Bastogne 1944/45

Following my interest in the First and Second World War, I have been researching the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. The battle started on 16 December 1944 and was Hitler's last ditch attempt to fight back after the liberation of France by the allies. 

The Americans were 'resting' in the Ardennes after months of fighting and new recruits were being introduced to life in the field. As such, this area was seen by the Germans as a soft touch and a relatively easy route to retake the seaport Antwerp. They chose the winter of 1944 as a good time to strike, especially as the poor weather would make it impossible for the Americans to fly in more men and supplies. The attack took the Americans by surprise and forced them into a disorganised retreat with poor communications and tensions between commanders hindering the men on the ground. However, once they managed to take stock of their situation, they fought back with remarkable determination and courage.

A lot has been written about the 6 week battle, and films like Band of Brothers have depicted the trauma they all suffered (on both sides).

I plan to visit the area next spring and will write more about it I am sure but for now, I will just reproduce a quote from an American veteran, Ed Peniche of the 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles:

The siege of Bastogne, Belgium was a frightful experience never to be forgotten; and hopefully, never to be repeated again. Misery on the battlefield was compounded by the severe winter of that year. YET, despite the adversity of war, all those involved were able to find warmth, strength, and comfort in man's eternal hope for universal fraternity and man's eternal search for divine guidance. As for me personally, like that of my fellow soldiers, it was my destiny to take part in and survive that gallant feat of arms; and, as miserable and terrifying as the experience was, it enriched my life forever because I learned to have faith and trust in my superior officers and in my fellow soldiers: it enriched my life because I learned first hand about the true spirit of America, by never hearing anyone ever express the word surrender. - - YES, Bastogne was part of the rendezvous with destiny of the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division, and I am proud for having been there - - I had had my first White Christmas in that small Belgian town, and there were enough lights to last me a life-time.