Lorette Caves

As early as 22 December, the inhabitants of Rochefort suspected that something was wrong. The small town was, however, defended by the Americans: a reinforced battalion of the 335^th Regiment (of the 84^th Infantry Division), commanded by Major Gordon H. Bahe, with a total of 850 men. Although delayed by the recurrent lack of fuel, the 2^nd Panzer-Lehr-Division was approaching. On 23 December, the first shells fell on Rochefort. After a night and a day of fierce fighting, the German troops took control of the small city, while the Americans were disengaged. However, their artillery continued to harass the victors. As for the population that did not flee, they were terrorised and survived in the cellars. As of 26 December, the situation became even worse. Blocked and decimated at Celles, the German troops began to retreat towards Rochefort. Allied bombings intensified. Similar to their ancestors during the religious wars, some of the inhabitants went to nearby caves. Several hundred of them soon piled up in the Lorette cave, the Falizes cave and the Trou Maulin. Although they were safe from the battle, living conditions were precarious. There was no shortage of water beading from the stalactites, but had to eat what little they had, such as potatoes and kohlrabi. Some people lost their minds under nervous tension in the crowded caves.

On 27 and 28 December, the American 83^rd Infantry Division made their return in force. After 48 hours of intense fighting, the German troops were defeated on the afternoon of 29 December and withdrew towards Nassogne.

More than half of the town was in ruins, with around 100 houses burned down and about 30 inhabitants killed. Without the presence of the caves nearby, however, the toll would undoubtedly have been even higher.