The Dornot Watermark

With its series of forts and prepared positions, the area around the historic Lorraine city of Metz was to become known as “Fortress Metz” to the U.S. forces fighting in Europe. The first test in the long campaign which was to earn the city its name came in early …

1944-09-10

U34

With its series of forts and prepared positions, the area around the historic Lorraine city of Metz was to become known as “Fortress Metz” to the U.S. forces fighting in Europe. The first test in the long campaign which was to earn the city its name came in early September with the crossing of the Moselle River just south of the city. With few reinforcements available, the Americans were unable to expand their position and were under almost constant enemy attack. When elements of the 5th Division crossed the Moselle south of Dornot near Arnaville, it was decided that the Dornot bridgehead could be withdrawn without undue hazard to the new crossing. The American engineers used what few boats were available to evacuate the wounded. Unaware of the American withdrawal, the Germans had scheduled an attack for the same evening.

Dornot, Germany

The Battle of Metz was a battle fought during World War II at the city of Metz, France, from late September 1944 through mid-December between the U.S. Third Army commanded by Lieutenant General George Patton and the German Army commanded by General Otto von Knobelsdorff. Strong German resistance resulted in heavy casualties for both sides. The city was captured by U.S. forces and hostilities formally ceased on 22 November; the last of the forts defending Metz surrendered on 13 December.

German

American

Scenario Type = Standard