Battle of the Bulge Tour : Bastogne

Bastogne may have a history going back 1,400 years and is set in the heart of the Ardennes but the main reason for visiting it is because of the siege that took place there in 1944 - that is the reason why I visited in January 2017.
See more in the video!

[@cliffright1142]

My sons and I were there for the 75th year celebrations. It was mid May and the temperatures were magnificent. The town of Bastogne and it’s citizens have never forgotten the sacrifices made by those heroes in defense of liberty. This museum and monument to those men is well worth the visit. May all those boys on both sides rest in eternal peace.

[@adriang6259]

You just walked past a gravestone. One of the Germans, Werner Piotrowski. Has the same birthday as me, albeit 46 years earlier. This Sunday will be my 51st. Would have been his 97th.

[@peterstewart8725]

I do enjoy traveling and visiting different places with you !...THANK YOU !

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Thanks Peter - that is really nice to read!

[@dianeshebilske509]

What a wonderful story, and what a brave lady!

[@church.farm.plants2607]

My Grandpa Vernis Ivan Church was a Platoon Sergeant in the 95th Division with Patton Third army Iron Men Of Metz, 377TH Infantry Regiment, Company C. I’ve been trying to do a lot of research to find out more about the stories about where my grandpa was at. I’m also hoping to find some photos of him. My Grandpa also fought in Luxembourg, Holland and crossed the Rhine with General Simpsons 9TH. Then my grandpa entered the Ruhr pocket and fought with the 2nd armored division with the hell on wheels division. My grandpa saw a lot of combat at the Battle of the Bulge. Thanks Cody

[@VanlifewithAlan]

That is a great story Cody! If you ever find your way to Bastogne - there are a number of museums there who might be able to provide you with more information - although I don't know how good their records are.

[@shannonhipps5105]

My uncle was a paratrooper of 101st AB, 502nd PIR, 3Bn. He fought at Normandy, Holland and Bastogne. He was mortally wounded on January 16th, 1944. I am researching his path through WW2. He died on January 21st, 24 years old. It brings me joy to see the people of Belgium remember and honor the sacrifice of those who fought and died for freedom. Thank you.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Thanks for your comment Shannon. You will see that in Belgium it is very much remembered.

[@ibackthebluenypd3344]

Battle of the bulge was a unique and well fought one but it was unique Cuase of the way it was fough

[@robertcale6725]

good job on video of what it looks like now

[@BenchPressManiac]

My grandfather died here.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Do you know the date of his death?

[@ticofoto2063]

Thanks for the video!

[@VanlifewithAlan]

You're welcome!

[@AS-zk6hz]

101st airborne was always trained to fight surrounded. As they went in the regular troops going out told them you will be surrounded they said so what whenever we fight were surrounded and they kept going into Bastogne That's one reason it never fell

[@xman4un]

Were you able to visit the town to LaRoche in the Ardennes? It's a wonderful Belgium village which is not far from Bastogne!

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I stayed in La Roche - films now posted!

[@nicensleazy1892]

I stumbled on this monument by mistake. A cycle path runs from Houffalize to Bastogne and there it was. I was out there undertaking the LBL road race. Very moving and I thought the small glass of whiskey left by a vet was a nice touch

[@nicensleazy1892]

In fact, we are moving to Houffalize next year. Spent many years road racing around all of these areas! :-)

[@junobardo376]

Wasnt it the E company that liberated the camp Landsberg? shown in band of brothers? Will have to look it up again to be sure.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I don't know Fran.

[@flitsertheo]

The Bois Jacques with the foxholes is now fenced and you have to pay an admission fee.

[@junobardo376]

I recently watched an old tv program bout the EU from Michael Palin, doing Slovakia, Czech and East Germany. He also visited a fascility (I think it was in East Germany) where you can drive in Russian tanks.. He totally sucked at it ;)

[@dansaver8247]

Brave Americans.

[@hermann3660]

stfu

[@davidalexhughes]

And brave Germans too

[@MelchizedekKohen]

is it possible to travel here from Brussels train station ie without a car

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I did this in 1985 but I don't know if it is still possible!

[@HELLOPATTAYA]

How u make money to be able to travel like that? Are you a euro lotto winner? .

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I work from the van! As long as I have an internet connection I am OK.

[@karlaiken6152]

Did you see the large number of 17, 18 and 20 year old german soldiers buried in the german cemetery? War is Such a waste.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Not only did I see them, I filmed the cemeteries. I agree, a completely pointless waste of life.

[@ldoumen9904]

Alan, during the battle of the Bulge, it was much colder, -20°C and more... GI's froze to death in their foxholes. So it was not in similar conditions.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I say that in one of the films - it certainly was much colder in 1944 then when I was there!

[@omcdude64]

0:28 I didn't see any Atheists in the foxholes.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Not entirely true. I am ex army and an atheist.

[@omcdude64]

Me too. But you know the saying, "There are no atheists in foxholes" is an aphorism used to argue that in times of extreme stress or fear, such as during war ("in foxholes"), all people will believe in, or hope for, a higher power (and there are therefore no atheists).

[@Lappu1984]

omcdude64 the higher power of my rifle, wits and guts.

[@xaviersteenhout7648]

Sir, you talk about the cities of La Roche and Houffalize... You said that they were not defended by allies. Do you know that they were completly destroyed by US artillery and air force? Civilians were killed by those massive bombings... for nothing! No german troops only belgians. Please don't only think to your soldiers (bravé and galant soldiers)... also think about poor people victimes of that hugly war.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I constantly mention the effect the war had on civilians.

[@michelringlet4902]

Occulté par les historiens (USA , Anglais) dommage............ce n'était pas une bonne publicité __

[@offworldatom8850]

Covid camps in Australia. Looks like we never learned about history these days. Destin to repeat.