Battle of the Bulge

Time: December 16th 1944 Location: Ardennes Forest Fighters: Canadian, British, US vs. Germany

Purpose Hitler had convinced himself that the alliance between the allies in W. Europe was not strong Felt a major attack and defeat by Germany would break up the alliance Therefore, he ordered a massive attack against what were primarily American forces.

How it Got its Name Known as the Ardennes Offensive The initial attack by the Germans created a bulge in the Allied front line, making it more known as the Battle of the Bulge.

Was it a Good Idea? On paper, it was a seemingly absurd plan: –Germany had been in retreat since D-Day – Military was depleted of supplies and was facing the awesome might of the Allies.

The Beginning Began with a two hour bombardment of the Allies lines that was followed by a huge armored offensive The Germans experienced great success to start because –The Allies were surprised by the attack

–Before the attack, English speaking German soldiers dressed in American uniforms went behind the lines of the Allies and spread misinformation, changed road signs, cut telephone lines. –Weather in Hitler’s favor: Low cloud and fog meant that the superior air force of the Allies could not be used Ground was hard enough for military vehicles to cross and this suited the armored attack Hitler envisioned

Town of Bastogne while Germany had it surrounded during Bulge

The Long Battle December 22nd, the weather started to clear, Allies’ air power began counter-attack against the Germans. The Germans had advanced 60 miles in two days but from December 18th on, they were in a position of stalemate. The fighting was ferocious. Weather was cold and rainy. Soldiers on the ground faced very difficult conditions. (Trench foot VERY common) By mid-January 1945, Germany REALLY lacked fuel, Germans had to make their way back to Germany on foot. –This was the unit that was responsible for the Malmédy Massacre.

The bodies of 81 American soldiers killed by Waffen SS troops, Dec. 17, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge near the Belgian town of Malmedy. (Photo credit: U.S. Army)

Outcome The Battle of the Bulge was the largest battle fought by the Americans in World War Two. –600,000 American troops were involved in the battle –American casualties - 81,000 men –German casualties - 100,000 men Could the Germans have won the battle? –Almost Certainly NOT - one huge problem – NO FUEL –Any form of armored attack needed a constant supply of fuel – and Allied bombing of fuel plants in Germany meant that such supplies did not exist. –German Generals even believed this offensive was too ambitious

U.S. soldiers taking defensive positions in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge

Outcome: By Mid-January, German troops were withdrawing from the Ardennes Forest Significance: Last HUGE German offensive, showed the Germans were truly defeated.