American logistics in the Western Allied invasion of Germany supported operations in Northwest Europe during World War II from January 1945 until the end of the war in Europe on 8 May. The Allies had to advance across the Rhineland, which was in the grip of thaws, rains and floods. They were then confronted by the Rhine, the most formidable barrier to the Allied advance since the English Channel. The river was crossed and bridged, and railways and pipelines were run across it. Most supplies were delivered by rail. In the final advance into the heart of Germany, combat losses and ammunition expenditure declined, while shortages of fuel and spare parts developed, as was to be expected in fast-moving mobile operations. Railheads were pushed forward, with the rehabilitation of the network keeping pace with the advance, while the Motor Transport Service organized an express service that moved supplies from the railheads to the forward units.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_logistics_in_the_Western_Allied_invasion_of_Germany

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1842:

A train derailed and caught fire near Versailles, France, killing at least 52 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versailles_rail_accident

1927:

French aviators Charles Nungesser and François Coli aboard the biplane L'Oiseau Blanc took off from Paris, attempting to make the first non-stop flight to New York, only to disappear before arrival. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Oiseau_Blanc

1963:

In Huế, South Vietnam, soldiers opened fire into a crowd of Buddhists protesting against a government ban on the flying of the Buddhist flag on Phật Đản, killing nine and sparking the Buddhist crisis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hu%E1%BA%BF_Ph%E1%BA%ADt_%C4%90%E1%BA%A3n_shootings

1972:

Four members of Black September hijacked Sabena Flight 571 to demand the release of 315 Palestinians convicted on terrorism charges. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabena_Flight_571

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

VE Day: Short for Victory in Europe Day: the date 8 May 1945 when Germany unconditionally surrendered its armed forces to the Allies, bringing World War II to an end; and each anniversary commemorating that date. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/VE_Day

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

God bless you all. This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In our long history, we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, man or woman, has done their best.   --Winston Churchill https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill