The civilian evacuation of Diekirch

Around Thanksgiving Day 1944, the US 109th Infantry Regiment recovering from the costly battle at Huertgen forest, was in R&R (rest and recreation) while assuming the defence of the Our and Sauer river sectors.

The German surprise attack began on 16 December and the frontline companies of the regiment (Commanding Officer: LTC James RUDDER) were able to stop several enemy attacks by making good use of the terrain. They managed to slow  down the German advance in direction of Diekirch and Ettelbruck.

In the late afternoon of 18 December, however, the situation became untenable and the regimental commander on orders from the division ordered his companies to new defensive positions.

The Mayor of Diekirch requested an emergency meeting with whoever was in command in Diekirch. It transpired  to be Captain Kemp,  executive officer of the 3rd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, the last unit to defend the city.

He emphasized that with the imminent German advance on Diekirch and the retreat of the US troops, his population would come under German domination again. Despite the order from the Regiment and the Division, Captain Kemp on his initiative contacted his superiors and received clearance  to evacuate the town. It was conducted under his responsibility without interfering of the military priorities. It was left up to his judgement to evacuate the town.

He issued the  simple order of evacuation to the mayor to make sure that every household be warned to pack just a few life-necessary belongings. All had been told to strictly follow the instructions of  US military, local police and resistance. On 19 December during the night, some 6,000 civilians were evacuated in great haste across the Diekirch railway bridge to get to the south banks of the Sauer river and make it back to safety.

For actually ’saving‘ the population of Diekirch, Colonel (ret.) Harry M. KEMP was decorated with the Grand Cross of Merit of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and made a Honorary Citizen of Diekirch in 2004. This was on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the ‘Battle of the Bulge’.