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Those Who Hold Bastogne: The True Story of the Soldiers and Civilians Who Fought in the Biggest Battle of the Bulge
Hitler’s last gamble, the Battle of the Bulge, was intended to push the Allied invaders of Normandy all the way back to the beaches. The plan nearly succeeded, and almost certainly would have, were it not for one small Belgian town and its tenacious American defenders who held back a tenfold larger German force while awaiting the arrival of General George Patton’s mighty Third Army.
In this dramatic account of the 1944–45 winter of war in Bastogne, historian Peter Schrijvers offers the first full story of the German assault on the strategically located town. From the December stampede of American and Panzer divisions racing to reach Bastogne first, through the bloody eight-day siege from land and air, and through three more weeks of unrelenting fighting even after the siege was broken, events at Bastogne hastened the long-awaited end of WWII. Schrijvers draws on diaries, memoirs, and other fresh sources to illuminate the experiences not only of Bastogne’s 3,000 citizens and their American defenders, but also of German soldiers and commanders desperate for victory. The costs of war are here made real, uncovered in the stories of those who perished and those who emerged from battle to find the world forever changed.
In this dramatic account of the 1944–45 winter of war in Bastogne, historian Peter Schrijvers offers the first full story of the German assault on the strategically located town. From the December stampede of American and Panzer divisions racing to reach Bastogne first, through the bloody eight-day siege from land and air, and through three more weeks of unrelenting fighting even after the siege was broken, events at Bastogne hastened the long-awaited end of WWII. Schrijvers draws on diaries, memoirs, and other fresh sources to illuminate the experiences not only of Bastogne’s 3,000 citizens and their American defenders, but also of German soldiers and commanders desperate for victory. The costs of war are here made real, uncovered in the stories of those who perished and those who emerged from battle to find the world forever changed.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Peter Schrijvers
7 books5 followersDr. Peter Schrijvers (1963- ) is a Belgian academic and writer of history books. He earned a masters degree in Modern History from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Catholic University of Leuven) an a PhD in US Diplomatic and Military History from the Ohio State University.
Today (2014) he is a Senior Lecturer American and international history at the School of Humanities and Languages, University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Peter Schrijvers mainly writes academic books in English.
Today (2014) he is a Senior Lecturer American and international history at the School of Humanities and Languages, University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Peter Schrijvers mainly writes academic books in English.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 13, 2015
Comprehensive and readable account of this key battle.
In this detailed account Peter Schrijvers covers the period of December 1944 to January 1945, when Bastogne became the key to the success or failure of the battle commonly known as “The Battle of the Bulge”.
His research is impeccable and whilst he covers the strategic story well the narrative is brought alive by both German, American and civilian eyewitness accounts.
Whilst the German atrocities are well known, far lesser known are the Allied atrocities. Without judgement Schrivjers covers these as well as the little known use of napalm by US forces.
It’s not an easy read, but it truly does bring home the brutality of war. A worthy addition to the quality works available on “The Battle of the Bulge”.
In this detailed account Peter Schrijvers covers the period of December 1944 to January 1945, when Bastogne became the key to the success or failure of the battle commonly known as “The Battle of the Bulge”.
His research is impeccable and whilst he covers the strategic story well the narrative is brought alive by both German, American and civilian eyewitness accounts.
Whilst the German atrocities are well known, far lesser known are the Allied atrocities. Without judgement Schrivjers covers these as well as the little known use of napalm by US forces.
It’s not an easy read, but it truly does bring home the brutality of war. A worthy addition to the quality works available on “The Battle of the Bulge”.
August 14, 2023
An important read on an important battle.
February 20, 2024
Those Who Hold Bastogne is fine military history that will satisfy both war buffs and serious historians, without pushing forward the edges of scholarship in a substantial way. This is no fault of the author, The Battle the Bulge is one of the more covered events in a very thoroughly covered war. Schrijvers has ably covered a massive battle with hundreds of thousands of participants.
