90-MM. GUN MOTOR CARRIAGE M36 in Metz. The capture of Metz was hindered by rain and floods which canceled the heavy air support and made the advance difficult for the ground forces. The attack started on 8 November with only artillery support and it was not until 22 November that the city was finally clear of all enemy pockets of resistance. The last of the forts which ringed the city was taken on 13 December. The Third Army was then confronted by one of the strongest sections of the West Wall, and since its reduction would require a vast amount of artillery support, the attacks were suspended until the necessary ammunition could be brought up.] [Illustration: FRANCE MOSELLE RIVER CANAL FORT ST. JULIEN ROUNDHOUSES FORT DE QUEULEU THE CITY OF METZ showing the location of two of the forts which ringed the city. These and other forts presented problems to the assaulting troops.] [Illustration: GERMANY AND FRANCE THANKSGIVING DINNER AT THE FRONT. During October and November 1944 the cold, rain, fog, and floods made living conditions of the front-line troops miserable. The battle against the weather was as difficult as that against the enemy.] [Illustration] [Illustration: FRANCE ENGINEERS HAULING BRIDGING EQUIPMENT in flooded areas of the Moselle River. The flooded rivers and smaller streams made the task of bridging extremely difficult during this period of the fighting along the German frontier since, in addition to the wider than normal spans necessary to cross the rivers, the weather was cold and rainy, adding to the hardships of those employed in the task.] [Illustration] [Illustration: GERMANY TRACK EXTENSIONS being put on the track of a medium tank. The maneuverability of tanks and other tracked vehicles was greatly hampered by mud along the front lines. Confronted by a problem more serious than anticipated, Ordnance personnel quickly designed and started production of track extensions at the rate of 156 separate pieces for each tank. Civilian manufacturing facilities were utilized in France and Belgium and before the program was completed 1,500,000 extensions had been made and welded to the tank tracks.] [Illustration: FRANCE AN M4A3 MEDIUM TANK fitted with track extensions maneuvering through soupy ground. Track extensions were so devised as to give better flotation and traction through the November mud.] [Illustration: GERMANY