The Dinant Bridgehead

The River Meuse was the last major natural obstacle preventing an armored breakout from the Ardennes. It was imperative for the Germans that a number of viable crossings be established before the Allies could re-group. One of three such crossings on the 13th occurred just below Dinant, where …

1940-05-13

A065

The River Meuse was the last major natural obstacle preventing an armored breakout from the Ardennes. It was imperative for the Germans that a number of viable crossings be established before the Allies could re-group. One of three such crossings on the 13th occurred just below Dinant, where Rommel’s 7th Panzer Division breached the defenses. During the night of the 12th, a German motorcycle patrol had crossed the river, sans cycles, on an intact weir near the village. Once they were discovered, the weir was destroyed behind them and bitter French counterattacks threatened to eliminate the tiny bridgehead. The Germans were so shaken by their heavy casualties that Rommel took personal command of the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Regiment to resume the crossing attempt during the morning.

Houx, 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.

German

French

Scenario Type = Standard