Minefield Clearance and Casualties - Holland 1945 - Military Operations Research Unit Report No.7

Authors

Roly Evans, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)Follow

Abstract

In June and July 1945, two Royal Canadian Engineer officers, on their own initiative, carried out a review of the ongoing minefield clearance in Holland. The local military authorities deemed the review to be of significant value and therefore directed the Military Operational Research Unit to take up the study and “carry out a complete survey and analysis of all aspects of minefield clearance and casualties.” The study, entitled Military Operational Research Unit Report No.7 – Minefield Clearance and Casualties, Holland 1945 was initially intended to gather lessons about minefield clearance casualties in relation to combat. It became a significant study of demining during peace time. The resulting fifty-seven page document remains one of the best analyses of minefield clearance, time, and resulting casualties ever conducted. Arguably, it has not been equaled or surpassed since. To this day, few in mine action are even aware of it.

Recommended Citation

Evans, Roly (2019) "Minefield Clearance and Casualties - Holland 1945 - Military Operations Research Unit Report No.7," The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction: Vol. 23 : Iss. 1 , Article 12.
Available at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cisr-journal/vol23/iss1/12