World War II Daily: DDay to VEDay

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crimsonaudio

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EDITED TO ADD: For those on Facebook, I've restarted these as of today on a page dedicated to telling this story daily: https://www.facebook.com/WW2daily

I'm adding more info than before, more pictures, etc, so it won't be jus the same thing reposted as it was here.

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I'm a bit of a WWII buff, particularly the European theater following D-Day. As this year is the 70th anniversary of this invasion, I thought it would be nice to do a short daily Facebook post outlining what happened, as if it were real-time. Sadly, most people today know little about WWII, so if nothing else, remembering these brave men and women who laid it all on the line in order to save the world could be educational for some, if not simply enjoyable.

I started on June 2nd and have stayed current, this post will be a 'catch up' post and from here on I will copy-n-paste what I post daily on FB here in this thread. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have in doing it.

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June 2, 1944: the date for D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, is fixed for June 5. Originally June 4, it was acknowledged by Allied strategists that bad weather would make keeping to any one day problematic. German General Karl von Rundstedt, intercepts an Allied radio signal relating the June 4 date, and is convinced that four consecutive days of good weather is necessary for the success of the invasion - there is no such pattern of good weather in sight. The general becomes convinced that D-Day would not come off within the first week of June at all.
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June 3, 1944: the allied invasion of Normandy was scheduled for June 5, but the weather isn’t good and the forecast isn’t favorable. However, on June 3rd, an Associated Press report announces the invasion had begun. The teletype operator in the London AP office, Joan Ellis, was just practicing, but didn’t realize the machine was connected. The message read: “FLASH … EISENHOWER’S HEADQUARTERS ANNOUNCES ALLIED LANDINGS IN FRANCE.”

The message reached US. news bureaus at 4:39 p.m. Eastern time. The news spread and within minutes, the message was being blasted out of loudspeakers at baseball parks. At the Polo Grounds in New York for example, where the New York Giants were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates, the announcer called out: “We interrupt this game to bring you a special announcement. The Allies have invaded France.” Pandemonium ensued, and then a minute of silent prayer.

The same news of course also reached Moscow and Berlin.

Within minutes, however, the message was retracted. Since the German radar stations, patrol boats, and reconnaissance aircraft all failed to pick up any mass movement of ships, the damage was contained. Nevertheless, they too knew an attack was imminent, hampered only by bad weather.
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June 4, 1944: the Germans know the invasion is coming; they just didn't know where or when. An elaborate deception (Operation Bodyguard - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Bodyguard) has kept them guessing. This effort is so successful that even after troops storm ashore at Normandy, Hitler believes it only a feint with the real invasion to take place at Pas de Calais. On June 4, the largest amphibious force ever assembled leaves its English ports for the French coast. The weather does not cooperate, however, and storms force General Eisenhower to delay the effort for one day.
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June 5, 1944: as night falls on June 5th, the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, as well a British division, begin Operation Overloard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord). They are dropped behind enemy lines overnight and are to secure the roads the Allied forces are to take once the beaches are taken. Despite thousands of troops being dropped off-target, they are able to capture key areas in preparation for the main attack.

Earlier in the day, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who has doubts in the face of a "well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened" enemy, has written an 'in case of failure' letter. If the invasion of Normandy failed, this is the message he would be relayed to the public. Here's what it said:

"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."

*He accidentally dated the letter July 5. It should have been June 5 - he had a lot on his mind.


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June 6, 1944: 70 years ago today, the largest seaborne invasion in history began. By dawn on June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads. The amphibious invasions began at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture beaches codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword, as did the Americans at Utah Beach. U.S. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. However, by day’s end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing.

Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.



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June 7, 1944: June 7th dawns with the allies securely in control of all five beach heads; even if the initial objectives have not yet been achieved. To the west of Utah and Omaha beaches, the American 82nd and 101st airborne divisions have established at least nominal control of large sections of land between Utah beach and the Merderet - Douve river. These units, having been parachuted in on June 6 in the dead of night, have suffered heavy casualties and are severely dislocated. By the morning of June 7th these units are operating at an average of one-third of their original strength. Despite this, by evening, the paratroopers are able to fully link up with the 4th U.S Infantry Division; having landed on Utah Beach at dawn, of the previous day (without major problems).

