Memorial US 1056th Port Construction and Repair Group

This plaque was erected in gratitude to the work done in cleaning up the Albert Canal between December 1944 and February 1945 by the US 1056th Port Construction and Repair Group.

This part of the canal was littered with the debris from scuttled ships and blown bridges ,including the bridge over the Albert Canal here at Godsheide which was detonated by the Belgian Army on the 10th May 1940 to try and restrict the movement of the German armed forces .

There are two plaques on the brick monument.
The top one informs us of the work the 1056th have done in repairing and constructing transport facilities in the aftermath of liberation in France and Germany as well as in Belgium.
The second details the unveiling of the "in thanks " plate on the 12th of August 1998 by the US Defense Attache and the adminstrateur-general of the Shipping Services .

Although It is located close to Godsheide lock, it should be noted that it is within the compound of De Vlaams Waterweg.be and access is not always possible ,given that the gate near by is often locked.

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Source

• Text: Ian Paterson
• Photos: Ian Paterson