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Echternach, the oldest town in Luxembourg, on the Sauer River, which forms the border with Germany. Severely damaged, but now rebuilt.
The 841st left Luxembourg City by noon on Sunday, Mar 4, 1945, heading east toward Echternach, about 30 miles away. Their destination was Bollendorf, about 10 miles North on the Sauer.
Basilica after bombings, now rebuilt
The destroyed bridge across the Sauer at Echternach, with a temporary Army Engineer's replacement behind the ruins.
Vintage postcard view of the original bridge.
Building on the left was the Dingstuhl, a kind of Meeting Hall, or Courthouse.
Rebuilt Dingstuhl and Market Square with Basilica in the background
These 3 photos show men (not 841st) erecting the sign on this newly completed bridge, built by Company F of the 1303 General Service Engineer Regiment, under Capt. Walford Gradison. The photographer noted it as the "Saar River". I was uncertain this was the "Saar". Based on the 841st History, there were 2 rivers they came to or crossed (with similar names). On Sunday, Dec 11th, they came to Sarralbe, France, on the Saar River Basin (not on the German border). They were there until Dec 21st, when they headed out toward Luxembourg City and Dudelange. Then, after several weeks around Luxembourg City, on Mar 4th, they headed East toward Germany, to Echternach (about 24 miles away), on the Sauer River, which creates a part of the border of Luxembourg and Germany. (Sauer in German, or Sure in French). They followed the road along the river up to their destination: Bollendorf. So, this bridge was built to cross over the Sauer to Bollendorf, Germany (hence the sign saying "Germany Ahead").
I found this later photo that verifies the location. "Military policeman Private Roy M. Alsman of Battlecreek, Michigan, tightens a noose on an effigy of Adolf Hitler made by the US Third Army after they built a bridge over the Sauer River at Bollendorf, Germany, 21st February 1945. The bridge is named after the Third Army commander General George S Patton."
Hill at the Gen. Patton Bridge on Sauer River, at Bollendorf
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