Ardennes 1944

On 16 December 1944 Hitler launched his “last gamble” in the snow-covered forests of the Ardennes. He believed he could split the Allies by driving all the way to Antwerp then force the Canadians and the British out of the war. Although his generals were doubtful of success younger officers and NCOs were desperate to believe that their homes and families could be saved from the vengeful Red Army approaching from the east. The harsh winter conditions and the savagery of the battle became comparable to the eastern front. And after massacres by the Waffen-SS even American generals approved when their men shot down surrendering Germans. The Ardennes was the battle which finally broke the back of the Wehrmacht.