The Battle of the Bulge was not a single battle, but a major push (the Ardennes Offensive) by the German army during the last winter of World War II. Facing Allied advances across a wide front, Hitler ordered a concentrated attack to drive toward the Dutch port of Antwerp through the Ardennes Forest. It was the last major German offensive of the war.
In December, 1944 the Germans attacked a weak area of the allied lines. Their intention was to break through, split the American and British armies, and capture Antwerp, Belgium thus cutting off the British from supplies and reinforcements. They hoped to force the evacuation or surrender of the British forces and that that would force America to make peace. They would then have been able to turn all their strength to defending against the Russians. It didn't work though. The allied lines held, although they were pushed back in a broad semicircle, or bulge, in the line, hence the name of the battle.
The main thrust of the offensive was a two-pronged Panzer attack on the weak points of the Allied lines. It is also noted for the German deception of using captured US vehicles and uniforms to infiltrate the American lines.
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Aspects of the Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of The Bulge was a battle fought in Belgium, across the Siegfried Line. It was the battle right after the Americans took the Hürgenwald (Huertgen Forest). The battle is most recognized from two perspectives: the 101st Airborne surrounded in Bastogne, and the 1st Infantry Division pressing the Germans back up through the Bulge. It was a great long series of battles and operations. Some of the more notable would be
- Operation Stösser, where the Germans attempted to drop Fallschrimjäger paratroopers into an area outside of the Allied Lines
- Operation Greif where the Germans were able to send a single man behind Allied Lines and steal a great deal of gold
- The Malmedy Massacre, where 84 American prisoners were executed by the Germans.
The Siege of Bastogne
While in Bastogne, the 101st Airborne became encircled when the Germans hit their lines behind them, and captured a number of American doctors and medics, as well as killing many soldiers. One of the most famous quotes of the war was uttered by acting 101st Division Commander, General Arthur McAuliffe. When the Germans had encircled the Americans, the German commander sent them a letter asking for their honorable surrender, to which McAuliffe replied "NUTS!" This gave the members of the 101st a good laugh. Eventually, General Patton's Third Army charged through and rescued the 101st, even though no member of the division had ever agreed that they needed to be rescued.
The battle started December 16, 1944 and lasted until January 25, 1945.
There were two Allied army groups being massed up for the invasion of Germany itself and in the middle was the Ardennes forest where new recruits and fatigued veterans went to calm down. In this spot the resistance to an attack would be weak and the Germans through everything they had at it. There goal was to make it to the port of Antwerp and cut off the northern army group and make them surrender. This was Hitlers last strong offensive.
The Ardennes, Belgium, at the Seigfried line
In the Ardennes, the border of Germany & Belgium. The battle was the result of a surprise counter attack by the German army. Many Americans believe this surprise attack cost many lives needlessly. It has been claimed by many sources that allied intelligence groups ignored the signs that an attack was being planned. The surprise attack caused the needless deaths of many allied soldiers.
The battle was a major German offensive launched towards the end of World War II through the forested Ardennes Mountains region of Belgium. (Wikipedia)
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It was in January of 1945 when German troops tried to do a last desperate offensive on the western front.
Germany's last ditch attempt in the war
Germany’s last ditch attempt in the war. APEX;)
the German offensive at the battle of the bulge caused a 'bulge' in the allied front lines, thus came about the term 'battle of the bulge'........
Battle of the Bulge
The battle of the bulge was just 1 battle but their was several operations during the battl of the bulge
856,525 Allied soldiers fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the axis had 496,363 soldiers in the battle of the Bulge
The battle of Bulge was fought between Germany, and the United Kingdom.
the German offensive at the battle of the bulge caused a 'bulge' in the allied front lines, thus came about the term 'battle of the bulge'........
Battle of the Bulge
The battle of the bulge was just 1 battle but their was several operations during the battl of the bulge
856,525 Allied soldiers fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the axis had 496,363 soldiers in the battle of the Bulge
Battle of the Bulge
The duration of Battle of the Bulge - film - is 2.78 hours.
The battle of Bulge was fought between Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The Battle of the Bulge was in World War Two.
About 1,330,000 men were involved in the Battle of the Bulge
The battle of Bulge was fought between Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The Germans called the Battle of the Bulge Operation Watch on the Rhine.
It is believed that close to 600,000 Americans fought in the Battle of the Bulge.