At Omaha Beach, the situation of the 1st and 29th American divisions, having landed at dawn of the previous day, is more critical. By June 7th, these divisions control only a small amount of territory; as such, the risk of being pushed off the beaches from German counter attack remains high. To the east, at Sword, Juno and Gold, the British and Canadians, while their landings were also difficult, are having an easier time of things. The Canadians remain in control of Anisy and Cainet, having fought off a major counter attack by the 21st Pz Division the day before. By end of day, the 6th Airborne Division have managed to take bridges on the Orne river and have linked up with elements of the British 3rd Infantry Division at Sword Beach.
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June 8, 1944: The Americans at Omaha Beach,and British at Gold Beach, finally link up on June 8; after the British capture Port-en-Bessin, North of Bayeux. Reinforced by the 2nd Infantry Division, at Omaha, and the 90th Infantry Division at Utah, US forces launch new offensives deeper inland. By this point, the 1st and 29th Infantry divisions at Omaha, have suffered heavy losses; yet they continue to push forward. The 29th Infantry, en route to Isigny, relieves the remaining 90 members of the 2nd Rangers Battalion at Pointe du Hoc; the Rangers having been cut off, on a narrow strip of coastline, for almost 3 days now. They also manage to liberate the villages of Grandcamp and Maisy. This allows the US to finally silence the guns at Maisy; which have been pounding Omaha beach since the invasion began. Of note on this day, were the actions Frank Peregory; who personally captured several tens of German soldiers and a machine-gun nest. For his actions, Mr. Peregory would later be awarded the Medal of Honor. By end of day, the US goal of linking the beach forces at Omaha and Utah, still has many hurdles to overcome. Yet, it is a vital part of allied plans to form a united front against the Germans.

The 4th Infantry Division, at Utah, attacks north towards the town of Montebourg. The capture of Montebourg, will put US forces one step closer to their ultimate goal of capturing the port facilities at Cherbourg to the north. Both side know that the capture of Cherbourg will give the allies a permanent point of entry into France for allied troops and supplies. As such, battles here, in the days to come, will be extremely bloody and fierce.

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June 9, 1944: The Allied forces land a considerable number of men and material. On the British side, the Germans position three divisions North-West of Caen: the 21st Panzer Division, 12nd S.S. Panzer Division and the Panzer-Lehr. These divisions are fighting the British soldiers of the 2nd Army who are supported on the ground by anti-tank guns and in the sky by devastating allied aircraft, which worries the German generals.

The counter-attacks of the Luftwaffe in Normandy are thin and failing: on June 9, BF 109 German fighters are announced near the village of Lion-sur-Mer. Immediately, American P-51 Mustang fighters push them back.

The American troops of the 7th Corps continue to attack the village of Montebourg in Cotentin, savagely defended by the German soldiers - the losses are big. Other units capture the locality of Azeville and silence the German battery which opened fire on Utah Beach. The 1st American Infantry Division, which landed on June 6 at Omaha, launches an offensive West of Bayeux: the villages of Tour-en-Bessin, Etreham and Blay are liberated. The 29th American Infantry Division on the way towards Carentan and captures the town of Isigny-sur-Mer after a long day of fighting. South-west of Isigny, the Headquarters of the 2nd American Infantry Division settles in the village of Formigny. Its forces progress to the South in direction of the localities of Trévières and Rubercy which are reached in the evening.

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June 10, 1944: It's now Saturday, and the construction of the Arromanches and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer artificial harbors begin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulberry_harbour). The Bazenville airfield close to Bayeux and that of Cardonville in the South of Grandcamp and Maisy becomes operational.

American troops continue their offensive in the Northwest towards Cherbourg and Southwest of Utah Beach in direction of Carentan, which represents a major objective for the Ally, being the crossroads linking the Calvados and Cotentin regions. The 506th regiment of the 101st Airborne ( is on the way towards Carentan, just like the 327th Glider Regiment which captures the village of Brevands in the North-West of Carentan. South of Omaha Beach, the troops of the 2nd American Infantry Division capture the localities of Trévières and Rubercy.

By the evening of June 10 the Allies have lost nearly 15,000 men: killed, wounded, missing or POWs.
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June 11, 1944: American forces that landed at Utah and Omaha move towards the crossroads city of Carentan. The city is defended by Major Von Heydte and his parachutists who hold and defend the city. The 506th regiment of the 101st Airborne approaches Carentan coming from the North and circumvents the city to the West - they must seize the city in order to allow the tanks of the 29th American Infantry Division to cross it without being worried about snipers.

The British attack from Tilly-sur-Seulles to Villers-Bocage on the Caen-Vire road. They are practically stopped by the first German Tiger tanks arriving in Normandy: the S.S. Panzerbataillon 101. The German counter-attacks are generally ineffective, however, because of the Allied air superiority.

