User:Oberiko/Battle for Metz

Battle for Metz

Men of the 378th Infantry are shown on the morning of November 17 1944 entering Metz in pursuit of the enemy along roads strewn with abandoned equipment

Conflict: World War II, Lorraine Campaign

Date: September 27 – November 22 1944

Location: Metz, France

Outcome: American victory

Combatants

Commanders

Strength

Casualties

At least 2,600 men

The Battle for Metz is the name of a series of battles engaged by the Allied U.S. Third Army and German defenders around Metz, the most heavily fortified city in Western Europe.

Background[edit]

On August 31, after a rapid campaign in Northern France, Patton's Third Army was forced to come to a stop at in Lorraine at the Meuse River due to a lack of fuel.

Several factors were responsible for the Third Army's critical supply situation. The first was the rapid advance made by all Allied forces since the breakout at Normandy. The second was the lack major ports for resupply. The third reason was that supplies which were available were prioritized for Montgomery's northern forces in their attempts to cross the Rhine and open Antwerp.