Siegfried Line - Origin of The Name Westwall

Origin of The Name Westwall

The origin of the name is unknown, but is likely from popular use from the end of 1938. Nazi propaganda did not initially use the term, but the name was well-known from the middle of 1939, as Hitler sent an "Order of the Day to the soldiers and the workers at the Westwall" on 20 May 1939. The official name for the line until then had changed several times depending on the phase of construction:

  • Border Watch programme (pioneering programme) for the most advanced positions (1938)
  • Limes Programme (1938)
  • Aachen-Saar Programme (1939)
  • Geldern Emplacement between Brüggen and Kleve (1939–1940)
  • Western Air Defence Zone (1938)

These programmes were all pushed forward with the highest priority, using every resource available.

Read more about this topic:  Siegfried Line

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