The Canadians of the 6th Armored Regiment are stopped by the German tanks South-west of the Mesnil-Patry village. The soldiers of the 51 Highlanders, on the sides of the 6th Airborne Division, defend their positions from the day before the German counter-attacks. The front seems to be stabilized here.

North-West of Caen, the 6th Battalion of the Green Howards liberates the village of Ducy-Sainte-Marguerite. South of here, three other villages are still in the hands of the German Panzer Lehr forces: Chouain in the South-west, Brouay and Audrieu in the South-east. The 7th Battalion of the Green Howards tries to bore in the South-west but does not manage to cross the line of fire set up by the Panzer Lehr (who gathered the day before). The Panzers inflict very heavy losses on the British who are hole up near the hill 103.

The British and Canadian troops progress South of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer towards the village of Cairon, in the valley of the Mue. The men of the 46 Royal Navy Commando liberate the city after furious combat against the fanaticized German soldiers of the 12nd SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend. In the wake of the battle they liberate the villages of Lasson, Rots and Rosel.
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June 12, 1944: after a day of difficult street fighting, the 502nd and 506th regiments of the 101st Airborne (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/101st_Airborne_Division#World_War_II)manage to control a part of the town of Carentan by early evening. The American forces that landed in Utah and Omaha are now joined, in fact the five beachheads are now joined together and represent a 50 mile long zone from Sainte-Mère-Eglise in the West and to Ouistreham in the East, varying from 5-20 miles of depth from the shoreline. See map below.

The 1st American Infantry Division liberates the village of Caumont, 18 miles South of Omaha, gaining the benefit of high ground.

The British continue battling their way to Villers-Bocage on the Caen-Vire road. The majority of the German armoured divisions equipped with Tiger tanks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_I) are gathered North and North-West of Caen, and the British suffer heavy losses due to this particularly well-equipped tank.

As of midnight, June 12, 18 Ally divisions (8 American divisions, 10 British and Canadian divisions) are present in Normandy, representing a total of 326,547 soldiers, 54,186 vehicles and 104,428 tons of materials.



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June 13, 1944: overnight, the first V-1 rockets are launched on London.

The 502nd and 506th regiments of the 101st Airborne Division manage to liberate the totality of Carentan. To the south-west, the 175th American Infantry Division must control the high ground above the road connecting Bayeux to Saint-Lô - its units are pinned there by mortars and shootings of heavy machine guns which slow down their progression. The battleship Texas shelled the area with its 16-inch batteries without hitting the task force.

The 90th American Infantry Division liberates the locality of Pont-L’Abbe, while at the edge of the American and the British sectors, the soldiers of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division liberate the village of Caumont where the Americans fight the 2nd German SS Panzer Division.

On the British front, the battlefield sees a short lull. Montgomery uses this to reinforce his positions and he slows down the progression of his troops to the North of Caen (which is still not under Allied control). The "Desert Rats" (7th English Armoured Division) are attacked close to Villers-Bocage by the heavy tanks led by Michael Wittman. The British losses are so high that they abandon Villers-Bocage and retreat to the North.

The Germans, benefiting from this victory, counter-attack in direction of Tilly-on-Seulles and of Lingevres. But the British of the 49th and 50th infantry divisions fight back hard and the German armoured tanks of the Panzer Lehr Division are scattered. The counter-attack is transformed into an organized retreat, but Caen is still not captured and it seems that many days of intense fightings will be necessary for its liberation.
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June 14, 1944: the American forces begin to move towards the North of Utah Beach. The 9th Infantry Division, near the 4th Infantry Division, is ordered to liberate the town of Quineville - the German Regional Headquarters. They take it rather quickly, slowed only by German artillery. Cherbourg, which needed to be under the Ally control on June 14th according to the plans made back in May, is still held by the Germans. The 9th American Infantry Division progresses towards Valognes, despite heavy losses. The men of the 82nd Airborne Division attack in direction of the village of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte.

North-East of Bayeux, on the beach of Courseulles (Juno Beach), General de Gaulle, chief of the Free French Army, lands after crossing the English Channel aboard destroyer "La Combattante", a ship of the Free French Navy. He meets General Montgomery at his Headquarters at the castle of Creuilly, then goes to Bayeux, which was liberated on June 7, where an immense crowd acclaims him and sings the "Marseillaise". He goes then to the towns of Isigny-sur-Mer and Grandcamp at the end of the afternoon, pressed by the Allies to come back as fast as possible.

The new government of the French Republic, called the Provisional Government, is installed in Bayeux.

