The Battle Report of the 24th Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion
Foreword
The group of seventeen year old soldiers shown above were some of the German soldiers of 24th Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion. The 'U.S.' shown at the foot of the picture does not refer to the United States but Unteroffizier-Schule; -- Non-Com school. This from the gentleman from Holland who managed to acquire and to translate the story from German to English.
Some background for this story
The report of the XXIV LFB is a after-action report; - or more accurate, a "during the action" report. The only thing that's not correct in their report is the mentioning of the American paratroopers; - most probably these were American Engineers carrying packages of explosives to blow the pillboxes. Although the US 82nd Airborne Division was at the Hürtgen Forest (in February 1945) no American paratroopers jumped at the Hürtgen Forest.For the seventeen year old soldiers, this was their first battle experience and as a matter of fact, these men were glad that they finally had the chance to help to defend their homeland after 4 years of training.They came through the Kall-Valley, ... whistling (!!!), thinking that they could push back the American invaders. Their "battle - happyness" lasted until the first US artillery-barrage when they saw how their comrades blown to pieces. They jumped back into their foxholes and trenches; - some of them ran into their own minefields, their bodies hanging in the barbed wire. - 17 year-old kids. This is what they told me.Compared to many other German units, the XXIV LFB was pretty well armed, they had several machine-guns. So they held from their trenches and kept firing at the attacking American GI's from the 60th / 9th ID. - using their Panzerfausts against the Sherman tanks. - fighting with their backs against the wall. I know every square yard of their battlefield, and every time when I walk this forest, I only feel sadness. - for them and for their former enemies of the 9th ID. I compared their report with the after-action report of the 60th / 9th ID; - it all fits together.The above background information was sent by e-mail to this author by Ron van Rijt of Heerlen, Holland. It is as it was put down for the record with no attempt to spare the reader the pain that must have been felt by the staff writers and for those around them. As it was the official record no emotion or feeling could be entered or displayed - just the facts as they happened.
Additional Background Material
As this story is being written, additional information has been unearthed by the primary supplier of this story, Ron van Rijt of Holland. Ron has continued to dig additional information from those who were part of this conflict and to develop it to make the account more complete and understandable. Ron has found more about those young gentlemen in the picture above as follows. The gentlemen fourth from the left in the front row was Manfred Beuthner. The rest of the group referred to him as "Mutti, " the German word for mother. Why did they call him "mother?" Well, if someone had the Flu or a headache, or even blisters on their foot from one of those ten mile hikes, it was Manfred who would be there to "mother" them.
"Muttl" -- (Manfred Beuthner)One guy in our class was extremely helpful and he cared so much about us; - that's why we called him "Muttl" (Mother).Muttl helped everyone wherever and whenever he could.When one of us was sick, got the Flu, had a headacke, hurted his foot during marching or had blisters from our 10-mile march; - Muttl would be there for him.He would help him making the beds, cleaning the room, cleaning his boots, he would take over his duties and he also would step forward when our commander had some work to do.When someone got a bad or sad message from back home, Muttl sat down on his bed and would try to comfort him.This was nothing special for him; - No, he thought it was completely normal; -- it was simply the way he was, always to be there for others, not caring about himself.And we accepted it as being nothing special; - He simply was the "Mother" of our class.Muttl was also liked because of his always fresh and clean look; - his eyes were the friendlyness itself.He was tall, with long legs; - and he walked like a sailor pulling a rope.And he liked to sing, not only during a march but in fact he was always singing or humming.This probably was the reason why he even sang when he was sleeping, even on command of his comrades.We were standing around his bed and asked him to sing a certain song; - and Muttl sang without even knowing it the next morning when he woke up.Muttl didn't like to fight, and he didn't like it either when other people were argueing; - when it became too much for him, he simply would stand up to grab them by their necks and knock their heads against each other until they would stop fighting and argueing.Yeah, we all really liked him, our "Mother"; - he really was our best comrad.And as often is the case, the best ones will die early.Muttl was one of the first ones who died in the forest, close to one of his comrades who was wounded when the shell hit and whose life could be saved by medics.Among the many graves at the large cemetery at Vossenack you also can find his name.And although we can't visit the cemetery very often, his name will always be remembered by his comrades, for always connected to his great nickname; - "Mother".
The Battle Report as it happened
Written by the Staff of the XXIV Luftwaffe Fortress Battalion.
