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My Father was at Rosieres

My Father was at Rosieres
 
My Father's Company was in Belgium at Vielsalm from 24 October to 18 December 1944, at the start of the Bulge.
 
On 22 December they were at Rosieres (near Vaux-sur-Sure) with the 28th Infantry Division. 
 
Just before dawn on 22 December 1944, an enemy force of unknown strength composed of an armoured vehicle and two trucks accompanied by infantry approached our position, from the East, on highway N-15.  One of the enemy fumbled with the wires leading to the crater charge, therefore it was blown (The enemy apparently knew of the existence of this charge). 
 
Upon the blowing of the crater, a fire fight commenced; a tank destroyer disabled the armoured vehicle and one truck (approx. 2-ton capacity, which were later completely destroyed); bazooka fire disabled one truck, which was of approximately 2-ton capacity, (this truck was later completely destroyed). Later in the day another truck was disabled. 
 
The fire fight continued until about 1600.  The enemy used small arms machine guns and mortar fire.  From 1600 until just before dusk there was a lull in the firing.  At approximately 1630 a force similar to ours located in vicinity of Nives; on our right flank dropped back leaving our right flank exposed. 
 
 Frank J. Bradshaw
 
At the same time six German tanks were reported approaching Vaux Lez Rosières from the vicinity of Nives; and a force of enemy of approximately 200 men approaching our right flank from the West.  The situation was reported to HQ 28th Infantry Division asking what action we should take. Orders from Commanding General, 28th Infantry Division were: "If its tanks fight it out; if its infantry fall back." 
 
At this time additional infantry of approximately company strength approached our front right flank and more enemy of unknown number on our front left flank.  Enemy infantry came around our exposed right flank. Under these conditions Captain Anderson give orders for the unit to fall back to the woods on the West, and then proceed by parties to the rear.  The enemy suffered casualties estimated at approximately 50-75 men; one prisoner was captured and turned over to the 28th Infantry Division. 
 
At Neufchateau, the remnants of the company were gathered together and proceeded to Bouillon, thence to Jamoigne and finally Grandprè, France where the company was reorganized. It was found that the company had suffered eighteen casualties (Missing in action) and later reports brought the number down to thirteen men missing in action. 
 
T/Sgt Frank J. BRADSHAW's son

527th Engineer Light

Pontoon Company

VIII Corps

Campaigns

Battle of the Bulge,

Belgium