after bremen had been captured by xxx corps on 27 april, the bridges connecting the two-halves of the city across the weser were found to be destroyed. after some changes of plan, the kent re was tasked with building a barge bridge. three river barges found on the site were used with bailey superstructure, and a 456-foot (140 m) class 40 bridge was opened for traffic at 04.00 on 2 may. all german forces facing 21st army group surrendered at lüneburg heath two days later, but there were many months of bridgebuilding and reconstruction work before the troops could be demobilised.