Description:

BUILDING THE HODGES RHINE BRIDGE AT BAD GODESBERG
An important grouping of maps, documents and insignia from U.S. Sergeant of Engineers Rodney O. Brown with the 1110 Engineer Combat Group closely and associated with the construction of the crucial 'Dual Carriageway Class 40-70 Bailey Barge Bridge' across the Rhine River at Bad Godesberg, Germany. Construction of the 1,180 foot long bridge began on March 26, 1945 and the bridge opened to traffic on April 6, accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles per day carrying the heaviest loads. The bridge would be named 'Hodges Bridge' in honor of U.S. Gen Courtney Hodges, commander of the 1st U.S. Army. This large grouping includes: a 28.5 x 22 in. original blueprint, a 'Plan & Elevation Views' of the proposed bridge, Mar. 30, 1945 showing a top, down view with various specifics; a complete set of 18 original 13 x 8 in. blueprints showing every aspect of construction of the bridge, including various views, guy lines, abutments, decking, landing piers, gunwales, pier supports, approaches, sentry boxes, wire diagrams, roadways, etc., all dated during the period of construction; 36 original engineering photographs; a May 13, 1945 group photo of the Headquarters Company and showing Sgt. Brown; two period mimeographed histories of the 1110 Engineers' distinguished service during the war; a 12pp. 12mo. printed 1945 illustrated history of the construction of the Hodges Bridge; a 28 x 22 in. map marked 'SECRET', Sep. 1, 1944, showing road work undertaken by the unit in the environs of Paris; and 16 additional ca. 6 x 9 in. photos of other bridges and repairs undertaken by the combat group. Also included is a substantial grouping of Brown's insignia, including multiple sergeant's stripes, service medals and ribbons, overseas service stripes, shoulder and jacket patches, etc. A great wartime engineering lot.

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June 26, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000