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Le village de Verdenne pendant la Bataille des Ardennes

Discovery and recreation

The village of Verdenne suffered greatly during the Battle of the Bulge. One of the streets is named Noël 1944, and a monument has been erected in memory of several resistance fighters who were shot in September 1944. The ridge of wooded hills stretching along the Marche-Hotton road, located between the Ardennes massif and the Famenne plain, represents a promontory that, once crossed, opens access to the Meuse. Aware of the danger posed by the advance of German armored vehicles towards the Famenne plain, the Allied command orders the 84th Infantry, based near Aix-la-Chapelle, to move towards Marche-en-Famenne. On the evening of December 20, the first American units take position along the Hollogne - Verdenne - Marenne - Menil ridge with the mission to prevent, at all costs, the advance of German tanks. At the same time, a roadblock is set up at Hollogne on the Bastogne - Namur road, forcing the 2. Panzer to change its route. Meanwhile, having failed to cross the Ourthe at Hotton, the 116. Panzer turns back, passes through La Roche, and advances towards Marche via the village of Verdenne. In the afternoon of December 24, the Germans occupy the village. On Christmas night, the Americans counterattack and after fierce fighting, occupy the village which will then be taken and retaken by each of the belligerents. On the evening of December 26, after extremely violent house-to-house fighting and sometimes hand-to-hand combat, Verdenne is finally liberated. Only about 600 survivors from the 116. Panzer manage to escape from the "Pocket of Verdenne." By January 3, 1945, the units of the 84th Infantry, relieved by the Welsh of the 53rd Welsh Division, move to occupy new positions between Hotton and Manhay and participate in the counter-offensive according to the plans established by the Allies. (See also route no. 1 pages 12 and 13). (Source text: Guy Blockmans / OPT).
Address 6900 Verdenne

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