Memorial Nicolas Beaurieux

On September 12, Nicolas Beaurieux came through American lines from Roclenge-sur-Geer to Maastricht to deliver a message to the mayor of Maastricht written by General Hobbs. The general warned the mayor that if the Germans did not leave the city he would unfortunately have to use artillery to shell the city.

The letter states the following (translated from French):

The United States Army
September 12, 1944
To the mayor of the city of Maastricht
Mr Mayor,

The American troops are at the gates of your city. Maastricht can come under the fire of our artillery from one moment to the next. Our armored divisions are surrounding you. The United States Air Force and the R.A.F. have taken out most of the Luftwaffe and are standing by.
We do not want to destroy Maastricht. Far from it – we want to spare the city and its inhabitants the horrors of war. But we must overcome the common enemy. We will achieve that goal with the help of the British troops.
To avoid the destruction of your city, all we ask is to completely clear Maastricht of enemy troops. This must be completed by 7 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, 1944.
Allow us to remind you, Mr. Mayor, that evacuation is the only way to save your city from destruction.
We are convinced that the authorities and the inhabitants of the city of Maastricht will do the necessary.
The General will be pleased to receive you at his headquarters at any time.

L.S. Hobbs
Division General, U.S.A.
Commander of US Forces.