Resistance in Gembloux

While the "Prioux" cavalry corps fought the Panzer Divisions of the German XVI Motorized Corps in the battle of Hannut, infantry divisions of General Blanchard's 1st Army reached the "LPR" (Ligne Principale de Défense), which was the main line of …

1940-05-15

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While the "Prioux" cavalry corps fought the Panzer Divisions of the German XVI Motorized Corps in the battle of Hannut, infantry divisions of General Blanchard's 1st Army reached the "LPR" (Ligne Principale de Défense), which was the main line of defense set up in the region of Gembloux, along the Bruxelles-Namur railroad. The 1st Moroccan Division was deployed on the left (between Gembloux and Ernage) and the 15th motorized infantry division on the right (between Gembloux and Beuzet). On May 14, the German troops reached this region. The following morning, the German attack started with an artillery barrage, immediately followed by "Stukas" bombing the defensive positions. Then the 3rd and the 4th Panzer Divisions charged the French lines. The 2nd and the 7th TRM repelled a violent assault and held their position. The unexpected Resistance caused confusion in the German ranks and General Hoepner ordered his Panzers to retreat. Infantrymen of the 12th Schützenregiment, who had taken heavy casualties, also fell back. In the afternoon, the French 35th BCC and 2nd RTM counter-attacked and re-occupied the line of defense in Ernage. However, this French victory proved to be pointless; the German breakout at Sedan forced the 1st Army to retreat behind another line of Resistance at Charleroi-Waterloo.

Ernage, Belgium

The Battle of Belgium or Belgian Campaign, often referred to within Belgium as the 18 Days' Campaign, formed part of the greater Battle of France, an offensive campaign by Germany during the Second World War. It took place over 18 days in May 1940 and ended with the German occupation of Belgium following the surrender of the Belgian Army.

Wikipedia: Battle of Belgium

German

French

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Board Type: Countryside

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