Stand where they fought - The Bulge 2007 - southern Flank

[Juerg]

This US M4A3 (76) Sherman of CompanyB, 2nd Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division is the only known surviving combat vehicle of the division. It was put out of action on December 17, 1944 while defending Clervaux here at the gate of the castle.

 

Next to the tank is a German Pak 43/41 L 8.8 cm anti tank gun.

[Juerg]

Ambush at Poteau

On December 18, 1944, very early in the morning at around 7 A.M, the US 14th Cavalry Group (Task Force Mayes) with elements of the 18th and 32nd Squadrons had gotten in an ambush of the German "Kampfgruppe Hansen" of the 1st SS-Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" on the road between Poteau and Recht. Propaganda movies were made by the Germans shortly after those fights and the numerous photos are often used as typical photos from the Battle of the Bulge.

[Juerg]

The museum is in the former Prussian custom-house which was rebuilt after the war (although somewhat differently).

[Juerg]

A small shed near the spot of the ambush is still there even after more than 60 years.

[Juerg]

Looking to the spot where the SS Grenadiers crossed the street during the ambush (where the street bends). The photo on the right was taken just after the street goes into the wood. In June1947, General Hasbrouck, commander of the 7th Armored Division, nominated all units but the 14th Cav. Group of his division for a Presidential Unit Citation for brave actions around St. Vith during Dec. 17 and Dec. 23, 1944.

 

On December 18, 2004 (60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge), the Poteau museum officially inaugurated this monument, dedicated to the brave American soldiers of the "14th Cavalry Group", which have fallen at exactly this spot during the ambush.

[CaptO]

Thanks for posting all of these photos as well as the detailed history. As you say, it's hard for us across the pond to get over there and see these places in person. I still hoping to be stationed in Europe at some point, but there are not many jobs for Marines on the continent. Here's to hoping!

Thanks again,

[Juerg]

Is this is Pistol? This was the question asn the owner found such a pistol which the famous machine gunner holds in his hands.

[Juerg]

Houffalize

Right in the middle of the small town of Houffalize is a mark V "Panther" tank. It was part of Kampfgruppe Tebbe - 116. Panzerdivision "Windhund".

Commanded by Major Gerhard Tebbe (I./Panzerregiment 16).

 

The names on the side of the Panther tank (Arne Kreutz, Georg Mussbach and Ewald Lochle) are of the men who survived.

It probably went in the river on December 26, 1944 when Houffalize was under attack from Allied planes. The original number was 111 and it was fished out of the river in 1948 with the two dead crew members still in it.

[Juerg]

Here we have two .50 caliber shells and a BAR clip also found near Poteau, Belgium. There is also an clip for the Thompson MP and a fragment of a US M-2 handgrenade both found in the woods around Clervaux, Luxembourg.

[Juerg]

Sauer Gorge near Goebelsmühle

 

Here is the river Sauer and the bridge at Goebelsmühle. The view is in direction Bourscheid. I love the fog it looks like back in 1944

 

 

Now on December 17 1944, the 5th Comp., I./FJR 15 took a Raid into Goebelsmühle to seize the Sauer bridge for the tanks. This raid was qualified for the close combat clasp. There, the paratroopers have been engaged in a short but severe firefight against soldiers of the US combat Engineer Batl 35. The paratroopers than seized a inn just near the Sauer river to take a rest.

 

On the pic you can see the former inn near the Sauer river.