hotel Dreyeroord had to retreat, which made the positions at Ommershof vulnerable. After midnight, the troops left their positions to face other battles within the perimeter. Soldiers of the 21st Independent Parachute Company were sent to houses around Vreewijk and Schoonoord to protect medical posts.