Bastogne, from the Band of Brothers series
The basic story is pretty clear. In December 1944, Hitler launched a desperate last gasp offensive to split the British and Americans and secure a truce in the west. Mighty panzer armies once again smashed through the Ardennes, overrunning weak Allied divisions assigned to what was predicted to be a quiet sector. The only available reinforcements, the 101st Airborne Division, were rushed to the key Belgian crossroads town of Bastogne, where they held off the Nazis until relived by Patton's 3rd Army.
And that is the story, pretty much. Schrijvers is careful to note that while the airborne gets much of the glory, plenty of other units contributed to the fighting, and suffered heavily casualties as well, including a unit of African-American gunners. Neither side had superiority and the battle turned into a months long attritional grind that saw Allied logistics and firepower ultimately triumph. Schrijvers interleaves the movement of divisions with on-the-ground stories of individual soldiers culled from medal citations and oral history projects, skillfully blending the macro and the micro.
Two moments stand out. First, Belgian civilians, especially around Bastogne, suffered terribly from indiscriminate firepower, much of which was deployed by the Allies. P-47 fighter bombers burnt out Nazi fighting positions and Belgian cellar shelters alike with Napalm. Families were gunned down by trigger-happy machinegunners firing at dark shapes against the snow. War is tragedy.
Second, we all know General McAuliffe's famous reply of "NUTS" to the German offer of surrender. What I did not know is that the general was asleep when the offer came in, catching a moment of rest after several days of constant action, and "nuts" was a mumble on awakening, that his staff decided was the best response to the offer.
Bastogne, from the Band of Brothers series
The basic story is pretty clear. In December 1944, Hitler launched a desperate last gasp offensive to split the British and Americans and secure a truce in the west. Mighty panzer armies once again smashed through the Ardennes, overrunning weak Allied divisions assigned to what was predicted to be a quiet sector. The only available reinforcements, the 101st Airborne Division, were rushed to the key Belgian crossroads town of Bastogne, where they held off the Nazis until relived by Patton's 3rd Army.
And that is the story, pretty much. Schrijvers is careful to note that while the airborne gets much of the glory, plenty of other units contributed to the fighting, and suffered heavily casualties as well, including a unit of African-American gunners. Neither side had superiority and the battle turned into a months long attritional grind that saw Allied logistics and firepower ultimately triumph. Schrijvers interleaves the movement of divisions with on-the-ground stories of individual soldiers culled from medal citations and oral history projects, skillfully blending the macro and the micro.
Two moments stand out. First, Belgian civilians, especially around Bastogne, suffered terribly from indiscriminate firepower, much of which was deployed by the Allies. P-47 fighter bombers burnt out Nazi fighting positions and Belgian cellar shelters alike with Napalm. Families were gunned down by trigger-happy machinegunners firing at dark shapes against the snow. War is tragedy.
Second, we all know General McAuliffe's famous reply of "NUTS" to the German offer of surrender. What I did not know is that the general was asleep when the offer came in, catching a moment of rest after several days of constant action, and "nuts" was a mumble on awakening, that his staff decided was the best response to the offer.
February 1, 2022
A truly great description of the biggest battle of the Bulge - a fight to defend Bastogne. The narrative is based on many original primary sources, eye witnesses accounts and military reports that show the true gore of the battle. One has to feel sorry for the helpless civilians stuck in the middle of the battle ground, with powerful artillery on both sides ponding mercilessly the area, and German intelligence chasing and killing the young men whose only fault is that they might have been involved in the resistance. Terrible times and so much innocent lives wasted because of the lunatic in Berlin.
January 25, 2015
"Those Who Hold Bastogne" was not an easy read, but was nevertheless fascinating.
I was first drawn to the tale, sensing some more background on the famous "NUTS" anecdote of General McAuliffe and the doomed 101st Airborne inside Bastogne during the Battle of The Bulge in 1944.
