Thursday, August 21, 2008
FURSTENAU: THE NAME
I discovered that the Furstenau name was a very common name (and probably still may be today) in that area. In the Halbstad Distrrict, Mennonite colonists to the area included the Furstenau families who came from West Prussia..
ROYALTY
Furstenau also identified a royal family from the same area. From the early feudal system, the baron was the lowest rank, way below the rank of duke or count. The rank just above baron was lord and since the lord couldn’t protect all his property he assigned a baron to oversee certain areas. In a genealogical table about Royal families during World War II there are several names with the last name Ehrback-Furstenau. The chart goes back five generations so there definitely was royalty in the region.
Dad had mentioned Baron von Furstenau so I researched for more information. Although my search revealed many references to the Furstenau family I had no real way of uncovering the actual name of the baron who occupied that castle. I did locate one Furstenau name which could be part of the royalty from that area. The time frame for this person is 1755-1821, if I have the correct information. The name is Adelbert Ludwig Albert Eberhard Freidrich von Ehrbach Furstenau.
Dad had mentioned Baron von Furstenau so I researched for more information. Although my search revealed many references to the Furstenau family I had no real way of uncovering the actual name of the baron who occupied that castle. I did locate one Furstenau name which could be part of the royalty from that area. The time frame for this person is 1755-1821, if I have the correct information. The name is Adelbert Ludwig Albert Eberhard Freidrich von Ehrbach Furstenau.
LOCATION
Furstenau was the name of a small town in Germany. It had a small airstrip that was just large enough for US bombers to land. From an old photo album from the war, I discovered that Michelstadt and Ehrbach are small towns in the German region often identified by the word “Odenn”. This area is often referred to as the Black Forest.
The area of Ehrbach-Furstenau was formed in 1532 as part of the Holy Roman Empire. The castle appears to be built in the 14th century and then restored in the 16th century after fighting caused destruction to parts of the original structure during the Medieval Ages. The Allied invasion into that part of Germany was on March 24, 1944, and as a result of that fighting, several of the buildings in this area were destroyed by the devastation of the war.
The area of Ehrbach-Furstenau was formed in 1532 as part of the Holy Roman Empire. The castle appears to be built in the 14th century and then restored in the 16th century after fighting caused destruction to parts of the original structure during the Medieval Ages. The Allied invasion into that part of Germany was on March 24, 1944, and as a result of that fighting, several of the buildings in this area were destroyed by the devastation of the war.
SCHLOSS vs. BURG
There are actually two types of castles. Buildings that were constructed for fortification and defense were called "burgs". These include the older wooden castles and some of the older stone castles. These were designed for military use and for their architecture. A burg was usually located high on a hill or mountain and was hard to reach. The main purpose was to avoid attack and have a distinct military advantage over enemies.
The "schloss" is also a type of castle. It can be a fortified home or dwelling place but the real emphasis of the schloss was the beauty of the castle and its grounds. These were large estates with many formal gardens and were awarded to nobles for prestige and as a sign of wealth. This would mean that the picture that we have was actually a home for Baron von Furstenau and it was a large estate awarded to him by a prince, duke, or other royal person.
The "schloss" is also a type of castle. It can be a fortified home or dwelling place but the real emphasis of the schloss was the beauty of the castle and its grounds. These were large estates with many formal gardens and were awarded to nobles for prestige and as a sign of wealth. This would mean that the picture that we have was actually a home for Baron von Furstenau and it was a large estate awarded to him by a prince, duke, or other royal person.
THE CASTLE GROUNDS
Nobles had to build the castle on mountain tops where there was very little space. The grounds usually were large enough to use for hunting. The homes have extremely thick stone walls around the house to make it even more secure from intruders. The walls around the castle are usually quite thick, about 7-12 feet thick and around 30-44 feet tall. No windows were in the lower part of the castle making it even harder to penetrate the interior of the castle. The upper levels of the castle had windows with seats in each window making it easier to determine if there was any approaching danger.A guest house, storehouse for supplies, an armory, and stables along with a, blacksmith and other workshops all made up part of the inner part of the area surrounding the home.