Pictured below: General de Gaulle's return



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June 15, 1944: the rapid progression by US forces in the days following the D-Day landing has now slowed down in the face of solid German resistance. The principal objective of the Americans in the Cotentin peninsula is to capture the town of Cherbourg and its deep water harbor; even with the artificial harbours of Arromanches and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer being operational on June 15, Allied High Command feels they will be insufficient to supply the campaign. It is absolutely necessary to capture a deep water harbor which will allow to accomodate huge transport ships of supplies, therefore Cherbourg is the objective number one in Cotentin. But the Germans understand the strategic importance of this city and its harbor and the reinforcements of their defense of Cherbourg start.

Before attacking Cherbourg in the North, the Americans decide to join the other end of Cotentin peninsula in order to cut the German reinforcements between the North and the South of Cotentin. They need sufficient soldiers to travel in the East all while maintaining the pressure towards North.

In Utah, the fourth American Army corps estimates that manpower is sufficient: the 7th Corps of the General Collins can divide Cotentin in two.

The British try to stop the German retreats by systematically bombarding the areas located on and behind the front line (which seems to remain more or less fixed). A line of cities and villages are attacked by the allied bombers, such as Evrecy and Noyers-Bocage. Benefitting from the effect of devastation of the bombardments, the British armoured units attack in the Villers-Bocage direction, but they are once again pushed back by the German Tiger tanks.

Below: the artificial harbour of Arromanches


 
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crimsonaudio

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

June 16, 1944: In the Cotentin peninsula, the American progression continues. The General Collins' VII Corps progresses towards the East while the 82nd Airborne Division advances towards the North. The 9th Infantry Division, attached to the 7th Corps, liberates Orglandes. Other divisions that move towards the West of Cotentin (such as the 47th and 60th Infantry divisions) continue their progression.

Overnight (between June 15-16) the largest number of V-1 rockets of the entire Battle of Normandy reach London: 244. The King of England George VI comes to visit the British troops in Normandy. The British try to continue the progression in the North and the North-West of Caen, under the cover of the aviation.

With a firm foothold in Normandy, the Allies can now start moving supplies in at a dramatic pace - needed to continue the push to liberate France and ultimately defeat Germany.



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June 17, 1944: U.S. operations in the Cotentin peninsula aimed at cutting the German lines are continuing and the many villages and towns that are on the road to the US 7th Corps are liberated, such as Magneville or Néhou, reached on the evening of June 17th by elements of the US 60th Infantry Division. The 47th U.S. Infantry Division frees the city of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. The US 1st Army cuts off the Contentin Peninsula. The US 9th Division (part of US 7th Corps) reaches the west coast to the north and south of Barneville. German divisions isolated to the north are not permitted to attempt to break out.

For the British, the going is far more difficult: as the Green Howards reach the town of Longraye, defenders of the Panzer-Lehr do not give an inch - the British are violently repelled by the German tanks and artillery. The German defense line north of Caen stands firm.

Pictured: French civilians from Carentan erected a silent tribute to an American soldier who fell in the effort to liberate France from Nazi occupation, June 17, 1944.



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June 18, 1944: The prime objective of the US 7th Corps is achieved: the Cotentin peninsula is cut in two along a line which connects Utah Beach and Barneville. The German forces which defend the surroundings of Cherbourg, the new objective of the 7th Corps, cannot join their lines in the South any more and can receive no more supplies. There are nearly 40,000 Germans here. The Americans maintain the pressure and keep bombarding the German lines of defense which move back hour after hour. The engagements are violent, although the German morale is low.

The American attacks towards the North below a line connecting Montebourg to the East, Valognes in the center and Les-Pieux in the West. The Allied armada gathers not far from Cherbourg to support the terrestrial forces through their progression and to prepare the bombardments of the fortifications protecting the Germans in the city and its deep water harbor. In the East of Cotentin, the 4th American Infantry division attacks in the direction of Montebourg.

On the British front, north and northwest of Caen, the engagements between mechanized infantry divisions are violent and it appears the liberation of the capital of the Calvados will take several weeks. This situation is disastrous for the allied aviators who do not have enough territory to install runways. On the other hand, German armoured divisions are pulled towards the East of Normandy, thus releasing the Americans on the Western front. On June 18th a new battle begins, localised in the surroundings of Tilly.



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June 19, 1944: The US progression in the North Cotentin continues as the 4th American Infantry Division liberates the town of Montebourg. The battle around the city of Valognes, which straddles the road Cherbourg, is still in the hands of the German forces - they resist violently.