17.09.1944
The NCO-school of the Luftwaffe is terminated and the Luftwaffen Fortress Battalions XXIV and XXVIII are established.
21.09.1944
Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion XXIV and XXVIII take the train at the railroad station Oschatz (22.09.1944,0.30 hour) and are ordered to the II Fallschirm (Para)-Korps to the railroad station Cologne-Wahn.
Transport-leader: Oberstleutnant Werlein, BattaJion-leader of the Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion XXIII.
23.09.1944
Cologne-Mulheim 6.00 hour: The groups are separated. Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion XXIV is going to Gemund I Eifel. Transport-leader: Hauptmann Liniger, Battalion-leader of the Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion XXIV
13.00 hour
Coming in at Gemund I Eifel and unloading of the train. After talking with the General Command LXXIV Army-Corps and the 8910, it is decided to attach the Battalion to the 8910.
20.00 hour
The Battalion has reached the pillboxes -(second defense line: pillbox 64a is the Battalion command post)- in the area of Gemund I Schleiden. This is alongside the road, east of Nierfeld IOlef.
The Battalion receives their weapons and the Division sends 3 Infantry-Officers to train the men in the use of the new weapons. (Panzerfaust, Panzerschreck and Rocket Launcher 43)
24.09.1944
The Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion XXIV is immediately attached to the 347 Infantry 1-11-99 Division, but they stay the Korps-reserve of the LXXIV Army-Corps. In the place of the relieved trainers of the infantry, the 347 Infantry Division sends us some new trainers, (Oberleutnant Weber with 20 NCO's and men) and we receive some more weapons and equipment. (Divisions-F usilier -Battalion)
26.09.1944
.
A group of 2 NCO's and 9 men from Hubertusburg is coming in.
07.10.1944
The trainers of the 347 Infantry Division are relieved and the Battalion receives order to prepare for leaving. We give back the newly received weapons and equipment. The next day our Battalion is to be attached to the Fallschirm (Para)-troops;-- first at Cologne-Wahn.
08.10.1944
The Battalion is ready to be moved. At 14.30 hour, Major Johannes of the 89 Infantry Division gives the following order: The Battalion is not to be transported by train but is to get ready to be moved to the right sector of the 275 Infantry Division, where they get in action when needed. We are to go to this area by motorized transportation. The Korps arranges this transportation that is brought to "Olef'.-- They come in at about 15.30/16.00 hour, where the Battalion is to wait for them and make contact with them at their arrival. The Korps sends the Battalion 20 light machine guns to reinforce our weapons.
18.00 hour
Departure of the 1st and 3rd Company and the Battalion Staff to Nideggen: - Arrival at 22.00 hour. Because of incomplete information of Obermusikmeister Hubner as to where to put us in, we receive several maps and are ordered to Zerkall.
23.30 hour
Arrival of the first transport at Zerkall. The paper mill is to be the command post till the 2nd transport is coming in.
24.00 hour
Ordonnanz-Officer of the Staff of the 275 Infantry Division brings 6 Chechoslovakian and 4 light MG-42,-
80 Panzerfausts (48 big ones and 32 little ones),-- 34500 rounds of Infantry ammunition,-- 2 trucks to transport the ammunition and the equipment, and a motorcycle with sidecar for the Commander. (till 6.00 hour)
09.10.1944
2.00 hour
Ordonnanz-Officer brings in 2 Polish,-- 2 MG-42-- and 6 MG-34 light machine guns. 3.30 hour Arrival of the 2nd C.DMPltWY and the Company Staff. 3.45 hour
Announcement of the Battalion order to the Company leaders. The Battalion is marching through the Kall-Valley: way of order 1 st Company at 4.15 hour, 3rd Company at 4.25 hour, 2nd Company at 4.45 hour and Company Staff at 4.35 hour. Direction of the march: Roadfork at Zerkall, Zerkall - Bergstein and Zerkall - Simonskall by way of Zweifallshammer.
Aim is the "Kraden - hill" , 2 km south of Vossenack. After the coming in of the Companies we are to stretch our lines and wait for further orders of the Korps. The first group reaches the Kall - creek just behind the Mestrenger - Mill at dawn.
The Ordonnanz-Officer of the Infantry Regiment 983 (Oberst Schmitz) brings in the order for the Battalion to dig in on the left and right side of the Kall-creek. The soldiers receive their weapons, ammunition and equipment. The Battalion is digging in as ordered and waits for further orders of the Regiment. First our Battalion was placed under the command of Oberst Feind until! we were definitely attached to the Regiment 983 of Oberst Schmitz.