But in this comprehensive, and exhaustive, and exhaustive is the best word to describe it, the reader discovers, in almost minute-by-minute fashion, from December of 1944 to January of 1945, of how Bastogne came to be the central battle in that Bulge, and how many suffered on all sides to hold it.
Those who do not have a yearn for military history may get lost in the many divisions and combat groups mentioned from the both the German and American side. I did often, but it did not lessen my enthusiasm for the book. And the detailed research from the author shows the vantage point of the Germans and Americans from Hitler and Eisenhower, to Generals such as Patton, to the doughboys and dogfaces in their foxholes. The author also sheds great light on the hardships and horror of the Belgians and villagers of Luxembourg between the capture and recapture of their hamlets from the Americans and Germans. Many, many suffered in these battles, soldiers and citizen alike.
You also sense the greatness and heroism of the men and the generals fighting this battle. General Bradley said of General Patton: "His generalship during this difficult maneuver was magnificent...One of the most brilliant performances by any commander on either side in World War II."
And like Patton's performance, "Those Who Hold Bastogne" is brilliant.
I was first drawn to the tale, sensing some more background on the famous "NUTS" anecdote of General McAuliffe and the doomed 101st Airborne inside Bastogne during the Battle of The Bulge in 1944.
But in this comprehensive, and exhaustive, and exhaustive is the best word to describe it, the reader discovers, in almost minute-by-minute fashion, from December of 1944 to January of 1945, of how Bastogne came to be the central battle in that Bulge, and how many suffered on all sides to hold it.
Those who do not have a yearn for military history may get lost in the many divisions and combat groups mentioned from the both the German and American side. I did often, but it did not lessen my enthusiasm for the book. And the detailed research from the author shows the vantage point of the Germans and Americans from Hitler and Eisenhower, to Generals such as Patton, to the doughboys and dogfaces in their foxholes. The author also sheds great light on the hardships and horror of the Belgians and villagers of Luxembourg between the capture and recapture of their hamlets from the Americans and Germans. Many, many suffered in these battles, soldiers and citizen alike.
You also sense the greatness and heroism of the men and the generals fighting this battle. General Bradley said of General Patton: "His generalship during this difficult maneuver was magnificent...One of the most brilliant performances by any commander on either side in World War II."
And like Patton's performance, "Those Who Hold Bastogne" is brilliant.
December 5, 2014
(Tantor Audio) John Lee boldly delivers narration of Peter Schrijvers’ "Those Who Hold Bastogne" expertly giving voice and personality to the many nationalities that meet their rescue or death in the Biggest Battle of the Bulge. War holds its stark, horrid brutalities, and in the voices of the allies or the enemy, the soldier or civilian, the listener beholds real people bleeding and dying or surviving.
May 17, 2024
This was a fascinating book. I finally learned what it was partially like for my Dad but I will never see nor feel the horror and gore these men and my Dad witnessed. The men from WW II never spoke of their time in the war especially Bulge. This book did a good job of giving bit-by-bit narrative and play of fighting which was fierce and seemed never ending. The events of getting to Bastogne, was a lesson for us all in their strength and determination. Many times the men knew their life was on the line but they pushed forward because of their fellow soldiers. Its so sad thousands of men died on both sides because of one person who was megalomaniac. This book is excellent and gives a good perspective of the battles which helped to change the tide of war. Highly recojmmend.
April 11, 2018
Thoroughly researched and an attractive author voice. Suggest, it is a book for the military history devotee; rather than the casual reader. You must read it with a mobile device at hand and a map application. Much of the progress in the action takes place measured in yards or 1/4 to 2 miles. Well Done!
October 30, 2018
I'll be honest, I only got halfway through this book. It was one of those that seemed like work for me to read. A LOT of detail. The interesting part was that the author was able to bring together records from all parties involved (Americans, Germans, Belgians) to get a full picture of the battle. I love maps and had trouble relating what I was reading and finding things on the included maps.
