MilSpec's 106th Division Battlefield Tour May 2012

[Carl W.]

Just a heads up from Patrick Hinchy (MilSpec Tours) and Tim Blixt (106th Association member) that they are putting together a Battlefield Tour dedicated to the 106th Infantry Division.



The full brochure is available here:
www.gomilspec.com/european-tours/
and on my site here
106thinfantry.webs.com/

"In May 2012 several veterans of the 106th Infantry Division are planning a return trip to Belgium and Germany to tour the former battlefields of their 106th division. The tour is being organized by MilSpec Tours and will feature all the important sites where the men of the Golden Lion division fought during the Battle of the Bulge. The trip also features a visit to the former POW camp Stalag XII-A in Limburg a/d Lahn.

Contact Sarah at MilSpec Tours ( [e-mail]) and ask about the big Web Special Earlybird price reduction on the 106th Infantry Division Battlefield Tour if you book before December 23rd 2011."

I'm trying to help them out with some of the planning and hope to see many of you here in Belgium in May 2012.

Greetings
Carl

[connie]

I understand that 20 some people will be taking this tour. I wish I could be among them, but it is not in the cards right now.

I'm sure that all on this board wish those traveling to Belgium and Germany soon--for this trip into the past--smooth journeys and a meaningful time. I hope perhaps we will hear a little about their trip here in the not too distant future.

Connie

Here's their tour summary:
106th Infantry Division Battlefield Tour

Join us May 13-20, 2012, as we explore the 106th history in the famous Battle of the Bulge. After bearing the brunt of the unexpected massive German Bulge offensive on December 16, 1944, two regiments were cut off without supplies and became prisoners of war on December 19th. They had a tragically short but honorable, courageous and important war since they delayed the German capture of St. Vith, vital to the German offensive as a forward supply depot and communications center. The third regiment and other 106th units escaped encirclement and went on to heroically defend St. Vith and stop a German breakthrough on the northern shoulder of the Bulge. Our tour covers in depth the Bulge combat history of the 106th, including the prisoners of war’s long march into captivity.

[connie]

The group of 20 some people taking this tour are in Belgium right now. Today I discovered a post on the C.R.I.B.A site showing a photo of men from the 106th gathered at Henri Chappelle Cemetery to honor the men from the division buried there. Here is the link: www.criba.be/

[kaben3]

This looks like a wonderful trip/tour to be on. Hopefully someday I will be able to attend or at go over on my own to the Battle of the Bulge sites. Hopefully more pictures will be posted

[connie]

Carl has promised to add some photos post trip. So stay tuned.

[Carl W.]

Here are some photos of a memorable tour:

Early morning at the Hotel International in Clervaux, which was the "HQ" of the tour group. From there we started the tour of the front lines of the 106th division, moving through 28th Division territory first.



At Grosskampenberg, most Southern point defended by the 106th, more specifically by G-Company of the 424th Regiment. Here I am explaining everyone about the positions of G-Company and the 2nd Battalion. Remember this place Floyd?



Lunch at the Hotel Waldblick in Bleialf. View towards the Schnee Eifel ridge.



Herzfenn, Germany. Since we had two 589th Field Artillery veterans attending the tour, the battalion's main positions were a logical stop. Here is John Schaffner, division association historian and member of 589/A and B-Batteries telling everyone about December 16th, 1944.

John Gatens, 105mm howitzer gunner telling the group about how he knocked out a German assault gun that threatened their positions. "There I was..." he says.



A small ceremony at the St. Vith memorial to the 106th Division. L-R: John Gatens, John Schaffner and John Swett. "The three Johns"



The Spangdahlem Airbase Color Guard was present.



Mayor Christian Krings of St Vith thanks the 106th division.



Manhay, 424th Infantry territory. A small ceremony was put together there by Eddy Monfort. Here is yours truly raising a glass with the attending veterans.



A short trip in a column of WWII Jeeps took everyone from Manhay to Baraque de Fraiture, where two of the Johns were part of Major Parker's defense force in December 1944.








At Parker's Crossroads, the Spangdahlem Color Guard again had its work cut out for them.







A surprise cake for the veterans and especially for the two Parker's Crossroads Johns by Bernadette, owner of the Auberge du Carrefour.



The 106th Division remembered at the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne.

[connie]

CARL,

This is a fantastic window into your journey and memories of the 106th story. Thanks SO much for sharing them!

Connie

[kaben3]

Thanks for sharing Carl. Great pictures.

[connie]

John Schaffner just sent this link to a video of some of these festivities. The narration is in French, but you can recognize some of the faces and places from above, including Carl, John Schaffner, and John Gatens. And there are 106th/ and Golden Lion patches to be seen, too... His e-mail title was "May 17, 2012"

www.ardenneweb.eu/videos/20120517_battle_of_the_bulge