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Reference.org
Bridgehead
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Military_strategy/BP51zfYK">military strategy</a>, a bridgehead (or bridge-head) is the strategically important area of ground around the end of a bridge or other place of possible crossing over a body of water which at time of conflict is sought to be defended or taken over by the belligerent forces. </p><p>Bridgeheads typically exist for only a few days, the invading forces either being thrown back or expanding the bridgehead to create a secure defensive <a href="/facts/Lodgement/rBuhIvn4">lodgement</a> area, before breaking out into enemy territory, such as when the <a href="/facts/U.S._9th_Armored_Division/X7BMIdNz">U.S. 9th Armored Division</a> seized the <a href="/facts/Ludendorff_Bridge/Ehfkx6YD">Ludendorff Bridge</a> at <a href="/facts/Remagen/EvyBvmyk">Remagen</a> in 1945 during <a href="/facts/World_War_II/2efV5L1U">World War II</a>. In some cases a bridgehead may exist for months. </p>