Ardennes - Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge left a lot of traces all around the Ardennes area. When looking around one can find many (small) memorials and tanks/ vehicles - either restored or in bad condition. A small collcetion on this page of some randomly found traces.
US Halftrack in Stavelot.
Panther in Grandmenille.
The Panther G no. '111' at Houffalize was part of the 24th Panzer Regiment and fought during the battles of Normandy, Holland (opposing the allied forces of Operation Market Garden) and Hurtgen Forest. During the battle for the Ardennes it was used by the 116th 'Windhund' Panzer Division after it turned over into the Ambleve river at Houffalize.
After recovering it was bargained from the Americans and used as a memorial tank. Today it is completely restored, painted and turned into an interesting monument; around the Panther information signs explain the history of the Panther and also the history of the Battle of the Bulge and Houffalize (not depicted here). Some other relics are also presented.
The famous Konigstiger no. '213' at La Gleize. This panzer was part of the Kampfgruppe Peiper which saw heavy combat during the Ardennes offensive. After fierce battle around La Gleize (Webimont farm - see) it was abandoned by its crew after its canon got damaged. It was bought after the battle by the innkeeper's wife for a bottle of cognac and ever since it still stands near the Webimont farm! These photographs are taken in 2024 - the last 7 are made in 2008, when the paint job was less weathered.