The Allied forces face a major problem: they are heavily dependent on food, equipment, ammunition and fuel supplies coming from the harbor.
But the weather is bad on June 19th in Normandy which limits the air support. In addition, the artificial harbors of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer Arromanches are damaged by a storm in the Channel which increases gradually in intensity since June 17 - the waves destroy the assembled pieces. With confusion rampant on both artificial harbors; vessels also run aground, some sink and floating bridges break their moorings.

The front supply is heavily delayed and Operation Epsom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Epsom) - planned by general Montgomery, which aims at finally breaking the front north-west of Caen - is delayed. However, battles continue in the vicinity of Tilly, which is liberated during the day, and British troops appear to progress again after several days without much progress.



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June 20, 1944: exactly two weeks since D-Day. The strong storm remains in the English Channel while the allied meteorologists hope for a return of good weather in the next two days. The artificial harbours of Arromanches and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer have been severely damaged and repairs are needed immediately. Many small boats sunk due to the storm.

During this time, landings of necessary supplies for the continuation of military operations are slowed and the British forces are forced to progress very slowly whereas the resistance finally seems to be lessening.

On the western front, the American forces continue their progression, difficult as it may be. The men of the 4th Infantry division reach Valognes where difficult street battles commence. The bombardments of the districts still not controlled by American forces continue, while elements of the 12nd Infantry Regiment reach Le Theil (which gives them the high ground in this area of the Cotentin peninsula).

The Germans begin to give up their positions to join the defense line of Cherbourg. General Collins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Lawton_Collins), chief of the 7th American Corps, sends 3 additional divisions in reinforcement without the usual artillery preparation. This offensive pushes the last German defensive positions starting from Montebourg and makes it possible for the American forces to reach the outskirts of Cherbourg. The attackers advance by using the strategy of the "chip jumps" adapted to the Normand bocage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocage).

Between Cherbourg and Valognes American forces discover an immense building deserted since D-Day. It was a large (525' x 180', according to plans) launching base for V-2 rockets - only a tenth of the base had been built when the Normandy landings began.

Pictured: American soldiers rest in front of a rural grocery store after advancing inland, a French citizen smiles from the doorway.



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June 21, 1944: Though the storm rages on in the English Channel and seems to increase in power, the Allied specialists think the weather will start to clear up the following day.

In the Cotentin peninsula, the battle for Val-de-Saire begins. The American forces of the 7th Corps reach Cherbourg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cherbourg), which has been transformed into a stronghold by the Germans. Supported by the Allied navy, the American soldiers of the 22nd Infantry Regiment move towards the downtown area and the deep water harbor. The harbor is blocked by a considerable number of remotely-controlled mines which can be operated from a German defense station located in the Fort of Rolls. The combat in the streets of the city is intense and, seeing the manpower of his troops decreasing rapidly, the commander in charge of the town of Cherbourg, Lieutenant-General Von Schlieben, orders the destruction of the harbor installations.

In the South of the Cotentin, the 115th American Infantry regiment moves towards Saint-Lo, but the German opposition is very strong in the area of the Bretel Wood. Their orders are to hold the ground at all costs, which considerably stretches their defense lines.

To the West, the British continue to progress slowly and with great difficulty, still awaiting the end of the storm to launch the Operation Epsom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Epsom) planned by general Montgomery.

Pictured: American troops approaching Cherbourg, and a B-26 Marauder with invasion stripes over Cherbourg





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June 22, 1944: As expected, the weather has improved in the English Channel and in Normandy, and major repairs start in the artificial harbours of Arromanches and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Bad news reaches the Allied High command: the harbor of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer has been irreparably damaged. The Allies decide to give up the use of the Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer harbor and order to the military engineers to focus on that of Arromanches.
The capture of the artificial harbour of Cherbourg is increasingly pressing for the Allies.

American forces from the 22nd Infantry Regiment infiltrate Cherbourg via several places and street fighting in the city continues. Cut off by the US forces, the Germans savagely resist the attackers. The Americans pause for a short period and bombard the city; from the air with bombers from 8th and 9th Air Force, and from the sea with the Navy artillery just off the coast of Cherbourg.

Near the Bretel Wood, North of Saint-Lo, the "punch" operations carried out by the 115th American Infantry regiment continue during the night, against the German defensive positions.

North and northwest of Caen, the battle continues. The British and Canadian forces gather to launch Operation Epsom, intended to break the front line, once the supplies coming from the Arromanches harbour of can be rushed to the front.

Pictured: artillery observers direct the shelling of enemy positions on the outskirts of the Cherbourg



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June 23, 1944: The American forces of the 7th Corps drive the Germans from their first line of defense in Cherbourg. The bombardments from June 22nd created quite a lot of damage and confusion in the German lines and General Collins keeps the 7th Corps pushing forward, constantly attacking.

