What units were in the Battle of the Bulge? The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Counteroffensive, was one of the largest and most complex battles of World War II. It took place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, in the Ardennes forest of Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. The battle involved numerous units from both the Allied and Axis forces, each playing a crucial role in the outcome of the conflict.
The German forces, under the command of Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt, launched the offensive with the goal of capturing the port of Antwerp and splitting the Allied forces. The German units involved in the Battle of the Bulge included:
1. Panzergruppe Guderian: This elite panzer force was commanded by General Hasso von Manteuffel. It consisted of the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 9th Panzer Divisions, as well as the 116th Panzer Division.
2. 6th Army: commanded by General Ferdinand Schörner, the 6th Army played a significant role in the northern sector of the offensive. It included the 1st SS Panzer Division, the 2nd SS Panzer Division, and the 9th Panzer Division.
3. 5th Panzer Army: under the command of General Hoth, the 5th Panzer Army was responsible for the southern sector of the offensive. It included the 1st SS Panzer Division, the 2nd SS Panzer Division, and the 12th SS Panzer Division.
4. 7th Army: commanded by General Kurt von Tippelskirch, the 7th Army was tasked with defending the northern flank of the offensive. It included the 2nd Panzer Division and the 352nd Infantry Division.
On the Allied side, various units from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada participated in the Battle of the Bulge:
1. U.S. Army: The U.S. Army played a crucial role in the battle, with several divisions involved. These included the 101st Airborne Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 9th Infantry Division, the 10th Armored Division, and the 28th Infantry Division.
2. British Forces: The British forces, under the command of General John Crook, included the 1st British Corps and the 29th Division.
3. Canadian Forces: The Canadians, led by General Harry Foulkes, contributed the 1st Canadian Corps to the battle.
The Battle of the Bulge was marked by intense fighting, heavy casualties, and a fierce determination from both sides. The units mentioned above were instrumental in shaping the outcome of this pivotal conflict. While the German forces initially made significant gains, the tenacity of the Allied units eventually led to their retreat and the end of the battle. The Battle of the Bulge remains a significant event in World War II history, highlighting the bravery and resilience of the units involved.
