Whilst initially the enemy offensive was deemed to be no more than harassing the Allied preparations for a major push into Germany, the strength of the surprise German attack has become clear. The assault on a 60 mile front is audacious and without doubt Hitler's final fling. The bad weather conditions have meant that roads are the key to enemy armoured progress as mud and snow has put paid to wheeled vehicles (and much tracked vehicles too) moving off road.
With our Northern sector now under Montgomery's control, firm battles lines have been drawn up. 82nd Airborne who were sent to the St Vith area in support of the battle for the town have been pulled back West into our sector, meeting up with the 84th Infantry Division and the 2nd Armoured Division who have moved in from the West. Oxf and Bucks Light Infantry have now crossed over the River Meuse from the North and intend to consolidate in this area.
The enemy have made slow progress from the initial attack on 16th Dec, one would imagine having caught us on the hop they would have intended a Blitzkrieg thrust. This hasn't happened partly because of excellent resistance by our front line troops but also because of the harsh weather, difficult terrain for armour and under strength enemy divisions.
That's not to say they will be a pushover. Despite their problems it’s reported that the 6th Armee comprises elite troops and it’s clear they will be making the running. They have extended a westwards finger cutting between the bulk of US troops in the south and British troops in the north. Hitler’s intention for the campaign is not clear - what is clear is they are making to cross the River Meuse. This must be our final wall of defence.
Our advantages are great. With time we can bring virtually limitless men, machines and ammunition to the area as our lines of supply grow stronger day by day - the enemy position is exactly the reverse. Our airforce effectiveness has been limited up to now because of poor flying conditions but as soon as the weather lifts aerial bombardment will surely stop them in their tracks.
Latest intelligence passed to us from bypassed units to the East is that elements of the 9th SS Panzer Div and 116th Pz Div along with some of 3. Fallschirm-Jager Div are heading towards our sector. Their lines of supply are weak to nonexistent. They will be tired, hungry and low on ammunition. Above all they are almost dry on fuel - raids on fuel dumps have been noted as a common factor all over the Ardennes. As part of our consolidation process we have been amassing large stocks of fuel which must be closely guarded. In addition, our objectives are to halt enemy progress, deny them access to the Meuse, capture prisoners where we can.