General Montgomery, who planned the Operation Epsom, lands in France and sets up his headquarters in the village of Blay, West of Bayeux. He prepares the beginning of Epsom, which should start on June 25, assuming the supply and the reinforcements of men and vehicles are not delayed. The 5th British Infantry division, which was essentially stalled by the Germans until June 18, continues to progress very slowly, delayed by the preparations of Epsom.

The German high command is working hard to defend its positions in Normandy, as it believes in its revolutionary weapons such as the V-1 rockets. Many of these rockets are sent day and night - generally aimed at civilian targets in England.



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June 24, 1944: it's Saturday and in Cherbourg, the troops of the US 7th Corps continue their progression - slow but bloody - and the German defenses fall one by one. The destruction of the deep water harbor of Cherbourg by the German soldiers begins in earnest and according to the Allied observers it will take several weeks to repair the harbors once the city liberated by the Americans.

The British and the Canadians stop for a few hours while pressing west of Caen in order to be supplied and reinforced by freshly-landed troops, most of them coming from Arromanches after the end of the storm in the English Channel (the same storm which destroyed the artificial harbour of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer). Operation Epsom, planned by Montgomery, has to begin on Sunday, June 25th (tomorrow). Nearly 60,000 men are held ready to launch the offensive towards the Odon river.



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June 25, 1944: today begins Operation Epsom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Epsom) aka the First Battle of the Odon. The British, stalemated by the Germans and therefore behind schedule since June 18th, attack the German defenses manned by the Hitlerjugend division (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Youth). 60,000 Canadians and British and 600 tanks begin the attack, divided into an armored division and two independent armored brigades (8th Corps).

General Montgomery plans circumvent the town of Caen from the west and to attack the city from the south. The 49th British Infantry division (West Riding) attacks Fontenay but in the outskirts the Panzer Lehr stops them cold. The village of Rauray, located southwest of Tilly, is strongly defended by the 1st SS Armored Corps who battle ferociously for control of the area. The fanatical Hitler Youth fight until death, and the losses are high on both sides of the front.

In Cherbourg, the US forces continue to press forward, slowly but systematically destroying the layered German defenses and are now less than two miles from the heart of the scarred city. Knowing the city is doomed to fall to the Americans, the first German attempts to flee by sea from the city are destroyed by the British light coastal forces.

The US and Royal navies begin the Bombardment of Cherbourg, attacking German fortifications near and in the city, engaged in duels with the German casemates (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casemated) batteries, and providing close infantry support. The combined navies' heavy guns neutralize twenty-two of twenty-four assigned battery targets - though none are destroyed, they are eliminated as a threat and taken by US forces.

Pictured: British garrison of a QF 6-pounder pass near destroyed Panther 8.5 miles west of Caen.



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June 26, 1944: as the third week in Normandy draws to a close, the Americans accept the surrender of Lieutenant-General von Schlieben, the general chief the town of Cherbourg, in the Cotentin peninsula. While the city is officially liberated, it is not entirely under control and quite a few pockets of resistance remain for the US forces. Though tested by the combat and bombardment, the civilian population ecstatically welcomes the liberators.

Operation Epsom continues to the west of Caen, and the 49th British Infantry division manages to liberate the village of Fontenay (located 6 miles west of Caen) after a series tough battles against the Hitlerjugend division. Near this village, the British face heavy resistance while liberating Raurey, so the 15th Scottish Infantry Division, supported by Churchill’s tanks of the 31st British Armoured Brigade, joins the attack. Saint-Manvieux-Norrey, located near Carpiquet and of its important air field, is liberated by the 44th Scottish Lowland Brigade after a furious battle which even includes some hand-to-hand combat. The village of Cheux, directly in the southwest of Saint-Manvieux-Norrey, is liberated by the 2nd Glasgow Highlander belonging to the 15th Scottish Infantry division. General Rommel, understanding the strategic importance of Cheux (which is located at a crossroads to several other villages), orders some SS troops to leave the area of Saint-Lo in order to support the Hitlerjugend soldiers, currently overwhelmed by the Scottish infantry. But the air superiority of the Allies is so complete than no serious German movement is possible during daylight hours.

The 8th British Corps must seize the Hill 112 ( at all costs, as it rises high above the surrounding area, but this strategic position is staunchly defended by the Germans, who understand its value. The first British wave of attacks fail quickly, so the the allied ships intervene to support the 8th Corps troops by bombarding Hill 112.

