Bastogne, Belgium, Dec 14 (AFP/APP): The Battle of the Bulge was the last German offensive of World War II, and the Siege of Bastogne the scene of a heroic defence by American paratroopers. Seventy-five years on, the Belgian town is hosting a weekend of colourful re-enactments followed by solemn ceremonies of remembrance. Veterans, historians and military enthusiasts will join international officials to mark the now legendary close quarters battle on a snowbound wooded plateau. Bastogne’s relief in late December 1944 by General George “Old Blood and Guts” Patton helped seal his reputation as one of America’s military giants. But the out-gunned paratroopers of the 101st Airborne — who held the pocket for a week against advancing German armour — also claim a share of the glory. The Belgian town of Bastogne, close to the Luxembourg border in the Ardennes hills, is the focus of the commemoration, as it was of the fighting. On December 16, 1944, German forces — which had been falling back before the Allied advance from France since June’s D-Day landings — counter-attacked. Their goal was to seize the port of Antwerp to deny it to Allied resupply ships, and five of the roads north converged on … Continue reading The heroes of Bastogne: 75 years on