14.30 hour
Order to counterattack to the north I west Right flank at "forest-number" 70,-- left flank at road-fork (spot 471 at the begin of the W-road).-- The center group at foresters-lodge Raffelsbrand - Wehe creek. The Battalion is to be brought up later by Hauptmann Fischer via the west side of Simonskall.
15.30 hour
Order to counterattack is canceled.-- New order: The Battalion is to go in defensive positions on the road to Germeter:-- 1st Company at Raffelsbrand Crossroads,-- 2nd Company on the right side of the 1st,-- 3rd Company on the right side of the 2nd.-- Staff Company stays as reserve.
16.30 hour
The Companies are going to their ordered sectors, but we don't reach them because it is completely dark, we are unfamiliar with the terrain and there is no one who guides us in the right direction. Recon troops can find the positions of the Companies around 3.00 hour. The road to Germeter couldn't be reached:-- The Companies are positioned at the supply-firebreak.
10.10.1944
2.00 hour
Hauptmann Wohlrab is ordered as a military adviser.- (Battalion command post is at foresters lodge Raffelsbrand)
4.00 hour
Arrival of Hauptmann Wohlrab at the command post: Regimental order to the Battalion:- At 10.10, the. enemy has pushed behind the defensive area of the pillbox-line with Battalion-strength and 4 or 5 tanks. They probably have dug in alongside the road and are standing with several tanks on the road. Order:- The group of "LinigerJl is preparing the defense together with the fighting- positions at the pillbox 372-104, as well with 5 I 6 to prevent enemy attacks at the backside of the fighting-positions: Besides that, some small powerful groups are to be pushed north of the road to destroy parts of enemy forces. In co-operation with Hauptmann Mattai, some tank-destroyer teams are to go with these small powerful groups. Message about the action and the positions till 9.00 hour.
11.35 hour
Order to 3rd Company (Ober Lt. Krahlik):- 3rd Company is to attack the crossroad in connection with the 1st Company, throw back the enemy and push forth to make connection with pillbox 5 I 6.
12.00 hour
60 rounds of artillery fire on forest-number 70, south/east of pillbox 45.
12.15 hour
Order to Oberleutnant Krahlik:-- Recon group goes in, - connect to 1st Company, - wait till mortar fire hits the crossroad and attack. Continuing mortar and artillery fire at our sector.
13.25 hour
Mortar fire attack,--'60 rounds on the crossroad -- order to attack goes to 3rd Company.
13.30 hour
Order to 1st Company:-- 3rd Company attacks after 60 rounds of mortar-fire from south of the crossroads to the north.- 1st Company attacks when the 3rd Company has reached the left flank of the 1st Company.
13.45 hour
Planes attack with bombs and machine guns.
14.50 hour
Planes attack with bombs and machine guns.
15.35 hour
Strong enemy artillery fire at our defensive positions:-- 3rd Company has not attacked yet.
16.00 hour
Attack stopped. Company leader Krahlik is ordered to the Battalion command post to talk about the situation.
16,45 hour
Battalion order to all Companies:-- Battalion prepares for defense. Right end of the sector to Platoon of Lt. Reinhardt,-- firebreak 100 meters north of pillbox 372 to the north/west,-- Left end of sector at pillbox 104. The positions are:-- 1st Company to the right of the right end of the Battalion sector, -- separating-line to the Company at pillbox P2, road including.-- 3rd Company at the center, right edge at pillbox P2 excluding, road including, via pillbox 113, hight 485,3 and pillbox 5/6 including.
16.45 hour
2nd Company to the left at pillbox 5/6 excluding, pillbox 104 including. Staff Company stays as Battalion-Reserve in the ordered sector at pillbox 372. The Companies are digging in. All the roads, paths and firebreaks that are leading in the direction of the enemy are to be guarded by Panzerfausts. 2/3rd of the Battalion is always awake.-- 1/3rd is resting in their foxholes. An Officer of the "Grabendienst" is to be attached to the Companies to take care of the security of the Company-group. Every Company has two runners to contact the Battalion Staff. The receiving of the food is ordered by the Battalion. .
16.50 hour
Our own mortar-fire hits the crossroad.
17.00 hour
Mortar-fire asked by our FO at pillbox 5/6 and this is fired.
17.05 hour
Three German tanks are coming in.
