Brent, G.H. Capt.

Personal Information

Capt. Gerry Brent (born Gunther Harry Berendt) was originally commissioned October 1944 in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, although he never served with them until the war was over.

When joining the combined services, he joined 47 RM Commando in Brugge as 2nd Lt. after their return from Walcheren. During the final inspection by Colonel Philips in the market place of Brugge, he stopped in front of him and asked what the black 'flash' on the back of the uniform jacket at neck level was meant to be. He explained the history of the 'flash' to him and pronounced him a 'Royal Welch Marine'. He took part in the patrolling of the south bank of the River Maas and took part in the battle at Kapelsche Veer. As an army officer he was somewhat displaced serving in the Royal Marines and decided to leave after the last battle at Kapelsche Veer.

In March 1945 he transferred to No. 6 Army Commando, where he served out the rest of the war. He ended up witnessing the massacre of the remnants of the last few thousand concentration camp survivors by the SS at Lübeck Bay in May 1945.

After a short sojourn in the Royal Welch Fusiliers, 7th battalion, the regiment was disbanded and in January 1946 he was transferred to Rhine Army Headquarters as staff officer with the lowest rank of Captain.