‘The Battle of the Bulge’ was the last major German offensive in the West. Three armies attacked through the Ardennes, the weakest point in the American lines - and almost broke through. James Arnold describes the planning of the attack and the course of events, including the defence of Bastogne and the heroic delaying actions fought by GIs supposed to be in a ‘quiet’ sector of the front. The author is a freelance writer and researcher living in Virginia.