17.07 hour
3rd Company attacks independent, throws back the Americans and is standing 50 meters from the crossroad.
18.00 hour
Infantry fire at our backside and our right flank.-- An enemy recon group probably came through at the 1st Company sector.-- Firing of rifles south of pillbox 372a, and from the woods just in front of the command post comes MG fire.
Pillbox 372a and 372 are preparing for defense.-- Between pillbox IG.3 and the firebreak there is a gap.
20.00 hour
Again checking of the whole frontline. On the right Lt.(?) Engineers 16, -- 3/1055, Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion V, sector Hauptmann Arlimar. On the left:- 1 Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion XXIV, up to pillbox 5/6. - 3 Luftwaffen Fortress Battalion, up to pillbox 104 XXIV. Edge of the Companies left flank Hauptmann Arlimar, is to become in the night north ..(?) no (?) .... Company receives order to recon.- Message has to be given to Battalion. Rifle fire, mortar and artillery fire is coming in during the night. We don't hear anything anymore from Hauptmann Fischer and Oberleutnant Trin
11.10.1944
Checking of the whole frontline; recon is accomplished. From time to time the enemy is covering our sector with mortar and artillery fire. Enemy planes are coming in and they attack our positions with bombs and machine guns. Both sides recon during the night. Mortar-fire in the Ka!l-Valley.- Artillery is shooting at long range.
12.10.1944
6.15 hour
Artillery-fire is coming in at our defensive positions.
7.00 hour
1st Company receives fire from the flank.
7.30 hour
Situation cleared by recon-group and 1st Platoon of the Reserve.
8.15 hour
Order for strong recon, from pillbox 105 in a western direction to Peterberg and 23-11-99
Jagerhaus and from pillbox 113 over the Peter-Creek. especially at the road from Jagerhaus to Kall-Valley.
9.20 hour
Enemy planes attack with bombs and machine guns.
10.00 hour
Enemy planes attack with bombs and machine guns.
11.30 hour
Hauptmann Fischer and Oberleutnant Trinkhaus are coming in at the first-aid post at the Mestrenger -Mill.
12.00 hour
Frontline is secured again Troops are connected again.
12.40 hour
Battalion order about friendly attack from the north, on both sides of the road Germeter I foresters lodge Jagerhaus.-- (This must be the attack of the Regiment Wegelein) We are ordered to take utmost precaution when these troops are coming in from the north. Retreating enemy is to be destroyed.-- Then we are to make contact with our own troops.
We only leave the trenches at my order to attack.-- This order to attack will be sent in time. Platoon leaders are responsible for their men to have utmost fire-discipline. -- Every man shoots only when the target can easily be recognized as the enemy. Continuing checking of the enemy frontlines is recommended.
13.00 hour
Order is brought to Oberleutnant Krahlik, who is ordered to send it on to Oberleutnant Wahl.
13.00
1st Company asks for ammunition.
13.05 hour
Ammunition is brought.
13.20 hour
Hauptmann Wohlrab asks for mortar fire.
14.00 hour
Mortar fire is placed on "Berta"-- (Impact area). 23-11-99
16.30 hour
Enemy planes attack with bombs and machine guns.
16.35 hour
Heavy enemy mortar fire on our defensive positions.
16.35 hour
Ammunition to 2nd Company.
16.50 hour
OURf own mortar fire is coming in at the firebreak.
16.50 hour
Americans attack.
17.05 hour
Hauptmann Fiedler asks for artillery fire, which is fired immediately.
17.15 hour
Enemy attack is pushed back.
17.16 hour
Heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire on our defensive positions.
17.30 hour
"Turklinken" asks for artillery fire. 17.45 hour
3rd enemy attack.
17.55 hour
Enemy attack is pushed back.
18.00 hour
Firing of a few rounds to aim our guns.
18.15 hour
After 3 rounds we have aimed our guns.
20.15 hour
Message comes from 1st Company:-- The enemy is at the pillbox IG 2.
21.00 hour
Lt. Kempf receives order to reinforce the men at pillbox IG 2 with 10 men from the Reserve.
Pillbox IG 3 is secured by 15 of our men, Recon group goes into the direction of pillbox IG 2.
Order to send Recon groups is given to the Companies at 20.00 hour.
