The 6th Airborne Division was called to intervene in the German offensive in the Ardennes on 20 December 1944. Moved back to mainland Europe, on 26 December, they established a blocking position along the River Maas. On 29 December they attacked leading German units and the 3rd Parachute Brigade was given responsibility for capturing Rochefort. The village was secured after meeting heavy resistance. After several months of heavy patrolling, in Belgium and the Netherlands, in February 1945, they were withdrawn to England once again.