Documents 277. ID/VGD Western Front

[matthias_AC]

Geographical map of the area

[InfanterieSammler]

Hi Matthias,

What great photos- thank you for sharing.

John

[W Petz]

Matthias.....Great series of photos that does give one the feeling of the conditions that the soldiers from both sides had to deal with in December 1944. I've been to the twin villages of Krinkelt/Rocherath and did some searching in the forest and around the villages. I found some very interesting items from some of the Panthers that were destroyed in Rocherath during the hard fought battle for these two villages.

[Hank C.]

I visited Krinkelt/Rocherath probably 15 years (or more?) ago. Was very interesting to see. I remember seeing one old building at least, that still bore the scars of the battle. That whole area is fantastic to visit. Love the little villages. Thanks for posting these pix!!

best
Hank

[Brian R]

Wonderful photos and presentation, Matthias!

[Brian R]

Here is my 277. VGD EK2 document to a Fla crewman with the division's anti-tank unit. Surely, he saw some actions near the woods you visited today. I was lucky enough to get this from Kevin H. a few years ago. Eilers went on to win the EK1 on May 1, 1945.

[matthias_AC]

Guys,

thanks for your replies, I am glad you like the pictures and my little report!


Brian, that is a cracking good Ek2 citation, Pänzerjäger-units are my favourites! Eilers surely saw action near Rocherath/Krinkelt, although I am not 100% sure where exactly the Panzerjägers attacked. I´ve worked out that Grenadier-Regiment 989 fought the Americans right in the forest I´ve been to yesterday, while Grenadier-Regiment 990 (Reitterer´s unit) saw action about 4km further south near the village of Udenbreth, attacking Krinkelt.

Also, it is very interesting to see the similarities of Reitterers EK1 and Eilers EK2 citation... both surnames were spelled in capital letters, for example. Thanks for posting, Brian!

Best,


Matthias

[Paul E]

Mattias on your map the area of the memorial stone is slightly in the wrong place , it should be where the words Deutsche / Belgique is !

[matthias_AC]

Mattias on your map the area of the memorial stone is slightly in the wrong place , it should be where the words Deutsche / Belgique is !

You are right, my fault! Wasn´t paying enough attention when I marked it!