At 2 p.m German paratroopes of the 1st Battailon, 6th German Para Rgt. were observed approaching from northeast. In anticipation of the German attack, Johnson established a six-machine gun strongpoint at the T-junction in the north ditch (can be seen on the panorama view) immediately. East of the road junction deploying riflemen in the field between the road and the river (this became "Hells Corner"). At 4 p.m.the American opened fire on the Germans from 350 meters. They fell back seeking cover in the uneven water-soaked terrin.
Although out-manned, the American paras bluffed the Germans into surrendering, so 350 German paras crossed no-mans land into US captivity. The German casualties in the earlier skirmish had been 150 KIA or seriously wounded. The US losses were 10 KIA and 33 wounded. In error, German artillery killed many of their comrades as the POW's were being marched into captivity (a 88 mm shell landed amongst them, killing 20 and wounding 12).
The pic shows the small path to the Lock. Unfortunately it was closed for detailed examination.