The schloss was used for large social events. German castles not only have a garden but the lawn has a fountain [in the center] with a lime tree which is considered proper tree for social parties. The branches of the lime tree are widely extended. There is usually a seat below and benches may actually be found in boughs of branches lower to the ground. The whole tree is surrounded by a barrier which appears to be brick.
The schloss was used for large social events. German castles not only have a garden but the lawn has a fountain [in the center] with a lime tree which is considered proper tree for social parties. The branches of the lime tree are widely extended. There is usually a seat below and benches may actually be found in boughs of branches lower to the ground. The whole tree is surrounded by a barrier which appears to be brick.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE CASTLE PICTURE
We discovered the picture mounted with scotch tape to an old sheet of plywood in the attic. There were some words inscribed on the bottom of the drawing that were in German but other than that there was nothing else to identify the penciled etching. No signature. We knew it had some connection to World War II. since we had heard the old stories.
We had asked questions about the war since it was so closely connected to our time of birth. Dad had described some of his encounters for our family history and I vaguely remember interviewing him about his life so that we could hear his stories one more time. Until now that had not seemed relevant but as we prepared to handle the estate, we had to separate things of importance. We knew where some of the special heirlooms were hidden but we had never seen the picture of the castle. When we located it we decided to rescue it and have it mounted in a frame. We knew very little about the castle itself and maybe sometime in the future we would be able to uncover more details about the castle. That was in 1988.
We had asked questions about the war since it was so closely connected to our time of birth. Dad had described some of his encounters for our family history and I vaguely remember interviewing him about his life so that we could hear his stories one more time. Until now that had not seemed relevant but as we prepared to handle the estate, we had to separate things of importance. We knew where some of the special heirlooms were hidden but we had never seen the picture of the castle. When we located it we decided to rescue it and have it mounted in a frame. We knew very little about the castle itself and maybe sometime in the future we would be able to uncover more details about the castle. That was in 1988.
RESEARCH BEGINS
From 1988 until 1996 we had moved from Louisiana to Tennessee to Virginia and then down to Arkansas. The children had grown up and finished high school and college. Three of the boys were married and all of them were living away from home. We were adapting to a quiet house and empty nest. Although I had never made time to research into the castle and its connection with World War II, it was not until Linda came over one night ion 2006 that I was motivated to actually begin research.
Our first step was to see if we could determine who the artist was. The picture looked like a print from a distance but upon closer look it was a very detailed pencil sketch that covered about a 16 x 20 surface. The lines were drawn with precision and I was amazed at the amount of time it must have required to actually focus on such detail. There was no signature anywhere but at the bottom of the picture were the words “Schloss Furstenau mit Torbogen (Odenn)”. Somewhere there had to be information on the castle and the part it played in the war. My friend Linda had been in Germany with her husband while he was in the military and she gave me a couple of possible insights and some direction in my search.
Our first step was to see if we could determine who the artist was. The picture looked like a print from a distance but upon closer look it was a very detailed pencil sketch that covered about a 16 x 20 surface. The lines were drawn with precision and I was amazed at the amount of time it must have required to actually focus on such detail. There was no signature anywhere but at the bottom of the picture were the words “Schloss Furstenau mit Torbogen (Odenn)”. Somewhere there had to be information on the castle and the part it played in the war. My friend Linda had been in Germany with her husband while he was in the military and she gave me a couple of possible insights and some direction in my search.
THE MEANING: SCHLOSS FURSTENAU mit TORBOGEN (ODENN)
The word “schloss” is loosely translated “castle. There are a variety of castles throughout Europe but this “schloss” is a dwelling place set aside for royalty. These castles were known for their beauty and for the large grounds surrounding the castle. These “schlosses” came with a certain prestige and usually indicated that wealthy families owned them. The grounds were large enough for hunting and for holding lavish social occasions. They were normally placed high on a hill so that it was easy to observe any visitors or troops that may have come into the area.
I did discover that the word “Torbogen” had a Swiss derivation and after some more research I found out that the translation for the word was “archway”. There is an archway that extends from one part of the castle to the other side and there is a walkway above the arch where soldiers could observe any action below.
