BATTLEFIELD TOUR
Walking with The Jocks
Two, exciting 4-day battlefield tours.
FIRST TOUR: OCTOBER 11 – 14, 2024
- 4 Days following the 52nd Lowland Division
- Roer Triangle, Afferden, Haus Loo, Tripsrath
- KOSB, HLI, Royal Scots Fusiliers, Royal Scots
Glasgow Highlanders and the Cameronians - The amazing story of Capt. Peter White’s war
£795 per person – OCT 11 to 14th, 2024
ANDY AITCHESON | MERRYN WALTERS | BATTLEHONOURS TOURS LTD
BATTLEFIELD TOUR
WALKING WITH THE JOCKS
Two, exciting 4-day battlefield tours.
FIRST TOUR: OCTOBER 11 – 14, 2024
- 4 Days with the 52nd Lowland Division
- Roer Triangle, Afferden, Haus Loo
- KOSB, HLI, RSF, Cameronians, Royal Scots, Glasgow Highlanders
- And Capt. Peter White’s war
(From the book WITH THE JOCKS)
£795 per person – OCT 11 to 14th, 2024
WALKING WITH THE JOCKS
The men of the 52nd (Lowland) Division – the Jocks – had a reputation for being ‘hellish good’ during the Second World War. They trained in the mountains of Scotland, and fought hard in the low countries of North West Germany.
With our good friends, Battle Honours, we’ve drawn on many years’ research – walking the ground – to create two unique battlefield tours: WWTJ SOUTH [October 11 – 14, 2024] and WWTJ NORTH [April 2025, dates tbc].
In particular, we follow the route taken by the 4th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers from October ’44 to May ’45. From the diary pages of ‘With the Jocks’, written by Captain Peter White, our itinerary for WWTJ SOUTH takes us from the Roer Triangle to the Rhineland, while our schedule for WWTJ NORTH crosses the Rhine to explore the ambushes and attacks that led to the battle for Bremen.
WWTJ SOUTH | OCT 2024
It’s coach travel from just outside Dover, across the channel to the low countries.
Our 4-day tour begins in Sittard, with a hard-earned victory and important VC. We visit Waldfeucht, Tripsrath, Afferden and beyond, tracing the Jocks’ journey, looking at the KOSB’s role during key battles – across the Roer Triangle, from Operation BLACKCOCK to Operation VERITABLE, and in the clearing of the Rhineland.
WWTJ NORTH | APRIL 2025
To continue the Jocks’ story, this separate 4-day battlefield tour takes us north of the Rhine. This time, we follow the KOSB from Ibbenburen to Rethem to Fallingbostel, starting and finishing in the Hanseatic city of Bremen, as they cross rivers, clear woods, liberate prison camps, and count the cost of pushing back the enemy.
As with WWTJ South, travel to and from the low countries is by coach (Kent).
WALKING WITH THE JOCKS
The Jocks – the men of the 52nd (Lowland) Division – were ‘hellish good’ in the Second World War. They trained in the mountains of Scotland, and fought in the low countries of North West Germany.
With our good friends, Battle Honours, we’ve drawn on many years’ research – walking the ground – to create two unique battlefield tours: WWTJ SOUTH [October 11 – 14, 2024] and WWTJ NORTH [April 2025, dates tbc].
We follow the route taken by the 4th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers from October ’44 to May ’45. From the diary pages of ‘With the Jocks’, by Captain Peter White, our itinerary for WWTJ SOUTH takes us from the Roer Triangle to the Rhineland, while our schedule for WWTJ NORTH crosses the Rhine to explore ambushes and attacks that led to the battle for Bremen.
WWTJ SOUTH
OCT 11 – 14, 2024
It’s coach travel from just outside Dover, across to the low countries.
Our 4-day tour begins in Sittard. We visit Waldfeucht, Tripsrath, Afferden and beyond, following the Jocks, looking at the KOSB’s role in key battles across the Roer Triangle, from Operation BLACKCOCK to VERITABLE, clearing the Rhineland.
WWTJ NORTH
APRIL 2025
To continue the Jocks’ story, this separate 4-day tour takes us north of the Rhine. This time, we follow the KOSB from Ibbenburen to Rethem to Fallingbostel, starting and finishing in the Hanseatic city of Bremen, as they cross rivers, clear woods, liberate prison camps, and count the cost of pushing back the enemy.
As with WWTJ South, travel to and from the low countries is by coach (Kent).
WWTJ SOUTH – OCT 2024
DAY 1
DAY ONE. We travel to the low countries in comfort by coach (pick-up not far from Dover), reaching the Roer Triangle in the late afternoon.
En route, you’ll find out more about the 4th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. You’ll also get a real sense of the terrain on the Dutch-German border as we reach Sittard for the first night at our hotel.
After a meal, you’ll have the option to hear the story of Captain Peter White’s earlier military service, and to find out more about the specialised training that made the 52nd (Lowland) Division such a formidable force.
DAY 2
A jam-packed day: it begins with a victory and a VC as we track the Royal Scots Fusiliers’ progress through the villages of Lind and Stein.