March 9, 2020
A model history of the siege of Bastogne, from the race to get into the city to the Allied link-up in January. Changes focus seamlessly from the individual to the highest command levels. The carnage among the helpless civilians is fully described, uniquely among books on the Bulge I've read. Just superb.
August 7, 2021
Very in depth history
All the details can be overwhelming near the end. So many units and so many battles. I knew a lot about out Bastogne and had visited the area. Yet this book provided much information and details of incidents that were new to me. Good book for those very interested in WW II and especially101st Airborne.
All the details can be overwhelming near the end. So many units and so many battles. I knew a lot about out Bastogne and had visited the area. Yet this book provided much information and details of incidents that were new to me. Good book for those very interested in WW II and especially101st Airborne.
May 4, 2023
I've realized that reading about war can be challenging if a lot of the text covers the movements of the troops along with the number of casualties and deaths. In addition, it's also challenging to follow all the different people involved.
With that being said, this book provided me with some understanding about this battle but I feel I would learn more from an article rather than a book.
With that being said, this book provided me with some understanding about this battle but I feel I would learn more from an article rather than a book.
November 5, 2024
This was probably my first history book that dealt with a single “battle.” It was inspiring but also very hard to read at times. The heartbreaking scenes of civilians and soldiers alike who suffered so much during this battle were gut wrenching, at times. I would still recommend it, though, just as a reminder of the price so many brave folks paid to stop a senseless evil.
September 24, 2024
A great book ! By reading it you will realized how suffered the american soldiers but also the Belgian civilians during this battle. And you will learn that it didn't ended when Patton's 3rd Army arrived...This book was very easy to read and focus on personal stories.
June 12, 2017
This was a very detailed and interesting read about the Battle of Bastogne. Highly recommended for anyone interested in World War II history.
November 8, 2019
Well written and informative We'll never know the suffering these soldiers endured
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
Unbelievable account of the battle of Bastogne. A huge eye opener to the allies who took part and the selfless sacrifices they made. 10/10
April 18, 2015
I've read hundreds of books about WWII and I am always pleased when I find a book that gives me new information. Peter Schrijvers gives me plenty of new information in Those Who Hold Bastogne!
When reading about any aspect of history, especially recent history that is so very well known to those of us of a certain age, we usually know the outcome. It is the path that leads to the outcome that is of interest. In Those Who Hold Bastogne, Schrivjers gives his readers a page-turning sequence of the experiences of the soldiers -- both German and American -- and the civilians, who endured the Battle of the Bulge and the US defense of Bastogne. His well researched history gives the personal accounts of so many voices from that brief but crucial period during WWII and it is both engaging and at times emotionally difficult to read.
Students of military history are well familiar with personal stories, especially since Stephen Ambrose's works gained such popular acclaim two decades ago. Schrivjers adds some of the more unpleasant stories of Allied atrocities that help to balance the published scholarship of WWII in the popular press. Notably, Schrivjers writes of the alleged massacre of German POWs at Chenogne by US troops and he brings into greater focus US use of napalm during the latter months of WWII. That he does so without passing judgment is a credit to his objectivity.
This book is a must-read title for anyone interested in the ETO during WWII.
When reading about any aspect of history, especially recent history that is so very well known to those of us of a certain age, we usually know the outcome. It is the path that leads to the outcome that is of interest. In Those Who Hold Bastogne, Schrivjers gives his readers a page-turning sequence of the experiences of the soldiers -- both German and American -- and the civilians, who endured the Battle of the Bulge and the US defense of Bastogne. His well researched history gives the personal accounts of so many voices from that brief but crucial period during WWII and it is both engaging and at times emotionally difficult to read.
Students of military history are well familiar with personal stories, especially since Stephen Ambrose's works gained such popular acclaim two decades ago. Schrivjers adds some of the more unpleasant stories of Allied atrocities that help to balance the published scholarship of WWII in the popular press. Notably, Schrivjers writes of the alleged massacre of German POWs at Chenogne by US troops and he brings into greater focus US use of napalm during the latter months of WWII. That he does so without passing judgment is a credit to his objectivity.
