#24_01: Anybody Home? - PzC 05 Bulge '44

Rochefort, 24Km from the Meuse River, Dec 24th, 1944: The little town of Rochefort had suddenly assumed a strategic importance due to its bridges. In particular, the L'Homme bridge which gives access to another bridge, over the broader Lesse River, towards Dinant on the Meuse. The Panzer Lehr Division deployed on the afternoon of Dec 23rd intending to assault the town later that night. A patrol was sent out and reported the town empty. This was not the case. The US VII Corps had also realized the importance of the little town and had reinforced it that day. The lead battalion of the 902nd PzGren Regiment were expecting a walkover, but instead received a hot reception from the defenders. The next attack was planned more carefully and started in the small hours of Christmas Eve. [Size, small]