I did discover that the word “Torbogen” had a Swiss derivation and after some more research I found out that the translation for the word was “archway”. There is an archway that extends from one part of the castle to the other side and there is a walkway above the arch where soldiers could observe any action below.
THE PENCIL ETCHING
It is hard to describe the detail in the picture but it certainly took quite some time from start to finish unless the person was an accomplished artist. The drawing shows the archway extending from the castle area to the other part of the residence. There is what appears to be an ironwork fence above the archway to protect anyone walking the sentry point.
Just before the courtyard and directly in front of the archway is a fountain. It appears to be concrete. One side of the fountain is partially torn down, probably due to the elements of time or possibly awaiting reconstruction. To the left of the fountain is a man that is walking a dog towards the castle who I assume is the baron himself. The area directly to the castle is partially obscured with trees as a camouflage to prevent soldiers from noticing it.
Just before the courtyard and directly in front of the archway is a fountain. It appears to be concrete. One side of the fountain is partially torn down, probably due to the elements of time or possibly awaiting reconstruction. To the left of the fountain is a man that is walking a dog towards the castle who I assume is the baron himself. The area directly to the castle is partially obscured with trees as a camouflage to prevent soldiers from noticing it.
BRIEF OVERVIEW
The information that I gleaned gave me not only a better understanding of the war but also the part that the castle played in Dad’s life. Many of us have not been actively involved in war, but the fighting and battles of World War II were a very important part of history. Stopping the German invasion into European countries and ending the horrors of the Holocaust were very real parts of the offensive. So many suffered as a result of the World War II but with the end of the war in 1945 people could begin to rebuild their lives. Other military actions followed this war, but this war has been a part of my own life since more than one family member was actively participated in the war.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
CROSSING THE RHINE: LATE 1945
***Every attempt has been made to be accurate. If there are errors, please let me know.
June 5 to 10, 1945: Somewhere during these dates the troops move to Allendorf, Germany which is located in the area of Hesse Germany between Frankenberg and Battenberg.
June 1945: Entry into Cologne; built the pontoon bridge across the Rhine. Soldiers received a bronze star for their efforts.
June 10, 1945: Invasion into southern Holland (Valkenburg) bordered by Germany and Belgium; Allies overcome enemy and Remagen Bridge is destroyed.
June 5 to 10, 1945: Somewhere during these dates the troops move to Allendorf, Germany which is located in the area of Hesse Germany between Frankenberg and Battenberg.
June 1945: Entry into Cologne; built the pontoon bridge across the Rhine. Soldiers received a bronze star for their efforts.
June 10, 1945: Invasion into southern Holland (Valkenburg) bordered by Germany and Belgium; Allies overcome enemy and Remagen Bridge is destroyed.
A NIGHT IN THE CASTLE
OCTOBER 1945
Allies enter into Germany by crossing the Rhine River. Soldiers occupy Furstenau castle immediately after the Germans leave the area.
From a vantage point in the forested area, German soldiers heard the shots of the GI’s and knew that their location was compromised. Since the war had already been officially declared over, the Germans quickly moved further into Germany hoping to escape any more direct confrontation with the Allied forces.
With only a few casualties, the Americans claimed the victory. It was only a short distance to the castle that loomed ahead in the distance. It would be a safe place to spend the night. It was a simple yet elaborate castle but it provided shelter. Soldiers looked at the ransacked interior and found some interesting items to keep. A couple of Nazi knives, some German music taken off the piano stand, and a German rifle left behind in haste were just some of the spoils of war. An old picture of the castle hung over the fireplace and words in German indicated that it was the castle of Baron Von Fursteneau. Every man found something to claim and keep. But with all the spoils that were confiscated that evening nothing anything that was taken that night paled in comparison to the victory that the Americans achieved.
Allies enter into Germany by crossing the Rhine River. Soldiers occupy Furstenau castle immediately after the Germans leave the area.
From a vantage point in the forested area, German soldiers heard the shots of the GI’s and knew that their location was compromised. Since the war had already been officially declared over, the Germans quickly moved further into Germany hoping to escape any more direct confrontation with the Allied forces.
