The American capture of the Bridge at Remagen

The Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen has quite a remarkable story. Both the Allies and the Germans tried to destroy it and despite taking a lot of damage from both sides, the bridge would remain standing. Tragically as we will discuss later, coming down on its own on the 25th of March 1945.

The 9th Armoured Division of the US First Army was tasked with scouting the town of Remagen. Nicknamed the “Phantom” division as the unit had been repeatedly reported by the Germans to have been destroyed encountered weak and sporadic resistance.

On the morning of March 7, Lt. Col. Leonard Engeman was stunned to look through his binoculars and see the Ludendorff Bridge still intact with German troops of the 15th Army still retreating across.
Lt. Karl Timmermann, who had been born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1921 was tasked with leading an advance force, which included some of the new M26 Pershing tanks, into the town to capture the bridge.

The resulting capture of the Ludendorff Bridge has led both US and German military authorities to agree its capture shortened the war. The Ludendorff Bridge was not rebuilt after the Second World War and all that remains of the site today are the twin towers on either side. On the western bank is a museum detailing the battle for the bridge with a strong emphasis on peace.

Видео The American capture of the Bridge at Remagen канала On The Front Tours