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/

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!