Night Drive to Manhay, Barkmann in the Ardennes, 24th December 1944 by David Pentland. [Postcard]

P1294. Night Drive to Manhay, Barkamnn in the Ardennes, 24th December 1944 by David Pentland.

Oberscharfuhrer Ernst Barkmann in Panther 401 accidentally found himself as the spearhead of the 2nd SS Panzer Divisions night assault on the crossroads at Manhay. Initially mistaking a lone Sherman of US 7th Armoured Division as that of his own commander, he pulled alongside the enemy tank, and only realised his mistake when he noticed its unusual red interior lights. In a brief close quarter fight he managed to destroy the M4 with the Panthers anti-personnel mortar (Panzergranate) He then proceeded along the moonlit forest roads past a succession of surprised American units to Manhay and on towards Liege, having left several destroyed vehicles in his wake. His appearance caused havoc in the US defences, culminating in a rout.

Postcard

Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)