This book is a must-read title for anyone interested in the ETO during WWII.
October 27, 2015
I received a prepublication copy of this book (October 27, 2015) through NetGalley with the understanding that I would publish are review on my blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Google + pages along with NetGalley, Amazon and Goodreads.
I requested this book because I am an avid reader about American history including World War II. This is the first book by Peter Schrijvers that I have read.
In comparisons to other books that I have read about the Battle of the Bulge, I found this one to be well written and researched. What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that the author incorporated interviews and diaries from the soldiers involved from both sides. In addition, he also detailed what happened to the citizens of the area which most of the other books that I have read basically ignored.
The author's ability to craft a fact based book that read like a suspense novel made it a very quick and enjoyable read. I found it hard to put down.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American History, World War II and particularly the Battle of the Bulge.
I requested this book because I am an avid reader about American history including World War II. This is the first book by Peter Schrijvers that I have read.
In comparisons to other books that I have read about the Battle of the Bulge, I found this one to be well written and researched. What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that the author incorporated interviews and diaries from the soldiers involved from both sides. In addition, he also detailed what happened to the citizens of the area which most of the other books that I have read basically ignored.
The author's ability to craft a fact based book that read like a suspense novel made it a very quick and enjoyable read. I found it hard to put down.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American History, World War II and particularly the Battle of the Bulge.
September 26, 2015
I have recently had a bent for learning all I can about WWII, and have read many books on the subject. Naturally I was interested in this one. Even with all my recently acquired knowledge, this book was hard to follow and hard to digest, not through any fault of the author, but because of the scope of the battle and the situations it engendered. It is just a lot to take in. Honestly, I don't know how anyone lived through that battle.
I did learn a lot from the book though, and will read it again somewhere down the road.
A belated but heartfelt thank you to the greatest generation, and to those who held Bastogne and similar places. That would include my Father and my Father-in-law. Thank you for your courage, determination and sacrifice. I am grateful for people like you because if I had been given that responsibility,I probably could not have done it.
I did learn a lot from the book though, and will read it again somewhere down the road.
A belated but heartfelt thank you to the greatest generation, and to those who held Bastogne and similar places. That would include my Father and my Father-in-law. Thank you for your courage, determination and sacrifice. I am grateful for people like you because if I had been given that responsibility,I probably could not have done it.
October 26, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The most in-depth book I have ever read about the Battle of the Bulge in the forests of the Ardennes. Staying objective and using German and American soldiers true stories, Mr. Schrijvers has made this highly researched book readable, with no flinching in the telling of atrocities on both sides. Even though most of us know the outcome of this battle, the path to that victory is fascinating. Recommended.
The most in-depth book I have ever read about the Battle of the Bulge in the forests of the Ardennes. Staying objective and using German and American soldiers true stories, Mr. Schrijvers has made this highly researched book readable, with no flinching in the telling of atrocities on both sides. Even though most of us know the outcome of this battle, the path to that victory is fascinating. Recommended.
February 11, 2015
Een krachtig boek dat zowel de immense opofferingen bij soldaten als burgers weergeeft tijdens de slag om Bastogne. Een aanrader voor wie meer wil weten van een van de belangrijkste veldslagen tijdens WOII.
January 27, 2015
If you are interested in World War II this is a good in depth study.
May 21, 2015
While this is an intriguing book the detail is a bit too much for the average reader IMHO. The maps that would aid the reader in understanding this terrible conflict were poor.
June 20, 2021
Interessant overzicht van de slag om Bastogne, met niet alleen aandacht voor de krijgsverrichtingen maar ook van de vele Belgische burgers, die slachtoffer werden.
December 9, 2014
Interesting history book.
April 23, 2015
A decent book, but not a lot of new information provided.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews