JF Ptak Science Books   Quick Post

Here’s a fine, nearly full-page (12″ tall) map that appeared in the great and now elusive newspaper, PM, showing the Allied advance into Germany , October 17, 1944. (I have written numerous times here about this newspaper–just search “PM” in the Google box at right for a number of other posts and a short history of the paper.)  The Allied forces here are nearly into Germany, nearly at the end of their victorious battle at Aachen (Oct 2-21), and pushing up against what was about the last line of defense for Germany, the Westwall (the older Siegfied Line). The Ardennes sits in the middle of this map, waiting for its own major action at the end of the year, which was the final German counter offensive, and the beginning of the end of the European war. 

We’re going to hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line.
Have you any dirty washing, mother dear?
We’re gonna hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line
‘Cause the washing day is here.
Whether the weather may be wet or fine
We’ll just rub along without a care.
We’re going to hang out the washing on the Siegfried Line
If the Siegfried Line’s still there …

((Kennedy/Carr) Peter Maurice Music Co Ltd 1939)