code name for the clearing of the Roer Triangle. It was conducted by the 2nd British Army between 14 and 26 January 1945. The objective was to drive the German 15th Army back across the Rivers Rur and Wurm and move the frontline further into Germany. The operation was carried out under command of the XII Corps by three divisions. The operation is relatively unknown despite the sometimes fierce battles that were fought for each and every village and hamlet within the "Roer Triangle". Between 16 December 1944 and 23 February 1945, the U.S. Ninth Army was unable to advance across the Rur during Operation Queen, because German forces controlled dams close to the river's source in the densely forested region of the Hohes Venn. This meant Axis forces could potentially blow the dams, releasing enough water to wash out an Allied assault. At the same time, the German Ardennes Offensive meant any further westward push would leave Allied forces stretched and supply lines exposed. Eventually the counteroffensive was overwhelmed and German engineers, under pressure of aerial and artillery bombardment, released the dams. As the flood waters began to subside, Allied forces crossed the Rur in rafts in the early hours of February 23, 1945, as part of Operation Grenade. Recreation The Rur is the only real white water river in North Rhine-Westphalia. The upper section above the Rur reservoir (German: Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel) offers of white water ranging from class III(+) to I. The town of Monschau is the venue for the yearly International White Water Race which was held on 17 March 2013 for the 58th time. See also Rurtalbahn (Rur Valley Railway) — tracks run approximately along the river, from Heimbach to Linnich. References External links Roercrossing of the 102. Infantry Division 1944/45 documents and photos International rivers of Europe Rivers of the Ardennes (Belgium) Rivers of Belgium Rivers of the Netherlands Rivers of Liège Province Rivers of Limburg (Netherlands) Rivers of North Rhine-Westphalia Roerdalen Roermond Rivers of the Eifel Rivers of Germany