In the Footsteps of History

The Battle of Bastogne: Testimony of a child of war

In December 1944, the Allies were nearing victory. After the successful D-Day landings in Normandy, they had freed a vast portion of Northern Europe, including Belgium. However, in an unexpected move, Hitler initiated a desperate offensive in the Ardennes Forest, spanning Belgium and Luxembourg. From the Bastogne War Museum, journeying through Houffalize and on to Peace Wood, immerse yourself in the tales of Henry Mignon, a child whose life was deeply affected by the Battle of the Bastogne. Witness the wartime winter, the ebb and flow of the German soldiers in his village, the tragic death of his father, and the eventual liberation by the Americans. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of history and uncover Henry's story. With this podcast, Liberation Route Europe breathes life into the paths the Allies charted during World War II. Tune in on-site for an immersive experience, or let the audio guide whisk you away on a journey to these landmarks steeped in history. Journalist : Rich Woodruff I Réalisateur : Grace Leplat & Thomas Rouvillain I Production exécutive : natif. A production Liberation Route Europe. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

The Battle of Bastogne: A Talk with Historian Peter Schrijvers

In December 1944, the Allies were nearing victory. After the successful D-Day landings in Normandy, they had freed a vast portion of Northern Europe, including Belgium. However, in an unexpected move, Hitler initiated a desperate offensive in the Ardennes Forest, spanning Belgium and Luxembourg. In this episode, dive into the gripping tale of Bastogne during WWII with our historian Peter Schrijvers. Witness the intense struggles of a city under siege, brave the harsh winter conditions, and relive the dramatic moments of unexpected resistance, daring strategies, and heart-wrenching tragedies. From the destruction of Bastogne to the chilling accounts of the Bourcy and Chenogne massacres, join us on this frosty journey back in time. With this podcast, Liberation Route Europe breathes life into the paths the Allies charted during World War II. Tune in on-site for an immersive experience, or let the audio guide whisk you away on a journey to these landmarks steeped in history. Journalist : Rich Woodruff I Réalisateur : Grace Leplat & Thomas Rouvillain I Production exécutive : natif. A production Liberation Route Europe. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

The Battle of Bastogne: Letter from a German soldier

In December 1944, the Allies were nearing victory. After the successful D-Day landings in Normandy, they had freed a vast portion of Northern Europe, including Belgium. However, in an unexpected move, Hitler initiated a desperate offensive in the Ardennes Forest, spanning Belgium and Luxembourg. Join Mathieu Billa, Director of the Bastogne War Museum, as he unveils the final moments of a German soldier, Lieutenant Baümer. The letter, written by a wartime comrade, paints a picture of Baümer’s death, beliefs, and courage on the battlefield. Mathieu highlights the significance of such letters for families and our collective memory, as they provide a detailed insight into the Battle of the Ardennes, revealing poignant emotions and tenderness amidst the stark reality of war. With this podcast, Liberation Route Europe breathes life into the paths the Allies charted during World War II. Tune in on-site for an immersive experience, or let the audio guide whisk you away on a journey to these landmarks steeped in history. Journalist : Rich Woodruff I Réalisateur : Grace Leplat & Thomas Rouvillain I Production exécutive : natif. A production Liberation Route Europe. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

The Battle of Bastogne: Portrait of Renée Lemaire, the «Angel of Bastogne»

In December 1944, the Allies were nearing victory. After the successful D-Day landings in Normandy, they had freed a vast portion of Northern Europe, including Belgium. However, in an unexpected move, Hitler initiated a desperate offensive in the Ardennes Forest, spanning Belgium and Luxembourg.  In the bitter cold of winter, Bastogne was under siege. Amid the chaos of battle, Renée Lemaire, a shining light, stands out. Planning to spend Christmas with her family, she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a war. Together with Augusta Chewy, they transform an abandoned storefront into an emergency hospital, caring for the injured with unwavering commitment. As the city faced relentless bombings, Renée's heroism led her to be called the «Angel of Bastogne», but tragedy was looming. Join us for this touching tale of courage at the heart of the Battle of Bastogne.  With this podcast, Liberation Route Europe breathes life into the paths the Allies charted during World War II. Tune in on-site for an immersive experience, or let the audio guide whisk you away on a journey to these landmarks steeped in history. Journalist : Rich Woodruff I Réalisateur : Grace Leplat & Thomas Rouvillain I Production exécutive : natif. A production Liberation Route Europe. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

The Battle of Bastogne: A Walk on the Liberation Route

In December 1944, the Allies were nearing victory. After the successful D-Day landings in Normandy, they had freed a vast portion of Northern Europe, including Belgium. However, in an unexpected move, Hitler initiated a desperate offensive in the Ardennes Forest, spanning Belgium and Luxembourg. Meet Rich Woodruff, a journalist and hiker, as he journeys along the Liberation Route trails around Bastogne. Gain a comprehensive overview of the Battle of Bastogne as Rich retraces the pivotal moments of the conflict and American resistance. Discover the secrets of places like the Bois Jacques and its foxholes or the city’s squares dedicated to Generals Patton and MacAuliffe. With this podcast, Liberation Route Europe breathes life into the paths the Allies charted during World War II. Tune in on-site for an immersive experience, or let the audio guide whisk you away on a journey to these landmarks steeped in history. Journalist : Rich Woodruff I Réalisateur : Grace Leplat & Thomas Rouvillain I Production exécutive : natif. A production Liberation Route Europe. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.