Hans SchmidtSeptember 1944
Hurtgen Forest is defended by the German 275th and 353rd Infantry Divisions, understrength but well prepared - 5,000 men (1,000 in reserve) - and commanded by General Hans Schmidt
Germany · Warfare / World War, 2nd. Chronological records rendered directly from the World History Database.
Hurtgen Forest is defended by the German 275th and 353rd Infantry Divisions, understrength but well prepared - 5,000 men (1,000 in reserve) - and commanded by General Hans Schmidt
The Germans fiercely defended the area for two reasons: it served as a staging area for the Ardennes Offensive (what became the Battle of the Bulge) that was already in preparation, and the mountains commanded access to the Schwammenauel Dam.
The Germans were able to hold the region until they launched their final major, last-ditch offensive on the Western Front, into the Ardennes.
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