Hello, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking for information on the battle that occurred in Barr, France in late Nov. 1944. My grand father was the battalion commander of the 48th. tank battalion. He was wounded in this battle and most of his unit was wiped out in this battle. He passed away this past feb. , 14 days before his 100th birthday. I'm trying to get as much information as I can in prep. fo a trip to France. Thanks!
Kevo This is obviously a US 48th Tank Battalion as we already had a British 48th Tank battalion which only fought in North Africa and Italy - a bit more information might help Cheers
After action report, 48th Tank Battalion, 14th Armored Division, Nov 44 thru Apr 45. :: World War II Operational Documents Available for viewing online. Contains mention of the battle you're interested in. Only downside is that some of the pages aren't too legible. Cheers Mark
Hello, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking for information on the battle that occurred in Barr, France in late Nov. 1944. My grand father was the battalion commander of the 48th. tank battalion. He was wounded in this battle and most of his unit was wiped out in this battle. He passed away this past feb. , 14 days before his 100th birthday. I'm trying to get as much information as I can in prep. fo a trip to France. Thanks! Your grandfather was Lt. Col. Edwin H. Ferris. I am sorry to hear that he has passed away. Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a brave man. As you probably know he was seriously wounded when he and his Sherman crew engaged an 88mm gun on the outskirts of Barr. Although the 48th Tank's losses at Barr were indeed heavy, much of the battalion survived the battle thanks to the timely arrival the following morning of a regiment from the 103rd Infantry Division. I will start casting around for the names of someone in Barr with whom you might correspond before going there. Its been years since I talked with anyone there, but with luck I may find at least one. Definitely contact the Mayor of Barr and let him know who you are and when you plan to arrive in his town. You will, I am certain, receive a warm reception from the people of Barr. They have not forgotten the young Americans who came to liberate them from the Nazis, especially those who bled and died there. Every year they hold a special rememberance for them as well as their brothers in arms who fought there. Also, ask the Mayor to put you in contact with the family of the French physician who saved your grandfather's life, along with other wounded Americans, and hid them at great personal danger from the Nazis until the 103rd arrived. He too was a hero that day. Jim PS Can a mod shift this thread to the proper section?
Kevo - Link to the general history of the U.S.Army's operations in Alsace: Riviera to the Rhine But I assume you already have that one ...
Kevo, I located my files about the fighting at Barr. You can contact me via private message to arrange how I can get copies to you. A dear friend of mine was the Executive Officer of the 48th Tank Bn. We talked a great deal about what went on at Barr. I'll be happy to share what he and others told me about the battle. Jim
Kevo This is obviously a US 48th Tank Battalion as we already had a British 48th Tank battalion which only fought in North Africa and Italy - a bit more information might help Cheers Yes, U.S., sorry Seventh Army( under Gen. Patch), 14th armored division, 48th. TB. Grand dad was the Battalion Commander.
Kevo - Link to the general history of the U.S.Army's operations in Alsace: Riviera to the Rhine But I assume you already have that one ... I'm reading "Battle Yet Unsung" now and trying to get as much information as possible. I've been to Barr once in 1996, only for a day tip from Basel. Thinking of trying to get over there in 2014 for the 70th. with my father.
I'm reading "Battle Yet Unsung" now and trying to get as much information as possible. I've been to Barr once in 1996, only for a day tip from Basel. Thinking of trying to get over there in 2014 for the 70th. with my father. Kevo, Be careful with "Battle Yet Unsung." It is very poorly researched and contains a boat load of errors. See my review here: Amazon.com: BATTLE YET UNSUNG: The Fighting Men of the 14th Armored Division in World War II (9781935149446): Timothy O'Keeffe: Books Clarke and Ross, Riviera to the Rhine is a much better source of information as is the division history. However, all unofficial unit histories including that of the 14th AD, should be used with care. Having said that, some are better than others, and the 14th's is fortunately in the former category.
"noted" I will grab the mentioned book! I sent an e-mail with some recent pictures. Thanks for the photos. The battle jacket is a wonderful reminder of what your grandfather went through. I'm sending along a photo of the battalion Executive Officer for your collection. Jim
Jim I've sent you a copy of a letter granddad wrote to my father prior to attending the 60th anni. of lib. Barr, as well as a copy of the German unit response to the anni. gathering. I thought you would find both of interest.
Jim I've sent you a copy of a letter granddad wrote to my father prior to attending the 60th anni. of lib. Barr, as well as a copy of the German unit response to the anni. gathering. I thought you would find both of interest. kevo, Received the documents you sent. Lt Col. Ferris' letter was extremely interesting. I guess my thoughts about the Germans should remain between the two of us. Have burned onto CDs the following. "We Came To Fight" History of the 48th Tank Bn. History of A Co. 48th Tank Bn. (The company commander was a great guy who was always ready willing and able to answer my questions.) The 60th Anniversary presentation for the liberation of Barr. (Sorry, it is a power point presentation, not a video as I previously said.) Will send these tomorrow or the next day. The "Ace" Ory the A Co. commander played a crucial part in his first platoon's successful ambush of the panzers from the 25th Panzer Grenadier division just outside Rittershoffen. Together they earned one of the Presidential Unit Citations awarded to the 14th AD. I tell you this because Ace was chosen by your grandfather to be the A Co. commander. His conduct during the war, along with others in the 48th Tank, including his XO, then Major George W. England, Jr. (USMA 1940), proved beyond a doubt that your grandfather was an excellent judge of character when it came to fighting men, and what they accomplished during the war, was in part, due to his wise leadership. Best Regards, Jim
Hi, I know this thread is fairly old but a good buddy of mine was in the 48th. I'm working on putting together an information website for them. If anyone has any documents or photos that they would like to contribute please get in touch with me. http://48thtankbattalion.org PS - I just made the website today so it may take some time for DNS to update around the world
