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116. Panzer Memorial (Panther) - Houffalize (Belgium) |
Important note Photos provided on this website are not an endorsement of any political idea or of war. War is one of the most regrettable human activities. All photos on this page are copyright Robert Mary and may only be reproduced with my express permission. You may contact me here |
Historical information Nestling in the narrow valley of the River Ourthe, Houffalize is a strategic stopping-point on the major highway from Bastogne to Liège. In May '40, before withdrawing, the Belgian "Chasseurs Ardennais" had blown-up the town bridge in the face of advancing German troops. On the night of 19 December '44, the bridge, rebuilt in the meantime, enabled American paratroopers of the 82nd US Airborne Division, coming from Reims, to reach their assembly zone in Werbomont, followed, several hours later, by the vanguard of the 116. Panzer, on its way towards the bridges over the River Meuse. Believing the sector to be strongly defended, the German commander decided to change his itinerary and to head towards La Roche. Several days later, in order to destroy the strategic crossroads that Houffalize represented, the American commander had the town bombed several times. The bodies of 189 civilian victims were pulled from the ruins of Houffalize. Location information The Panther tank is located in Houffalize (Belgium) on the road towards Bastogne. |