80: Battle Of The Bulge

 

80 years ago today (December 16, 1944) the Battle of the Bulge started.

The Battle of the Bulge took place in Belgium and Luxembourg and was the last chance stand by the Germans to stop the Allies (the Americans and the British) from entering Nazi Germany.

The Battle of the Bulge (also called the Battle of the Ardennes), took place during frigid weather conditions, with 30 German Divisions attacking battle-fatigued American Troops across 85 miles of the densely wooded Ardennes Forest.

500,000 American Soldiers fought during the Battle of the Bulge (including my Grandfather.)

The Battle lasted 1 month (until January 28, 1945) with the Allies winning.

1,462 British Soldiers died or were wounded.

19,246 American Soldiers were killed, 62,489 American Soldiers were wounded, and 26,612 American Soldiers were captured.

3,000 Belgian and Luxembourgish Civilians died.

The Battle of the Bulge Monument formerly known as the Mardasson Memorial is in Bastogne, Belgum.