Bulge 16.01s alt

[Plain Ian]

Heres the position in the south.

4th ID despite being reinforced by 10th AD withdrew behind the Alzette R. Germans pulled Panzer Lehr south to reinforce their drive. Diekirch and Ettelbruch could not be held. This plus unbelievable artillery meant that I couldn't hold. Germans have threatened isolation so Rgt of 101st had to be diverted south to prevent this.

Bastogne: battered 28th plus two CC's of 4th AD fell back here but had no chance of holding when 2nd Panzer finally massed. 101st arrived but too late. 101st will slide south.
82nd now on stream and has been sent south as well. Will take up position north of Bastogne and relieve remnants of 106th. This will open a corridor to Marche but without armour I cannot see the sense in using infantry to stop panzers. (2nd Panzer has 60+ tanks and 30+ assault guns)

Arrival of 4th Armoured on 20th? will allow 501st Para to move north however situation at Alzette is critical. 4ID/4AD are heavily fatigued. Enemy have bridgehead at Mersch and in the north and Panzer Lehr is in strength and rampant. Further withdrawls west are planned.