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22nd December 1944
Wacht am Rhein - D+6
Twelfth Army situation map.
The 80ID has arrived south of Ettelbruck with the 26ID* echeloned to its left following its move north. Both would contest the weakened 352VGD.
*I missed this in my previous thread - apologies.
1)
Wacht am Rhein - D+6
Twelfth Army situation map.
The 80ID has arrived south of Ettelbruck with the 26ID* echeloned to its left following its move north. Both would contest the weakened 352VGD.
*I missed this in my previous thread - apologies.
1)
A detailed view of 104th IR, 26ID & 318/319th, 80ID advancing in the morning to make contact with the 352VGD (yellow broad dispositions & red line of advance).
A total of 5 possible ‘fresh’ US Inf Rgts vs 3 weakened equivalent of 352VGD on the German axis of advance.
2)
A total of 5 possible ‘fresh’ US Inf Rgts vs 3 weakened equivalent of 352VGD on the German axis of advance.
2)
915./352VGD continued its march from Mertzig, with elements of 914VGR, also. At least two PzJg 38(t)s in support.
Grosbous & Pratz the next towns as they made their way SW, avoiding the road where possible.
The weather was cold, snowing & raining.
3)
Grosbous & Pratz the next towns as they made their way SW, avoiding the road where possible.
The weather was cold, snowing & raining.
3)
It wasn’t long before the two sides clashed as point units of 104th 26ID, with armour support, engaged in a series of confusing, fierce clashes.
This continued as the Volksgrenadiere fought their way forward in the direction of Pratz.
4)
This continued as the Volksgrenadiere fought their way forward in the direction of Pratz.
4)
Meanwhile, back at Merzig, the 1st/3rd Btls of 319th Inf Rgt, 80ID had attacked the 352VGD along its axis of advance.
Technical Sgt RL Autry Jnr of 3rd Btl was conspicuous in his leadership, citation below providing colour to the fighting.
5)
Technical Sgt RL Autry Jnr of 3rd Btl was conspicuous in his leadership, citation below providing colour to the fighting.
5)
1st Lt WP Sweaney of 1st Btl 319th goes on;
‘The enemy trains & other vehicles that 3rd Btl had driven out of Merzig, were coming along the open ground towards Oberfeulen.
The tanks, Tank Destroyers & AT platoon of the 1st Btl found themselves in an excellent position....
6)
‘The enemy trains & other vehicles that 3rd Btl had driven out of Merzig, were coming along the open ground towards Oberfeulen.
The tanks, Tank Destroyers & AT platoon of the 1st Btl found themselves in an excellent position....
6)
....to shoot up the enemy transport.
The transport consisted of 1 Btry of 4 light artillery pieces (horse drawn, with 4 horses to each gun), 15 horse drawn wagons & a number of trucks.
The entire column was wiped out.’
7)
The transport consisted of 1 Btry of 4 light artillery pieces (horse drawn, with 4 horses to each gun), 15 horse drawn wagons & a number of trucks.
The entire column was wiped out.’
7)
At the second primary 352VGD objective of Ettelbruck - captured two days previously - the 318th Inf Rgt, 80ID was placing the Volksgrenadiere under pressure.
As the day wore on, the fighting increased in intensity as the critical river junction was fought over.
8)
As the day wore on, the fighting increased in intensity as the critical river junction was fought over.
8)
Further west, the 80ID reported 109th Inf Rgt taking Merzig, thus cutting the road between Ettelbruck & the weakening Schwerpunkt of 352VGD.
Unknowing, the 915VGR fought its way onwards to Pratz, the high watermark of the Division’s endeavours.
It was time to dig in.
9/end)
Unknowing, the 915VGR fought its way onwards to Pratz, the high watermark of the Division’s endeavours.
It was time to dig in.
9/end)