Pictured: Under a white flag German troops led by Generalleutnant Karl Wilhelm von Schlieben (with coat and helmet behind the American with his back to the camera) surrender to American forces. 800 German troops in this underground post surrendered to Captain Preston O' Gordon, commanding a company of the 2nd Bn of the 39th Inf. Rgt, 9th Inf. Div.



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June 27, 1944: in Cherbourg, the last pockets of German resistance fall and the Allied engineers go to the city’s deep-water harbor - one of the major objectives of the Allies since D-Day. The damage the Germans did to the harbors, knowing the city was doomed to fall, are extensive and will require major repairs that will need to be completed as quickly as possible.

Operation Epsom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Epsom) continues to the west of Caen, and after tough fighting the 49th British Infantry division manages to liberate the village of Raurey. The 15th Scottish Infantry division, after having liberated the village of Cheux, moves towards the bridges on the Odon river - a major objective in Operation Epsom. Their progress is slowed by the elite Panzer Lehr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_Lehr), who are dug in and fight mightily, and the Allied losses climb. However, elements of the 15th Scottish Infantry division manage to establish a beachhead on the right bank of the Odon and attack near the bridge of Tourmanville. Other elements of this division, as well as the 11th Armored Division, cross the bridge and attack the strategic point of Hill 112.

At the evening of June 27, the Scots drive the German front back nearly six miles, an impressive performance although it does not achieve the goals of General Montgomery who (from his headquarters at Blay) is worried about the reports of catastrophic British losses since the beginning of the Operation Epsom.



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June 28, 1944: Operation Epsom continues at Caen, while generals Rommel and von Rundstedt are in Germany, having been called back by Hitler to discuss the current situation in Normandy. Their substitute, general Dollman, understands the need of reinforcing Hill 112, and he launches his last forces in the attack. Regardless, the 11th Armored Division continues to push towards Hill 112, taking the important crossroads along the Orne river.

The 2nd Battalion of Argylls and Sutherlands Highlanders of the 15th Scottish Infantry Division liberate the village of Gravus on the right bank of the Odon river and capture its two bridges. Meanwhile, the 23rd Hussars liberate the town of Baron-sur-Odon, directly to the northwest of Gravus, which is located on the road towards Hill 112, which the 8th Riffle Brigade and the tanks of the 3rd RTR reach after noon. 44th RTR and the 2nd KRCC continue their progress to the village of Evrecy, but are pushed back by the counter-attack of 9th and 10th SS Panzer Division which attack the west side of the British forces.

The 21st German Panzer Division attacks the east side of the British troops and many soldiers of the 159th British Brigade are encircled in the outing areas of the village of Mouen, North of Baron-sur-Odon and on he right bank of the Odon river. The counter-attack organized by the General Dollman, which aims at recovering Hill 112, turns into a massacre for the German soldiers who must retreat following the heavy losses by the men of the 11th British Armored Division, which immediately holes up on the left bank of Odon. Terrified by this reversal, general Dollman commits suicide during the night of June 28th.

Pictured: a Hitlerjugend (Hitler youth) sniper is the prisoner of soldiers from the 49th British I.D.


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June 29,1944: In Cherbourg, the 7th Corps of general Collins eliminates the last pockets of resistance, leaving the town entirely in the hands of the Americans. The repair work on the harbors start but it is going to take a while (likely several weeks) before the vital deep-water harbors are available for docking supply ships.

North of Saint-Lo, "punch" attacks by the 115th American Infantry Regiment continue against the German defensive positions near the Wood of Bretel. The Allies progress is measured foot by foot and at high cost through the Normand bocage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocage) and hedges, which form almost impenetrable walls.
In Caen, Operation Epsom continues - the Scot of the 15th Infantry Division take the areas surrounding Gravus, but the German Panzer Lehr strongly defends the village and counterattacks the 2nd Battalion of Argylls. Tough battles with heavy weaponry commence but the allied air superiority (benefitting from from good weather conditions) allows the destruction of the German armor.

The 11th British Armored division, which has been holed up since the night before, leaves the strategic position of the Hill 112. Lieutenant-General Dempsey fears a massive counter-attack of the Hitlerjugend forces and prefers to pull back tanks of the 11th Armored division to the left bank of the Odon river. Only the men of 4th King's Shropshire Light Infantry defend the position. The Germans attack and take Hill 112 again - the battles are intense, sometimes even resorting to hand-to-hand combat. The belligerents bodies strew banks of the Odon river and the battlefields in the surroundings of the hill 112. The spectacle is atrocious, the losses are terrifying. Several thousand British soldiers (more than 4,000 by the evening of June 29) have been killed or injured since the beginning of Operation Epsom (June 25). Montgomery worries about the the staggering losses and starts to consider an end of Operation Epsom.