With only a few casualties, the Americans claimed the victory. It was only a short distance to the castle that loomed ahead in the distance. It would be a safe place to spend the night. It was a simple yet elaborate castle but it provided shelter. Soldiers looked at the ransacked interior and found some interesting items to keep. A couple of Nazi knives, some German music taken off the piano stand, and a German rifle left behind in haste were just some of the spoils of war. An old picture of the castle hung over the fireplace and words in German indicated that it was the castle of Baron Von Fursteneau. Every man found something to claim and keep. But with all the spoils that were confiscated that evening nothing anything that was taken that night paled in comparison to the victory that the Americans achieved.
THE GLOWING CHIPS: AN INTERESTING ACCOUNT
STORY
Rain poured down in steady sheets and the red clay ground became muddy, so muddy that boots sunk into the red ground and stuck to the bottom of each boot making it heavier to walk with each step.
On this particular night, the troop was on alert. There was tension in the air as everyone came close to the enemy camp. Fighting was fully expected since the group was getting closer and closer to the German border. In several sections of the forest, dead and rotting wood lay on the ground emitting a luminescent glow. The harder the rain fell, the more intense the glow became. It was a distraction, a distraction that could possibly give away their location to the enemy.
When the troop stopped along the way, guns were propped along the trees and one soldier was appointed as a look out. Two other soldiers were to stand guard duty. Germans were infiltrating the area and their infamy for using a thin wire looped around the neck of the enemy was a technique that everyone knew about. Soundless and very effective, the Germans could overtake any enemy and stealthily enter into an area. Everyone had to be on alert for the faintest sound. A beam of light in the shadows could indicate the position of the Germans. Caution was the word for this evening.
“Halt! What’s the code word?” One guard moved clockwise around the perimeter of the camp; the other guard moved in a counterclockwise direction. The approach of the guards had to be verified and without knowing the code word, no one was allowed to pass. That was the only way to be absolutely certain that the soldier was American and not a German trying to gain a foothold into the camp. The machine gun soldiers were stationed around the farthest point of the perimeter; the gun artillery crew was stationed further inside. This double circle of protection kept the infiltrating line of men safe and assured a better chance of overtaking the Germans without many casualties.
The guards continued to walk the perimeter while the on-duty sergeant watched for any indication that the camp had been compromised. The Sergeant dropped to his knees and fell flat on his stomach. There were two lights shining in the distance, both from slightly different sections of the woods. Glancing in another direction three or four more lights flickered through the dark night. This was no time to take any chances. Slipping between the artillery crew and the machine gun perimeter, the Sergeant called out to identify himself to the machine gun crew. “My name is Dave Brown.[fictitious name]. I don’t know what is going on, but there are lights in the woods ahead.” The machine gun crew tensed and the chips on the ground glowed brighter as the rain fell harder. A sound off to the right startled everyone and the inexperienced soldier from West Virginia shot off a round of shots.
It took a while before we made the connection. Our conclusion was that the chips were pieces of bark that covered the floor of the forest and glowed when the weather was damp and would reflect light off the small pieces.
Rain poured down in steady sheets and the red clay ground became muddy, so muddy that boots sunk into the red ground and stuck to the bottom of each boot making it heavier to walk with each step.
On this particular night, the troop was on alert. There was tension in the air as everyone came close to the enemy camp. Fighting was fully expected since the group was getting closer and closer to the German border. In several sections of the forest, dead and rotting wood lay on the ground emitting a luminescent glow. The harder the rain fell, the more intense the glow became. It was a distraction, a distraction that could possibly give away their location to the enemy.
When the troop stopped along the way, guns were propped along the trees and one soldier was appointed as a look out. Two other soldiers were to stand guard duty. Germans were infiltrating the area and their infamy for using a thin wire looped around the neck of the enemy was a technique that everyone knew about. Soundless and very effective, the Germans could overtake any enemy and stealthily enter into an area. Everyone had to be on alert for the faintest sound. A beam of light in the shadows could indicate the position of the Germans. Caution was the word for this evening.
“Halt! What’s the code word?” One guard moved clockwise around the perimeter of the camp; the other guard moved in a counterclockwise direction. The approach of the guards had to be verified and without knowing the code word, no one was allowed to pass. That was the only way to be absolutely certain that the soldier was American and not a German trying to gain a foothold into the camp. The machine gun soldiers were stationed around the farthest point of the perimeter; the gun artillery crew was stationed further inside. This double circle of protection kept the infiltrating line of men safe and assured a better chance of overtaking the Germans without many casualties.
The guards continued to walk the perimeter while the on-duty sergeant watched for any indication that the camp had been compromised. The Sergeant dropped to his knees and fell flat on his stomach. There were two lights shining in the distance, both from slightly different sections of the woods. Glancing in another direction three or four more lights flickered through the dark night. This was no time to take any chances. Slipping between the artillery crew and the machine gun perimeter, the Sergeant called out to identify himself to the machine gun crew. “My name is Dave Brown.[fictitious name]. I don’t know what is going on, but there are lights in the woods ahead.” The machine gun crew tensed and the chips on the ground glowed brighter as the rain fell harder. A sound off to the right startled everyone and the inexperienced soldier from West Virginia shot off a round of shots.
It took a while before we made the connection. Our conclusion was that the chips were pieces of bark that covered the floor of the forest and glowed when the weather was damp and would reflect light off the small pieces.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE GLOWING CHIPS?
EXPLANATION
Research shows that the glowing chips are actually caused by mushrooms and fungi that help to decay wood. The greenish glow is called “foxfire” and can usually be seen in very dark and moist environments. The term “bioluminescent” is the scientific term to describe the phenomenon The chips can glow for anywhere between one to two weeks making it easy to locate.
Research shows that the glowing chips are actually caused by mushrooms and fungi that help to decay wood. The greenish glow is called “foxfire” and can usually be seen in very dark and moist environments. The term “bioluminescent” is the scientific term to describe the phenomenon The chips can glow for anywhere between one to two weeks making it easy to locate.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
FINDING THE GERMANS
One reconnaissance trip made an indelible impression on the Allies and brought back the reality that the Germans were indeed still in the area. Two soldiers had been sent ahead to scope the area. Marching quietly into town, the soldiers were amazed at the amount of German items still scattered on the ground. The buildings in the town circled around the center marketplace. German guns and tanks sat in the center of the town. Building by building the soldiers hid in the shadows and moved slowly along. Nothing. Finding a hedge along one side of the town, the soldiers advanced and then quietly looked through the green wall. Right in the middle of town, not far from the Allies were completing their mission sat a group of German soldiers eating lunch.
The soldiers froze and decided to return to base. Just as they moved back to disappear out of sight from the Germans, they were spotted and shots rang out. By the time they were discovered the two-man reconnaissance team had put enough distance between them and the Germans that the shots missed. Pressing onward in the direction of camp, the men had one goal. Make it safely back to camp without being shot. The Germans had made it safely to their tanks and were determined to not let the two Americans get away. The huge 88 mm canon was pointed directly towards the departing soldiers. The Allies had one advantage. The German engineering was behind the construction of the American tanks. German tanks could only shoot in one direction and only after the first shot had been fired could the direction of the tank cannon change. This one small factor gave the Allies the advantage and the soldiers were able to stay out of range and make it safely back to camp.
The soldiers froze and decided to return to base. Just as they moved back to disappear out of sight from the Germans, they were spotted and shots rang out. By the time they were discovered the two-man reconnaissance team had put enough distance between them and the Germans that the shots missed. Pressing onward in the direction of camp, the men had one goal. Make it safely back to camp without being shot. The Germans had made it safely to their tanks and were determined to not let the two Americans get away. The huge 88 mm canon was pointed directly towards the departing soldiers. The Allies had one advantage. The German engineering was behind the construction of the American tanks. German tanks could only shoot in one direction and only after the first shot had been fired could the direction of the tank cannon change. This one small factor gave the Allies the advantage and the soldiers were able to stay out of range and make it safely back to camp.
