Plastic Soldier Company BGK013 BATTLEGROUP WACHT AM RHEIN

"Wacht am Rhein" was the code name for the German Ardennes Counteroffensive, commonly known as the Battle of the Bulge, during World War II. Launched on December 16, 1944, this last major German offensive on the Western Front aimed to split the Allied forces, capture the vital port of Antwerp, and force a negotiated peace. The Germans planned the attack under a veil of secrecy, utilizing poor winter weather to neutralize Allied air superiority. The offensive initially caught the Allies by surprise, creating a large "bulge" in the front lines, hence the name "Battle of the Bulge."

Despite early successes, including the encirclement of American forces in Bastogne, the offensive ultimately failed due to staunch Allied resistance, logistical issues, and the inability to capture key objectives. By late January 1945, the Germans were forced to retreat, marking the end of major German offensive operations in the West and hastening the final Allied advance into Germany.

Wacht am Rhein remains one of the most famous and dramatic battles of the war, showcasing both the desperation of the German military and the resilience of Allied forces.

Campaign supplement to re-fight the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes in the winter of 1944.