Hello.
Next week I am going to Germany for work, and I realized I will be near Remagen. This town is of tremendous personal significance to me and my family. My grandfather fought in the Battle of Remagen. He was with the anti-Panzer tank division and he took heavy fire as he crossed the Ludendorff Bridge. My grandfather made it as far as the tunnel on the far side, at which time he surrendered to the mental trauma of the experience. He was never the same after. So as you can imagine, I am very excited to visit the remains of the bridge and tunnel so I can gather as much info (and pictures) as possible to bring home for my father and uncle. But I see that the museum is unfortunately closed. Does anyone know how I can contact a local historian who might be willing to talk with me while I'm there? Any other advice as to where I can get more info, or find photos from 1945, is much appreciated! My grandfather passed away in 1983 and he never spoke of the war, so we feel like we are getting to know him for the first time. I want to make the most of this opportunity.
Posted by
Chicago
7811 posts
I would email Contact the Tourist info center
https://www.remagen.de/Tourismus-_-Veranstaltungen/Fuehrungen-_-Anreise-_-Service/
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Also, try one of the local public libraries (here. Page is in German, but try Google Translate.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32198 posts
jenna,
I'm not sure that the towers and tunnel on the east side are accessible. Apparently the east towers have recently been put up for sale and there are some interested parties. I believe the conditions of sale prevent them from being used as a residence. The towers on the west bank house the Peace Museum, but as you noted it's presently closed for renovations.
The local tourism centre suggested in an earlier reply may be able to tell you when the Museum is expected to reopen or provide other information. I hope you're able to learn more of your grandfather's experience. You might also check with the Regiment he was serving with as they may have a Museum or at least have some of their history recorded.
If you're able to get any current information on the Remagen Museum, you might post a note back here as it will help others that are planning to visit that area. The Museum is quite small but I thought it was well done and quite interesting.
Posted by
San Francisco
14500 posts
Hi,
Do you know your grandfather's unit? His unit would have been part of the US First Army as those initial troops tried to pour across.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
My grandfather was in the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1479 posts
I applaud your efforts and wish you success.
I liked "The Bridge at Remagen" by Ken Hechler. It is told both from the personal perspective (American and German) and from an overall view of the importance of the capture of the bridge.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
850 posts
Look up the British publication "After the Battle" and you should be able to buy back issues from Remagen. That will show pictures from the time of the battle and the present.