Now and Then Pictures merged

flamethrowerguy · November 21, 2009, 7:46pm

I agree, rudeerude, great work once again.

A little info about these last locations. Rocherath and Krinkelt are actually forming a twin villages (like Minneapolis/Saint Paul on a tiny scale;)) and are located in the German-speaking part of East Belgium. In 1940 the Third Reich annexed this region and about 250 inhabitants of the twin villages were drafted by the Wehrmacht (71 of these men were killed throughout the war).

During the Battle of the Bulge Rocherath-Krinkelt was heavily destroyed. How hard the battles had been may be told by the fact that until today 11 bodies (10 American, 1 German) of missing combatants were found inside the village’s bounds.

Memorial for the involved US units (2nd and 99th Infantry Divisions):

Patdau · November 22, 2009, 11:29am

It’s the best “now and then” job I’ve ever seen about WW2: they could took place in a school lesson. Subjets and treatment are very good.
I take my hat off.

DavidW · November 22, 2009, 11:53am

Very good. Keep up the good work.

rudeerude · November 23, 2009, 2:36am

Basly,France
27 June 1944 - Members of the 23rd Field Ambulance, R.C.A.M.C. laying flowers on graves. From left to right : Private W. Young, H. Roach, M.G. Newberry.The left grave, Private A.J. Barnes is still in the cemetery.

Thanks to all for the positive comments.

VonWeyer · November 23, 2009, 8:04am

Their is something very surreal about the pictures of the graves…it almost feels like history coming back to life.

Patdau · November 23, 2009, 8:22am

When I was face to soldier’s graves (Normandy), my feeling was 1000000000 different from what I imagined when I am in a forum or watching pixs.
Specially when I reed the age of these young men.
And also when I read the name of deads on each “monument aux morts” in each village or city.

VonWeyer · November 23, 2009, 1:21pm

I totally agree with you my friend…they made the ultimate sacrifice.

Moreheaddriller · November 23, 2009, 3:06pm

wow these are all fantastic

rudeerude · December 1, 2009, 1:41am

Thanks flamethrowerguy for the added info,something I learned by doing these picture’s and using google map just to verify the spelling and locations.

rudeerude · December 1, 2009, 1:48am

Patdau,I am sure I would have the same kind of feelings going thru the American cemetery’s in Normandy.I don’t think I will ever be fortunate to visit, living halfway around the world.

rudeerude · December 1, 2009, 2:00am

On 25 December 1944 elements of the 463rd Ordnance entered La Gleize, where they found Tiger 204 in a field just off the main road on the eastern side of the village. After clearing the tank of any demolitions, the unit found that 204 was in running condition, and they decided to drive it to the city of Spa where it could be loaded onto a train and eventually shipped to the States.
The Ordnance soldiers took 204 east on the N33 and turned north onto a steep and narrow road which passed through Roanne and Ruy; the same road from Francorchamps which TF Lovelady had traveled on 20 December. The tank perhaps stalled more than once during its journey, since it was photographed in more than one location. While going uphill toward Neuville the tank’s engine caught fire. The fire was extinguished but the engine would not start again, and the tank was abandoned where it came to rest.It was later moved off the road and eventually scrapped.

Enjoy

rudeerude · December 7, 2009, 1:28am

In the center of the village of Honsfeld at the water trough,US soldiers possibly of the 99thID,394th IR or 14th Cav group.German soldiers of Pipers group??Anyone have more info to provide ?

rudeerude · December 7, 2009, 5:19am

Well in my quest to find more info on the fight for the village of Honsfeld,and a better photo description,I found more info.The 612th Tank Destroyer Battalion was assigned to the 99th ID.Company B of the 612th was in Honsfeld this day when Peipers group came rolling thru.I also found a good read about Company B from a few veterans that were there on this day.Worth a look if you are into the Battle of The Bulge.Its 14 pages in PDF format.
http://www.microrap.biz/612th-tdb/_adobe/company_b_history.pdf

PPSHLover · December 7, 2009, 9:35pm

Interesting but sickening article. Particularly sickening is this:

“The US military tribunal sentenced forty-three to death, including Jochen Peiper, twenty-two to life and eight to prison terms. All death sentences were eventually commuted. The last member of Kampfgruppe Peiper to leave prison was Jochen Peiper in 1956.”

So in other words a few weeks prison for each murdered PW. Sorry fo rgoing off topic but that outcome just makes me so sick.

rudeerude · December 11, 2009, 11:47pm

Something I threw together real quick.Sainte Mere Eglise,
elements which landed at Utah Beach arrive at crossroad RN13 and D15, coming from Ravenoville.
St.mer_b.jpg

St.mer_a.jpg

St.mer.jpg

Patdau · December 12, 2009, 4:57pm

Always be a fan of your job on historical pics.
Best regards,
Patdau (always looking for good pixs for the site)

PPSHLover · December 13, 2009, 5:59pm

very good again Rudeerude.

Do you have much trouble finding the locations for the “now” photos and do you take the “now” photos yourself?

Best wishes

rudeerude · December 14, 2009, 11:10pm

I find all my pictures on the internet PPSHLover.I wish I could walk these places and take my own pictures.

rudeerude · January 10, 2010, 5:52am

Tiger II. number 222 knocked out in Stavelot,Belgium

Dmke2010 · January 11, 2010, 4:37am

simply amazing… many thanks