Remagen

While Remagen does not have a major castle of note, it is here because of its historical significance.  As I got ready to head south along the river to Remagen, I had a chance to have a COLD time of breakfast with Marc and Maryan, a couple from South Africa who were cycling Europe for five months.  Wow... talk about saddle sore!

Anyhow, I had avoided Remagen in the past, mainly because of its tourist status, but it was still worth the trip... except for the moronic "artwork" on display outside.  Sorry to those of you who are lovers of modern art, but the junk displayed there takes no talent.  Any moron can twist wreckage into grotesque shapes and then call it "art."  I won't even grace my website with such stupidity.

If you really MUST see the "art," go to the official Remagen Brucke website.  And here is the link to the website for the town of Remagen.

Well, as I approached Remagen, I got a shot of the Erpeler Ley (below) and another view of the eastern bank landing (right).  The railroad tunnel that went through the hillside has been blocked up and is inaccessible.  As it was a very dreary day, my photos lacked contrast and some of the items are hard to see.

The Ludendorff Bridge spanning the Rhein at Remagen was captured on 7 March 1945 by elements of the 27th Armored Infantry Battalion and 14th Tank Battalion of Combat Command B of the 9th Armored Division.  Ironically, it was the 9th Armored Division that was so badly mauled by the German assault in the Ardennes in December 1944.  At that time the unit was inexperienced, having deployed to France in early October, and then being assigned to the Luxembourg sector along the German border of the Ardennes for "orientation" to the front line.

The task force that seized the bridge was under the command of LTC Leonard Engeman.  The lead elements that crossed the bridge were A Co, 27th Armored Infantry Battalion, while tanks from A Co, 14th Tank Battalion provided support fires.

Below two photos of the west bank landing.  Of course the bridge is gone, having collapsed ten days after its capture.  The people of Remagen decided to not have it rebuilt.  There is a nice museum within that is worth a visit.  Moreover, Remagen as a town is worth the visit as well.