What's new? 2009

An unusual present

Recently, a 1.000 LBs U.S. aerial (General purpose) bomb "re-emerged" in a shack in Brandenbourg, Luxembourg, where it had been "sleeping" for over 20 years. Apparently it had been discovered in the late 80s during road works near the OUR river bridge at Bettel, had been deactivated by Luxembourg army EOD and was intended to be put up asa monument. It never was … and was moved from one storage area to another, until "re-discovered" and found a nuisance for space!!

Finally, the community decided to give it as a "gift" to the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch, convinced that they would have a use for it! THEY DO! So on February 16, a tractor brought the "egg" to the museum where it will be put on display in the coming months.

The 1.000 LBs GP Bomb is in perfect condition. All it needs is a thorough sandblasting and coating treatment prior to painting and correct stenciling. The museum thanks to community of Tandel for this unusual gift.

It is strongly believed that the dud resulted from one of the many late December 44 – early January 45 tactical bombing raids by P-47 "Thunderbolts" on the Bettel-Roth a.d.Our bridge that had been constructed at the beginning of the "Bulge" by the 5^th Engineer Bn of the 5^th German Paratroop division. This bridge was primarily used in that OUR river sector as a main crossing point, capable to bear the weight of medium vehicles. From December 20, 1944 until mid January, 1945, major supplies were ferried across this bridge – hence it became a strategically important target for 9^th USAFE fighter bombers. Attacked and bombed during daytime after the weather had cleared up, the bridge was several times destroyed only to be "patched" up again under the cover of darkness by German engineer units. As it was also vital during the German retreat in late January, 1945, it was heavily defended by various "FLAK" anti-aircraft units equipped with 8,8 cm and 3,7 cm AA guns. 2-3 P-47 “Thunderbolts” became victims to those "FLAK" units of the 5^th Paratroop division.

Obviously, not all the bombs went off – and one of them, now will remain a silent witness of the many tragedies that may have occurred around the OUR river bridge spanning Bettel, Luxembourg and Roth a.d. Our, Germany.