By late July 1944, following the invasion of Normandy, Allied forces had replaced vehicles, personnel and equipment lost during the invasion. General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s breakout plan was in full force. The plan directed the 21st British Army Group, commanded by Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, to move east to recapture Belgium and advance into the Ruhr Valley, the industrial heartland of Germany. The 12th Army Group commanded by General Bradley was to clear east through the Belgian Ardennes into Luxembourg with an end point at the Saar River Valley, Germany’s second largest industrial area. General George Patton was to advance through the southern flank and link up with the 12th Army Group. (Fox, 1994)
On 17 September 1944, Operation
On 17 September 1944, Operation