This Day In History

Intelligence had been clued that a German offensive had been planned for the first of the year. Necessary were the construction of floating Bailey bridges across the Maas River and the Albert Canal. Among others, these bridges were a Godsend to Army traffic responsible for moving large amounts of troops and supplies. German ground activity had drawn attention to the importance of the bridges across the Maas, at the same time prepared for intentional destruction, if needed. Previously Germans had made strong efforts to attack any bridge available while Ninth Army guards were ordered to fire on all water-borne objects nearing bridges and to be on the lookout for the ?gamma swimmers? who were trained to move downstream and place charges of explosives on the bridges Every effort was made to protect the bridges once construction started until they were completed. Uses for the American ?Bofors? or anti-aircraft came into use to protect bridges. The AAA units became an integral part of all Divisions because of their mobility, their initial intended use to fire on aircraft, but then in combat their use against tanks, and a multitude of purposes verified their value.

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