German Defensive Positions Recogne

Recogne, BE

The terrain around Recogne preserves traces of the German defensive works established by the **26th Volksgrenadier Division** and supporting units during the Bastogne siege in December 1944 and subsequent Allied counter-offensive in January 1945. The Volksgrenadier units that encircled Bastogne were not elite formations — many were recently formed from Luftwaffe ground personnel and naval transfers — but they were well-equipped with artillery and heavy weapons, and they held their positions with considerable tenacity against Allied counterattacks. The German field positions in this sector included dug-in anti-tank guns, mortar positions, and infantry fighting positions in the farm buildings and woodlines north of Bastogne. During the January counterattack, this ground was fought over by American forces pushing north to restore the original lines and then continue into Germany. The German positions around Recogne represent the outer ring of the Bastogne encirclement — the positions from which German forces repeatedly attacked the perimeter and from which they were eventually driven back.