From here, we’ll move on through Koningsbosch to Waldfeucht, to a key location for the 13/18 Hussars, and 4th and 5th Battalions of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
We’ll walk the ground together, finding the precise spot to stand with a PIAT if your aim is to knock out a Tiger tank.
From Waldfeucht, it’s on to Klosterhof Farm – as depicted in With the Jocks. Then we move down to Tripsrath, where we’ll walk through the woods to explore the 4th Battalion’s foxholes. This is also the scene of the infamous mine-disaster, and we’ll pause at Brunssum CWGC, before heading back to Sittard.
Day 3
This morning we move north, starting the day at Afferden. When Captain Peter White described the 4th Battalion’s attack through the Broderbosch, he left us a trail of clues to find his platoon’s positions. We’ll also walk the ground to the south, to compare German foxholes and self-propelled gun positions too.
It’s a very short distance to Kasteel Bleijenbeek, to witness the approach taken by RAF Typhoons in February 1945. Then it’s on to Haus Loo for a superb view across the battlefield before walking the ground together. Our final stop is Marienbaum, where (if you’re brave) we’ll quite literally dip our feet in the Rhine.
DAY 4
DAY FOUR: We’ll leave our hotel in the morning, making our way home via the CWGC cemeteries at Reichswald and Mook. This is the time to pay our respects to so many of the men we’ve met over the last few days. The tour concludes with a look back on Peter’s journey with his Jocks so far and what lies ahead for the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Travelling back via coach, as before.
WWTJ NORTH – APRIL 2025
DAY 1
DAY ONE. It’s coach travel (pick-up not far from Dover), so we’ll travel across the low countries and make our way straight down to our first hotel near the Dortmund Ems canal. After a meal together, we’ll take a look at what’s happened so far in the 52nd’s progress across North West Europe – and remind ourselves how Captain Peter White and the 4th Battalion KOSB have reached Ibbenburen.
DAY 2
DAY TWO: It’s time to put our walking boots on, as we make our way up and over the Teutoburger Wald. We’ll take the same path that Peter White used to approach Ibbenburen – tossing a coin to decide which company would attack first – and we’ll investigate the circumstances around the largest single loss of life for 10 platoon in one day. Before moving on from Ibbenburen, we’ll pause to count the cost for German infantry as well.
Our day concludes travelling north to Bremen once more, settling into our second hotel for the evening. You may want to explore the old town, or join us for a short walk to the Hauptbahnhof – where we will find evidence of the final assault on Bremen.
Day 3
DAY THREE. It’s an early start this morning for a packed day. We’ll travel down through Sudeweye to understand the devastating result of a direct hit on Captain Peter White’s platoon. Travelling through many of the villages mentioned in With the Jocks, our next stop is Hoya – then on to the scene of fierce fighting in Rethem for the 53rd Welsh, and a unique perspective on war memory that has led to a joint memorial with the German 1 Marine Infanterie.
Crossing the River Aller, it’s on to Groß Eilsdorf – scene of the infamous ambush. Expect revelations!
After this, we push on to Fallingbostel – pausing at the gates of Stalag XIB before paying our respects at Becklingen CWGC. From here, we head west again: walking the ground to explore the last remaining heath-bunker at Bierden before heading through Uphusen, to retrace Peter’s final approach to Bremen.
DAY 4
DAY FOUR: We leave our hotel in the morning, making our way home in comfort by coach.
WWTJ SOUTH – OCT 2024
DAY 1
DAY ONE. We travel to the low countries in comfort by coach (pick-up not far from Dover), reaching the Roer Triangle in the late afternoon.
En route, you’ll find out more about the 4th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. You’ll also get a real sense of the terrain on the Dutch-German border as we reach Sittard for the first night at our hotel.
After a meal, you’ll have the option to hear the story of Captain Peter White’s earlier military service, and to find out more about the specialised training that made the 52nd (Lowland) Division such a formidable force.
DAY 2
A jam-packed day: it begins with a victory and a VC as we track the Royal Scots Fusiliers’ progress through the villages of Lind and Stein.
From here, we’ll move on through Koningsbosch to Waldfeucht, to a key location for the 13/18 Hussars, and 4th and 5th Battalions of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
We’ll walk the ground together, finding the precise spot to stand with a PIAT if your aim is to knock out a Tiger tank.
From Waldfeucht, it’s on to Klosterhof Farm – as depicted in With the Jocks. Then we move down to Tripsrath, where we’ll walk through the woods to explore the 4th Battalion’s foxholes. This is also the scene of the infamous mine-disaster, and we’ll pause at Brunssum CWGC, before heading back to Sittard.
Day 3
This morning we move north, starting the day at Afferden. When Captain Peter White described the 4th Battalion’s attack through the Broderbosch, he left us a trail of clues to find his platoon’s positions. We’ll also walk the ground to the south, to compare German foxholes and self-propelled gun positions too.
It’s a very short distance to Kasteel Bleijenbeek, to witness the approach taken by RAF Typhoons in February 1945. Then it’s on to Haus Loo for a superb view across the battlefield before walking the ground together. Our final stop is Marienbaum, where (if you’re brave) we’ll quite literally dip our feet in the Rhine.
