Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A

This rare and museum-grade WWII Invasion of Germany map was used during the 29th Infantry Division crossing of the Ruhr River at Linnich, Germany and their mission to capture the fortress town of Jülich. Major General Charles Gerhardt, Commander of the 29th Infantry, crosses the footbridge along with his troops. 29th Infantry Division soldiers enter the city, which has been destroyed by prior Allied bombing, and flush out remaining German snipers from basements of ruined buildings.

Dated 1944, this combat U.S. Infantry map was vital for soldier’s assault on the Germany towns across the Ruhr River. This combat map of JULICH was still a vital strongpoint of German infantry and needed to be taken as the U.S. and other Allied Divisions pushed further into Germany in late 1944 and 1945.

The capture of Jülich by the 29th Infantry Division during the crossing of the Ruhr River at Linnich marks a significant episode in the latter stages of the European Theater of World War II. The assault, part of a broader campaign to penetrate the German heartland, exemplifies the strategic importance of small towns in military operations and the difficulties inherent in overcoming fortified positions in densely urbanized areas. This research explores the period of 1944-1945, focusing on the strategic importance of Jülich, the operational challenges faced by the 29th Infantry Division, and the broader implications of its capture in the context of the Western Allies’ drive into Germany.

Background and Strategic Importance of Jülich

Jülich, a small but fortified town in the western part of Germany, near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, historically held strategic military value due to its position at the crossroads of several key transportation routes. By the 20th century, Jülich's significance was underscored not only by its location but also by its fortifications, which had been reinforced during various periods of conflict, including the Franco-Prussian War and World War I.

During World War II, Jülich gained additional importance as part of the Siegfried Line (Westwall), a defensive line built by Germany to protect against an invasion from the west. The town was fortified with bunkers, tank traps, and trench systems, making it a formidable barrier to any advancing Allied force. The capture of Jülich was deemed essential for the Allies because controlling the town would effectively breach the Siegfried Line, opening the way to the Rhine River and the industrial heartland of the Ruhr.

The 29th Infantry Division and the Battle for Jülich

The 29th Infantry Division, primarily composed of National Guard units from Virginia and Maryland, was activated in February 1941 and had participated in several critical operations in Europe, including the Normandy Invasion. By the time they reached the German border in late 1944, the division was battle-hardened but also significantly depleted by casualties and the attrition of prolonged combat.

The operation to capture Jülich began in earnest in February 1945, as part of Operation Grenade, the goal of which was to advance to the Rhine by capturing key positions along the Roer and Ruhr rivers. The first major challenge was crossing the Roer River, which had been turned into a formidable obstacle by the Germans, who flooded the plains around the river by destroying dams upstream.

Crossing the Roer and the Ruhr

The crossing at Linnich was strategically planned to secure a foothold from which to launch attacks against Jülich. The operation to cross the Roer was complex, involving coordinated efforts by engineers to build pontoon bridges under heavy enemy fire and infantry units to secure bridgeheads. The 29th Infantry Division, alongside other units of the Ninth Army, faced stiff resistance as German forces utilized every advantage afforded by their fortifications and the flooded landscape.

The Capture of Jülich

After securing a bridgehead across the Roer, the 29th Infantry Division pushed towards Jülich. The battle for the town was characterized by intense urban combat, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Germans, well entrenched within the town’s fortifications, resisted fiercely, using snipers, machine guns, and remaining armored units to delay the American advance.

The capture of Jülich, completed in late February 1945, was a pivotal moment. It demonstrated the effectiveness of Allied planning and logistics in overcoming natural and man-made obstacles. Moreover, the fall of Jülich marked the beginning of the end for German resistance west of the Rhine and was a precursor to the encirclement of the Ruhr, leading to the capture of hundreds of thousands of German troops.

The importance of Jülich from 1944 to 1945, therefore, can be seen both in tactical terms and in the broader strategic context of the war. The successful capture of Jülich by the 29th Infantry Division was not just a testament to the valor and resilience of the Allied forces but also a significant blow to German defensive efforts on the Western Front. It facilitated the rapid advance of Allied forces across the Rhine into the heart of Germany, hastening the end of the war in Europe. The battle exemplifies the complex interplay of military strategy, geography, fortifications, and the human element in warfare, highlighting the extensive planning and coordination required to overcome entrenched positions and achieve strategic objectives.