early in 1945, in order to improve the lines of communication for second army's planned assault crossing of the rhine (operation plunder), additional bridges were constructed over the maas at venlo. 15th (kent) ghqtre was responsible for a 1220-foot (370 m) all-weather class 40 bailey pontoon bridge. 15th (kent) ghqtre was assigned to xii corps for operation plunder itself, with its cre, lt-col fayle, controlling all engineering work for the right hand brigade's assault crossing downstream of the xanten ferry site (operation torchlight).