Ochsenkopf Hill - hürtgen forest
Ochsenkopf proved to be very difficult for the American units to bypass. Due to the strategic position the hill had it effectively blocked any attempt to advance through or around the positions. Extensive use of mines also made the area very difficult. The 272nd Volksgrenadier among others hold the line at Ochsenkopf and a varity of American units shed blood here during November 1944 to February 1945.
The videos of bunker 107 and 113 was recorded on location in September 2009 at Ochsenkopf hill southwest of Vossenack in Hürtgen, Germany. Ochsenkopf had several new bunkers built during WWII when it was evident that the Allies would attempt an attack on Germany.
The map above was photographed in the parking lot marked ”P” above. Look for Bunker 107 and 113.
The Germans try to reoccupy pillboxes whenever possible. For this reason we believe in demolishing the fortifications immediately. Six pillboxes in our portion of the Line have had to be taken three times. Merely blowing apertures and doors is not enough to make pillboxes untenable. We find that they must be completely destroyed right down to the ground. If even one wall is left standing, the Germans may use it as a place to fight from. This is why we like to have men follow close behind us with the necessary equipment to destroy the pillboxes completely."
This quotation is taken from www.lonesentry.com
Rifle company commanders provide insight into German pillbox warfare in the Siegfried Line in this Jan. 1945 Intelligence Bulletin article.
”Making Pillboxes Useless
Bunker 107
Bunker 113
Pictures below left: blown up concrete from bunker 113
Above: The YouTube® video is an interview with Klaus Schultz who fought on the Ochsenkopf Hill in 1944-1945. The language is German but a interim translation is available. Click here. Courtesy of ”Konejung Stiftung: Kultur” for the interview and multimedia content.
