Q 01/05

What was the German codename for the Ardennes offensive?

A) Herbstnebel

B) Nordwind

C) Bodenplatte

D) Wacht am Rhein

Answer · why

D) Wacht am Rhein

'Watch on the Rhine' was chosen to suggest a defensive posture; Herbstnebel was Model's less ambitious alternative plan.

Q 02/05

On what date did the German assault begin?

A) 6 December 1944

B) 24 December 1944

C) 16 December 1944

D) 1 January 1945

Answer · why

C) 16 December 1944

A 90-minute barrage from 1,600 guns opened it at 05:30 across an 80-mile front.

Q 03/05

Which Belgian port was the ultimate objective of the offensive?

A) Antwerp

B) Ostend

C) Zeebrugge

D) Ghent

Answer · why

A) Antwerp

Hitler wanted to deny the Allies its use and trap four Allied armies without supplies.

Q 04/05

Which US formation was using the Ardennes mainly as a rest area when the Germans struck?

A) Third Army

B) Seventh Army

C) Ninth Army

D) First Army

Answer · why

D) First Army

The line was held by fatigued troops and green replacements like the 99th and 106th Divisions.

Q 05/05

What was the farthest west the German offensive reached?

A) Celles

B) Dinant

C) Marche-en-Famenne

D) Foy-Notre-Dame

Answer · why

D) Foy-Notre-Dame

The US 2nd Armored Division stopped it there, south-east of Dinant, on 24 December.