German withdrawal

On 5^th January the Allies’ 21 Army Group experience sharp counter-attacks.  Although 6^th Airborne at last capture Bure they are then forced back on the defensive and vacate the village on the night of 6^th January.   The British and Canadian units re-group while the US 1^st Army continues to edge forward towards Houffalize.

On 7^th January the eastern flank of 21 Army group manage to advance again from the Hotton/Marche-en-Famenne area towards la Roche.

On 8^th January the German High Command orders a withdrawal from the ‘bulge’ to establish a strong defence line nearer the German border.

That night 6^th Airborne Division hear the Germans blowing bridges as they retreat from the western tip of the salient.