CHERBOURG, FRANCE
NOVEMBER 24th, 1944
Maneuvers went rather quietly for the next few missions. Five or six soldiers were sent ahead now to scout out the area. The extra soldiers gave a greater advantage over the original plan of sending in two soldiers. Germans were beginning to confiscate Allied tanks and a Canadian sergeant went along with the group. He could speak German and warn the other soldiers of any possible threat. On this particular day, the soldiers worked their way around the buildings next to the marketplace. The Germans had been in enough towns that they were able to “borrow” Allied jackets. Replacing the German jackets with the Allied jackets gave the Germans another advantage. They could get Germans could get very quite close to the Allies before being discovered and by that time it was too late. Moving around the perimeter of the town, the Allies came upon another group of Germans, eating lunch. Slowly moving back towards camp the soldiers wanted nothing more than to get back unnoticed. Without any hint of what had happened, the Allies began shouting and welcoming the soldiers back to camp. The noise apparently didn’t reach the German ears because the troop was able to go back into town and confront the enemy. The Allies gained another victory and the Germans were slowly losing ground in the war.
Maneuvers went rather quietly for the next few missions. Five or six soldiers were sent ahead now to scout out the area. The extra soldiers gave a greater advantage over the original plan of sending in two soldiers. Germans were beginning to confiscate Allied tanks and a Canadian sergeant went along with the group. He could speak German and warn the other soldiers of any possible threat. On this particular day, the soldiers worked their way around the buildings next to the marketplace. The Germans had been in enough towns that they were able to “borrow” Allied jackets. Replacing the German jackets with the Allied jackets gave the Germans another advantage. They could get Germans could get very quite close to the Allies before being discovered and by that time it was too late. Moving around the perimeter of the town, the Allies came upon another group of Germans, eating lunch. Slowly moving back towards camp the soldiers wanted nothing more than to get back unnoticed. Without any hint of what had happened, the Allies began shouting and welcoming the soldiers back to camp. The noise apparently didn’t reach the German ears because the troop was able to go back into town and confront the enemy. The Allies gained another victory and the Germans were slowly losing ground in the war.
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
DECEMBER 16-27, 1944
The next maneuver was to move into Belgium and look for any GI’s that may have been left in the area. Rumors indicated that German combat soldiers had killed and slaughtered several Allies on December 17th. Near the crossroads of Baugnez the German infantry saw the advancing American troops and opened fire on the squad. Any surviving Allies became prisoners and had no choice but to follow the Germans. After what seemed like miles, the Germans gave the Allies a break and a chance to rest. They were allowed to gather in a field far enough away from the Germans that they could be still seen. Trying to relax and appraise the current situation they were in, rounds of machine gun bullets whizzed through the area killing all 120 men. Some men remained on the ground feigning death but when the Germans discovered that they were still breathing, they were executed right on the spot. Buildings were burned and when everything was quiet and still, the Germans left.
A few stunned soldiers later emerged from their hiding places to assess the damage. The looked in awe at the devastation around them and then headed towards Malmedy where the Americans were fighting. Forty-three soldiers remained unscathed and took shelter among the American troops. The stories all were the same. Germans shot Americans without any warning and bodies were littered all over the ground.
It took almost a month to cover the distance into the town of Huy. (January 1945) The terrain was rough and steep and mostly inhabited. Investigating the charges and vivid descriptions of carnage made by the surviving soldiers meant that criminal charges were being considered against the responsible party. Troops of eight men, four on foot and four assigned to gun duty, pushed through the brush and wooded area of Huy. When the group approached the field, the scene was one so grotesque that it would never be forgotten. American soldiers were scattered all over the frozen snowy ground. Many of the bodies had been shot in half and body parts were everywhere. Torn pictures of wives and girlfriends were littered on the surface, GI identification papers were strewn everywhere and combat boots had been removed. Fingers had been cut off to remove any jewelry and any other object that might help to identify the soldier.
Working methodically, the Americans were able to push the Germans back to their original position before the Malmedy Massacre. The next move was to move inward and secure the land along the Rhine River. Since the Rhine River Valley was one of the busiest waterways, it was one of the best ways to gain control of Germany.
