Battle of Paderborn (1945) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Paderborn
Part of the Western Allied invasion of Germany in the Western Front of the European theatre of World War II
Date 30–31 March 1945 Location Paderborn, Germany Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Germany
Commanders and leaders
Maurice Rose  † Doyle Hickey Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr.	Hans Stern Wolf Koltermann  †
Units involved
3rd Armored Division 104th Infantry Division	Heavy Tank Battalion 507th Heavy Panzer Battalion
Strength
3 Combat Commands	60 tanks
Casualties and losses
17 M4 tanks destroyed 1 M-36 destroyed 17 half-tracks destroyed	3 Tiger II tanks destroyed

The Battle of Paderborn was an important fight during the final days of World War II in Europe. It happened in Paderborn, Germany, from March 30 to 31, 1945. This battle was part of the Western Allied invasion of Germany, where Allied forces pushed deep into German territory.

A very sad event occurred during this battle. Major General Maurice Rose, who led the 3rd Armored Division, was killed. He was ambushed outside Paderborn on March 30. General Rose was the highest-ranking American general to die in battle on the Western Front during the war.

The Final Push into Germany

Allied Forces Advance

In the last weeks of March 1945, American forces were moving very quickly into Germany. They were trying to end the war. General George Patton's Third Army had already crossed the Rhine river. This was a major barrier.

Other American armies were also making big advances. The First Army was fighting hard for the Remagen bridgehead. This was a key bridge over the Rhine. British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery's 21st Army Group was also crossing into the Ruhr Area. The Ruhr was a very important industrial region in Germany.

Why Paderborn Was Important

Paderborn was a key city because of its location. It was a major crossroads for roads and railways. Capturing it would help the Allies cut off German forces. It would also allow the Allies to continue their advance deeper into Germany. The battle was short but intense.

Who Fought in Paderborn?

American Forces

The main American units involved were the 3rd Armored Division and the 104th Infantry Division. These were strong and experienced groups. They had three "Combat Commands," which are like smaller, flexible fighting teams.

German Defenders

The German forces were trying to defend their homeland. They included a Heavy Tank Battalion and the 507th Heavy Panzer Battalion. These units had about 60 tanks, including powerful Tiger II tanks. Many of the German soldiers were young or older men. They were fighting to protect their country.

What Happened During the Battle?

Fierce Fighting

The battle was a clash between American tanks and German defenders. The American forces pushed into the city. They met strong resistance from German tanks and soldiers. The fighting was intense and often close-quarters.

American Victory

Despite the tough fighting, the American forces won the battle. They managed to defeat the German defenders. This victory was important for the overall Allied advance. It helped clear the way for further operations.

Casualties and Losses

Both sides suffered losses. The Americans lost 17 M4 tanks and one M-36 tank destroyer. They also lost 17 half-tracks, which are armored vehicles. The German forces lost three of their powerful Tiger II tanks. These numbers show how fierce the battle was.

A Sad Loss: General Rose

Major General Maurice Rose was a brave and respected leader. He was known for leading his troops from the front. On March 30, he was ambushed by German forces. He was killed during this ambush. His death was a great loss for the American army. He was the highest-ranking American general killed in action on the Western Front.

After the Battle

The American victory at Paderborn helped the Allies continue their push. It was one of many battles that led to the end of World War II in Europe. The war officially ended just over a month later, in May 1945.