Simmerath/Aachen area...

I wasn't sure where to post this question, but here goes. I will be in Simmerath, Germany in a few months. I've been reading up and have found out that general area had quite a bit of activity just before the Bulge fighting started (Mid Dec 1944), and also just after (Jan 1945). I'm there mostly for genealogy research, but may have some spare time to look around. Does anybody know if there are any remains of the Westwall (Siegfried Line) to check out in that area? And also, Malmedy is not too far away. Are there any memorials or other things to see there? Thanks for any help. Mods--feel free to move this to a more appropriate thread if necessary.

Dave Hefner

 

Dave, for an excellent perspective of a German unit (272d Volksgrenadier Division) I suggest you bring along the book Victory Was Beyond Their Grasp: With The 272nd Volksgrenadier Division From the Hurtgen Forest to the Heart of the Reich by Douglas E. Nash (Bedford, PA: The Aberjona Press, 2008). Nash describes a lot of combat in and around Simmerath, with good maps. The best local historian I know is Albert Trostorf. Message me and I will provide his e-mail addy. Good luck.

Greg C.