The next maneuver was to move into Belgium and look for any GI’s that may have been left in the area. Rumors indicated that German combat soldiers had killed and slaughtered several Allies on December 17th. Near the crossroads of Baugnez the German infantry saw the advancing American troops and opened fire on the squad. Any surviving Allies became prisoners and had no choice but to follow the Germans. After what seemed like miles, the Germans gave the Allies a break and a chance to rest. They were allowed to gather in a field far enough away from the Germans that they could be still seen. Trying to relax and appraise the current situation they were in, rounds of machine gun bullets whizzed through the area killing all 120 men. Some men remained on the ground feigning death but when the Germans discovered that they were still breathing, they were executed right on the spot. Buildings were burned and when everything was quiet and still, the Germans left.
A few stunned soldiers later emerged from their hiding places to assess the damage. The looked in awe at the devastation around them and then headed towards Malmedy where the Americans were fighting. Forty-three soldiers remained unscathed and took shelter among the American troops. The stories all were the same. Germans shot Americans without any warning and bodies were littered all over the ground.
It took almost a month to cover the distance into the town of Huy. (January 1945) The terrain was rough and steep and mostly inhabited. Investigating the charges and vivid descriptions of carnage made by the surviving soldiers meant that criminal charges were being considered against the responsible party. Troops of eight men, four on foot and four assigned to gun duty, pushed through the brush and wooded area of Huy. When the group approached the field, the scene was one so grotesque that it would never be forgotten. American soldiers were scattered all over the frozen snowy ground. Many of the bodies had been shot in half and body parts were everywhere. Torn pictures of wives and girlfriends were littered on the surface, GI identification papers were strewn everywhere and combat boots had been removed. Fingers had been cut off to remove any jewelry and any other object that might help to identify the soldier.
Working methodically, the Americans were able to push the Germans back to their original position before the Malmedy Massacre. The next move was to move inward and secure the land along the Rhine River. Since the Rhine River Valley was one of the busiest waterways, it was one of the best ways to gain control of Germany.
MARCH to JUNE 1945
MARCH 7,1945
Allies take Cologne
MARCH 18,1945
The Remagen Bridge collapsed while Allies were crossing the Rhine River into Germany
APRIL 24th,1945
Troop moved into area near where German tanks and military production occurred. Determined to forge ahead and overcome the Germans lurking in the town, the soldiers made their way back to the town. The unsuspecting Germans were unable to overcome the Allies and at the end of the day 14 tanks had been confiscated and 4400 Germans were killed. The two Allied soldiers who had been scouting out the area realized exactly how fortunate they had been. Imagine, just imagine being in a town where you were one of the two soldiers sent ahead and you were able to escape from over four thousand Germans. Luck had surely been on their side.
MAY 8, 1945
The end of the war is officially announced.
FIGHTING CONTINUES
While the war is officially over, several areas in Germany refused to believe the command to surrender. Deep within the forests the fighting continued for another several months.
JUNE 10, 1945
Allies overcome enemy and Remagen bridge is destroyed
Allies take Cologne
MARCH 18,1945
The Remagen Bridge collapsed while Allies were crossing the Rhine River into Germany
APRIL 24th,1945
Troop moved into area near where German tanks and military production occurred. Determined to forge ahead and overcome the Germans lurking in the town, the soldiers made their way back to the town. The unsuspecting Germans were unable to overcome the Allies and at the end of the day 14 tanks had been confiscated and 4400 Germans were killed. The two Allied soldiers who had been scouting out the area realized exactly how fortunate they had been. Imagine, just imagine being in a town where you were one of the two soldiers sent ahead and you were able to escape from over four thousand Germans. Luck had surely been on their side.
MAY 8, 1945
The end of the war is officially announced.
FIGHTING CONTINUES
While the war is officially over, several areas in Germany refused to believe the command to surrender. Deep within the forests the fighting continued for another several months.
JUNE 10, 1945
Allies overcome enemy and Remagen bridge is destroyed
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