bigpigeon.us webpage WWII - Germany > ETO > Lorraine & Alsace, updated by RAC 17 May 2022.
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Links to the Lorraine & Alsace Campaigns subordinate webpages:
Timeline - Key Events in the Lorraine and Alsace Campaigns:
  • 1 Sep '44 - the US Third Army begins the Lorraine Campaign to drive the German Army out of Lorraine in northeastern France and to advance north through the Siegfried Line. Logistics issues slow the campaign, and it is eventually cancelled at the Siegfried Line after the Battle of the Bulge begins.
  • 16 Sep '44 - Beginning of Third Army's attempt to capture the fortifications near Metz in Lorraine. Metz was not secured until November 22.
  • ~16 Nov '44: in Alsace, Belfort Gap west of Mulhouse is siezed allowing French forces to advance east to the Rhine near the Swiss border.
  • 22 Nov '44: in Alsace, Saverne Gap west of Strasbourg siezed allowing US and French forces to advance to the Rhine at Strasbourg.
  • 13 Dec '44: final fort in the Metz area surrenders.
  • 16 Dec '44 - The massive Germany counterattack in the Ardennes known as the Battle of the Bulge begins. 
  • 1 Jan '45 - Beginning of Operation Nordwind, a German counteroffensive that advances through northern Alsace. The siezed territory remains largely in German hands until mid-March.
Sources for the Lorraine & Alsace webpage: