A Saar Soiree ETO (id:#62820)

(Grumble Jones ID: GJ036)   [next]   [previous]

Lauterbach, Germany 1939-09-18 (7 others)

Overview:

Following Germany’s invasion of Poland, France declared war on Germany and on September 7th sent 40 divisions , with 4,700 artillery and 2,400 tanks into the German Saarland. Facing them were 22 divisions and less than 100 artillery pieces of the German 1st Army. The French advanced a little more than five miles into German territory. Several villages were occupied as the Germans fell back to the Siegfried Line. Lacking the heavy artillery necessary to destroy the German bunkers, the French decided to withdraw back to the Maginot Line. On September 17th, the French began pulling out of the Saarland. The Germans, not ready for a two front war, were content to let the French withdraw. But one local German commander near Lauterbach saw an opportunity. French infantry and armor were moving steadily westward towards a single bridge. Despite orders to the contrary, this German officer ordered his forces to move to cut off and eliminate the French in his sector.

Defender: French (42nd Infantry Division & 5th BCC)  

Errata (source)