DENNIS'S IMPRESSIONS OF THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

In a previous post I gave my impressions of Normandy and the landing beaches and so now onto the Battle of the Bulge.

Hitler’s Ardennes gamble was his last desperate attempt to salvage some sort of a victory on the Western Front – it failed miserably for various reasons. Shortages of fuel and the unsuitable terrain hampered his tank units. The inclement weather cleared earlier than anticipated allowing the American and British aircraft to wreak havoc against the German army with their fighter bombers and enabling transport aircraft to re-supply the allied troops. Most of all Hitler underestimated the fighting resolve and bravery of the American troops, especially the Airborne divisions, whose tenacity ultimately saved the day.

Following the trail of Kampfgruppe Peiper was fascinating – only be physically doing this can one fully appreciate the difficulties he entailed in his attempt to navigate the totally unsuitable tank territory because of its steep and winding cartography. Whatever war crimes Peiper may have been guilty of, as a soldier and commander he was superb and his final action in the area by leading his men on foot back to German lines was truly a feat of excellence.

The bravery of the 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) at the defense of Bastogne will forever be an example to American warriors – outnumbered at times by as much as 9 to 1, fighting in sub zero temperatures in snow and ice in summer uniforms, being deprived of water and food and having limited supplies of ammunition these men performed their duties heroically.

The American cemeteries as usual are impeccably maintained as are all their monuments and memorials. They certainly honour their fallen with the respect they deserve.

In spite of Montgommery’s feeble attempt to claim credit for the Battle in the Ardennes it was undeniable an American victory and all credit must go to them.