Route of Commemoration No. 29: Monschau’s historic centre was largely spared

In November 1944 an annihilating fire on the city of Monschau was planned as an overture to the Battle of the Bulge and as preparation of the attack on the allied troops that had advanced into German territory in several locations to the west of the city. Thanks to Major General Rudolf-Christoph von Gersdorff this order was never implemented. He got to kno wan appreciate Monschau in September 1944. Additionally, he knew that in addition to many citizens there were also many refugees from the surrounding areas in the city of Monschau. Plus the historic centre did not have a strategic meaning. But only the argument that a bombed Monschau would hinder the advancement of the Germans was able te prevent the attack by artillery and infantry
Although Monschau had recorded numerous strikes, the bombs and grenades did not do nearly as much devastating damage as in other places. "Only" 16% of the picturesque historic city wit hits numerous historic buildings wasndestroyed – as little as no other village of today’s municipal area.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Hans Tasma