Schankegriecht December 1944

After the surprise attack in the Ardennes by the Wehrmacht on the 16th of December 1944, a decisive battle took place at this place called “Schankegriecht” between German and American troops. Early in the morning, Patton’s troops encountered German soldiers who had entrenched themselves in foxholes and woods along this road. Amid heavy snowfall, both sides fought fiercely. After a brief retreat by the Americans, German bullets hit the first houses in Pratz, fatally wounding three GIs. The American troops quickly positioned their artillery, leading to intense fighting until the German attackers withdrew after suffering heavy losses. On the 23rd of December, the Americans launched one final attack on the German positions entrenched in the woods, where afterwards they found only around 14 survivors. On the large photograph, you may see some German prisoners of war, who had previously fought in this area. Now, the southern access to the Wark Valley was open for Patton’s troops, who immediately continued their advance northward (toward Eschdorf).