22.40 hour
All Companies receive Battalion order:- Today, the Battalion has done a great thing by pushing back 4 very heavy enemy attack$. The Divisional Commander wants to bring over his sincere appreciation. It is of utmost importance to keep checking the enemy lines tonight. It is ordered:- Every hour message to Battalion.- special occurrences are to be mentioned immediately. When a movement of the enemy can be observed, this movement must be followed slowly.-- But only at Battalion order.-- Every man must know the password.
13.10.1944
0.45 hour
Regimental order:-- Pillbox IG 2 is to be retaken at all costs. Lt. Kempf has the lead of the group that attacks.
1.45 hour
Start of the fighting.
2.05 hour
Heavy firing in the area of pillbox IG 2.
2.50 hour
Pillbox IG 2 is surrounded but not retaken yet.
4,45 hour
Pillbox IG 2 still is not retaken, pillbox is defended strongly.
6.55 hour
Lt. Kempf has a nervous breakdown, NCD Eiser takes over the command. Pillbox IG 2 is not retaken.
9.20 hour
Enemy attack on pillbox 372, which is pushed back.
11.25 till 11.40 hour
2nd enemy attack is pushed back by our mortars and artillery.
Men inside pillbox IG 3 are reinforced to 1/13 Enemy planes attack.
12.30 hour
3 Americans are coming too close to the frontline.-- 2 are shot down.
13.05 hour
Heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire is coming in at the area around our command post.-- Enemy planes attack.
13.07 hour
Strong enemy attack with Infantry and tanks at pillbox IG 3,- from there the direction of the attack is going along the woodsline.
13.25 hour
3 enemy tanks in front of pillbox IG 3. --The men of pillbox IG 3 are going out of the pillbox and defending it from outside.-- Enemy tanks are driving in front of the Battalion command post.
14.15 hour
Feldwebel Herms shoots one enemy tank.
14.25 hour
Flieger NCO Paul Brose shoots one enemy tank.
15.00 hour
The Americans have retreated a little at pillbox IG 3.-- Pillbox IG 3 asks for immediate mortar and artillery support.-- The enemy attack is pushed back.
Onderwerp: Battle Report XXIV LFB - page 7
15.30 hour
Message comes from Hauptmann Matai:-- Enemy has broken through between the pillboxes 101 and 104.
17.00 hour
We receive orders to send in strong Recon groups.-- Artillery and mortar fire is coming in during the night.
14.10.1944
10.20 till 1 0.35 hour
Artillery fire is coming in at our sector and in the area of our command post.
11.30 hour
Enemy attack at pillbox 104.-- Pillbox 104 doesn't answer anymore.-- Strong battle-noise at pillbox 105, the left flank of Oberleutnant Wahl,- strong enemy pressure from the north at the pillboxes 105 and 106.
12.00 hour
Concentrated enemy attack with tanks and very strong Infantry-forces at the pillboxes 105 and 106.
12.07 hour
Pillbox 104 is answering again.
Enemy paratroopers have iumped South / East of the battalion command post.- (about 25/26 menJ.
12.40 hour
Oberfeldwebel Hansen receives orders to build a defensive line from pillbox 105 to 104.
13.15 hour
Enemy paratrooper jump is confirmed.
14.15 hour
An enemy tank has fired its gun on Pillbox 5 / 6 and destroyed half of it.
14.50 hour
Enemy attacks from the east in Battalion strength at pillbox 5/6.-- barbed wire is blown we ask for the firing support of the (21 cm).-- Its fire is on target and this brings some relief.
15.25 hour
Strong enemy attack at the pillboxes 101 and 104.
15.35 hour
Enemy is between pillbox 101 and 105,-- He is pushing through between the pillboxes 101 and 105.
16.15 hour
Enemy tanks are firing at pillbox 101 and 102.-- They are trying to bust the pillboxes.
16.45 hour
Pillbox 101 is lost because of the enemy pressure,-- Pillbox 102 and 103 are surrounded.
During these attacks, our own artillery and mortar fire is coming in at our positions and in front of these.
16.50 hour
Heavy firing in the direction of pillbox IG 2 and strong enemy attack.
17.05 hour
We pushed back the enemy attack with the help of our mortar and artillery support.
17.15 hour
Pillbox 22 and P 3:--everything OK,-- no losses.-- Artillery and mortar fire was placed on target during the attack.
17.20 hour
3 enemy tanks are shooting at the firing apertures at pillbox 5 I 6. (Oberleutnant Ferdinand) Strong enemy attack at pillbox 5 / 6.-- Ferdinand counterattacks.-- Our own artillery and 23-11-99