Clarksburg Ohio World War II: Studying the bunkers and fortifications of World War II

WORLD WAR II

BUNKERS EVERYWHERE!

I love visiting old World War II battlefields where remnants of the battle remain --- from small shards of clothing and shrapnel to large fortified bunkers like the one at Pointe du Hoc along the coast of Normandy where my parents are standing. I especially enjoy touring battlefields and specific sections of the battle where men from Clarksburg Ohio experienced action. It's exhilarating to stand on the same ground, the same village and hillside, and possibly in the same foxhole.

Something that dumbfounds me is the amazing network of bunkers and fortifications along the Siegfried and Maginot lines separating points west of Germany. German forts, bunkers and tank traps were constructed by slave labor and the French nearly went bankrupt building an amazing network of fortifications designed to stop the Germans in their "tracks" literally and figuratively before they could seize Paris. I guess the lessons and losses of World War I were obviously ENOUGH for the French.

Visit the site listed below if you have time. It's a detailed look at many of the bunkers and fortifications that still remain in Europe, as well as the beautiful contrasting landscape surrounding these ghosts from World War II. http://fortenspy.blogspot.com/

Today in Ohio World War II history: Cleary departs Monschau for Eupen, Anderson graduates air mechanic school and 3 years later leaves the ETO

This date in Clarksburg Ohio World War II history:

February 24, 1942: Bob Anderson graduates air mechanic school at Sheppard Field, Texas.

February 24, 1943: Darrell Templin, Dick Garrison, Dick Shanton, Howard Bryant, Jack Ater and Rolland Bookwalter depart Clarksburg for Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana to immediately report for duty to the U.S. Army. Harmon Jobe arrives the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

February 24, 1945: Bob Anderson departs the European Theater of Operation bound for the United States. Charlie Jobe reaches the Roer River and the 82nd Airborne are relieved by the British. He returns with the 82nd Airborne Division to their Suippes, France base camp. Willis Cleary departs Monschau, Germany (pictured left) for Eupen, Belgium to reposition along the Siegfried Line.

World War II Now and Then: Exploring German's Network of Bunkers

I enjoy Now and Then photos from World War II. This is a classic example. On the left is a photo of a typical German bunker placed in a forested area to defend a specific sector of the German line. On the right is Vic Cleary and Nick Cleary examining a similar bunker just outside the twin Belgian villages of Krinkelt and Rocherath, that was part of the Siegfried Line defense at Heartbreak Crossroads. The 2nd and 99th Infantry Divisions attacked through this area and fought many days against a fierce and well defended German Army.

Even though they are oftentimes difficult to find without a map from the period, or a guide (like we had), there is plenty to see in the Ardennes Forest and it is amazingly preserved. If you enjoy studying World War II, it is well worth the trip!

Germans Breakthrough American lines, 8th Infantry moves into place, 463rd AAA surrounded

This day in Clarksburg, Ohio World War II history:

December 16, 1943: Archie Wright of the 28th Infantry Regiment, Anti-Tank Company is officially stationed in Castle Coole, Ireland preparing to train for the invasion of Normandy and Carl Dinkler (pictured left) of the 28th Infantry Regiment, A Company arrives Breandon, Ireland.

December 16, 1944: German forces cross the Siegfried Line, surprising Allied forces in the Ardennes Forest, starting the Battle of the Bulge. Roy Hawkins of the 463rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery is cut off by the German offensive. Hawkins, along with other men of the 463rd are ordered to stand by their artillery pieces with grenades in preparation of destroying the guns in case they are captured. Harold Dawson returns to Clarksburg from his base in Massachusetts on a 12-day furlough. Howard Fay transfers from Great Lakes Training Center to Naval Station Jacksonville, Florida.