DAY 4
DAY FOUR: We’ll leave our hotel in the morning, making our way home via the CWGC cemeteries at Reichswald and Mook. This is the time to pay our respects to so many of the men we’ve met over the last few days. The tour concludes with a look back on Peter’s journey with his Jocks so far ~ and what lies ahead for the 52nd (Lowland) Division.
WWTJ NORTH – APRIL 2025
DAY 1
DAY ONE. It’s coach travel (pick-up not far from Dover), so we’ll travel across the low countries and make our way straight down to our first hotel near the Dortmund Ems canal. After a meal together, we’ll take a look at what’s happened so far in the 52nd’s progress across North West Europe – and remind ourselves how Captain Peter White and the 4th Battalion KOSB have reached Ibbenburen.
DAY 2
DAY TWO: It’s time to put our walking boots on, as we make our way up and over the Teutoburger Wald. We’ll take the same path that Peter used to approach Ibbenburen – tossing a coin to decide which company would attack first – and we’ll investigate the circumstances around the largest single loss of life for Peter’s platoon in one day. Before moving on from Ibbenburen, we’ll pause to count the cost for German infantry as well.
Our day concludes travelling north to Bremen once more, settling into our second hotel for the evening. You may want to explore the old town, or join us for a short walk to the Hauptbahnhof – where we can still find evidence for the final assault on Bremen.
Day 3
DAY THREE. It’s an early start this morning, travelling down through Sudeweye to understand the devastating result of a direct hit on Peter’s platoon. Travelling through many of the villages mentioned in With the Jocks, our next stop is Hoya – then on to the scene of fierce fighting in Rethem for the 53rd Welsh, and a unique perspective on war memory that has led to a joint memorial with the German 1 Marine Infanterie.
Crossing the River Aller, it’s on to Groß Eilsdorf – scene of the infamous ambush. After this, we push on to Fallingbostel – pausing at the gates of Stalag XIB before paying our respects at Becklingen CWGC. From here, we head west again: walking the ground to explore the last remaining heath-bunker at Bierden before heading through Uphusen, to retrace Peter’s final approach to Bremen.
DAY 4
DAY FOUR: We leave our hotel in the morning, finally making our way home.
ANDY AITCHESON
MERRYN WALTERS
After 10 years in the British Army, Andy Aitcheson has devoted an unhealthy amount of time to following in the footsteps of the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Walking With the Jocks is the result, with a sharp eye on the progress of the 4th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in particular, and the life of Captain Peter White.
Merryn Walters is an accredited battlefield guide (IGBG 114), and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. When she’s not walking the ground with a couple of ragged maps in hand, she’s usually exploring Second World War memoirs or writing words of wisdom on any number of varied subjects.
Together, Andy and Merryn are writing a prequel to With the Jocks, looking at Captain Peter White’s early life and military service. That book is called, “Before the Jocks”.
ANDY AITCHESON
After 10 years in the British Army, Andy Aitcheson has devoted an unhealthy amount of time to following in the footsteps of the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Walking With the Jocks is the result, with a sharp eye on the progress of the 4th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in particular, and the life of Captain Peter White.
MERRYN WALTERS
Merryn Walters is an accredited battlefield guide (IGBG 114), and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. When she’s not walking the ground with a couple of ragged maps in hand, she’s usually exploring Second World War memoirs or writing words of wisdom on any number of varied subjects.
Together, Andy and Merryn are writing a prequel to With the Jocks, looking at Captain Peter White’s early life and military service. That book is called, “Before the Jocks”.
FAQs
WHAT KIND OF TOUR IS THIS?
If you know Battle Honours tours, then you’ll know we’re 100% committed to making sure you enjoy yourself.
It’s a full itinerary. We want you to be walking as much ground as possible – but we’re also pretty relaxed. Travelling in comfort by coach to each location, both of our 4-day battlefield tours are on a Bed and Breakfast basis.
Lunch is on the go, but there’s always plenty of time to ask questions, check the maps, and take in new stories we’ve discovered along the way.
HOW MUCH WALKING . . . ?
To come ‘walking with the Jocks’, you must be able to walk at least four miles comfortably, each day, unaided.
Our coach takes us from one location to the next but once on the ground, we’re walking all the way. It’s a great mix of varied locations that really show the capabilities of men who were determined to win.
STRATEGY OR MEMORY?
Both. Walking With the Jocks is a hands-on, boots-on battlefield tour.
We look at how the men of Captain Peter White’s platoon moved forward, where – exactly – and why. This is battles, ambushes, attacks, strategy, and above all, stories of the men who served with the 4th Battalion, KOSB.
We also visit a number of cemeteries to pay our respects en route, not just to the men of the 4th Battalion. Let us know if there’s a location you’d like to visit, or someone who you’d like to commemorate in particular.
HGP & BATTLE HONOURS
We’re delighted to be working with Battle Honours.
Like us, the team at Battle Honours are beyond enthusiast about this tour. There’s no better way to understand a battle than walking the ground. Any queries, drop us a line.