Pictured: The 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division near Caen


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June 30, 1944: General Montgomery orders the end of Operation Epsom. British forces dig into their positions and do not progress any more - they then successfully repel the German counter-attacks from the Panzer Lehr, particularly around the village of Baron-sur-Odon. The Allied air force neutralizes the German columns still in motion and the British artillery establishes a fire wall to protect the Scottish and British defensive positions.

Three divisions of the British 8th Corps count more than 4,000 men killed, wounded, missing or captured between June 25th and June 30th 1944. The German losses are high, but Operation Epsom remains a failure from a strategic standpoint - even though the Canadian and British troops have progressed six miles in five days, the front is still not opened and the situation remains extremely unstable: positions are captured and then abandoned, and captured again, such as the infamous Hill 112.

The American 7th corps in the Cotentin control the entire peninsula. Cherbourg is now completely under control, and the 6,000 soldiers of the German garrison in the city surrender. The U.S. troops begin moving to the south of the Cotentin and concentrate their attack in the direction of Saint-Lô, which is constantly bombed by the Allied aircraft.
Since D-Day, the Allies have landed 630,000 troops, 600,000 tons of supplies and 177,000 vehicles in the Normandy beachhead. They have suffered 62,000 dead and wounded.


 

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

July 1, 1944: Operation Epsom, which was completed on June 30, did not tip the scales for either side engaged in the Battle on Odon, but the Germans in Caen lost a part of their defenses in north, which were sent to fight against the British forces in the west of the city. General Montgomery tries to make up for the failure of Epsom by launching a vast offensive on the north side of Caen. The German defenders wilt under intense bombardments of the British artillery and air force, and are forced back little by little, while the English advanced elements approach the suburbs of the city. The Germans of the 1st Panzer SS try their turn with an offensive directed to the north of Caen (towards Tilly-sur-Seulles) which fails because of the staunch resistance by the British troops belonging to the 2nd Army, which creates an artillery barrage in front of its position.

In the Cotentin, the Americans attack in the south towards Saint-Lo, a principal objective of the US troops. These ‘punch’ attacks around the Wood of Bretel to the north of Saint-Lo (led by the 115th American Infantry Regiment) against the German defensive positions are continual, and violent battles (of tanks in particular) are common in this area.


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July 2, 1944: The area in the west of Caen liberated by the Scot between June 25th and 30th is now a theater of violent battles between the British troops and the German Panzer Lehr. Rommel, coming back in Normandy after his return to Germany on Hitler’s orders, realizes that if they could cut the Allied beachhead in two parts, one American and one Canadian, the Allies will be greatly weakened. He launches an offensive towards Bayeux and must continue north of the city to join Arromanches. But the Canadians hold fast and stop the German forces. Rommel’s forces suffer tremendous losses in this battle.

On the American front, the US soldiers and vehicles in the Cotentin peninsula continue to move towards Saint-Lo, which is bombarded once again by the allied air forces and artillery. The engagements press southward and the Americans add reserve troops in order to launch an offensive in the direction of Saint-Lo.
The German HQ panics and realizes the impossibility of a decisive victory, because of their massive losses of both men and equipment, and Marshal von Rundstedt asks his superiors for authorization to retreat. Hitler, finding his request ridiculous, refuses and dismisses his marshal. He is replaced on July 2nd by Marshal von Kluge.
Pictured: US 8th and 15th Air Forces (and Bomber Command of the Royal Air Force) support ground operations following the invasion of France in July, 1944


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July 3, 1944: On the British front to the west and north of Caen, the Brits, Canadians and Scottish make progress. Advanced elements of the 2nd British Army are fighting in the streets of the suburbs of Caen where they face furious resistance from the German defenders, who refuse to retreat or surrender. This strategy by Hitler, which dictates that the German soldiers must defend each square meter of their territory up to and including the ‘supreme sacrifice’, forces the British to use heavy weapons in order to progress, and the air forces and both naval and terrestrial artillery focus on the capital of Normandy.

In the South of the Cotentin, the American forces of the 1st Army launch an offensive against Saint-Lo which runs into a wall of German defenders who are firmly dug in behind their defense line and who benefit from the natural barriers of the Normand bocage (hedgerows). These hedgerows are so thick that engineers first have to blow a hole in the bank, then a bulldozer will later and widen the hole - this slows progress dramatically.
Pictured: a Culin hedgerow cutter - the invention of this hedge-breaching device is generally credited to Curtis G. Culin, a sergeant in the 2nd Armored Division's 102nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. However, military historian Max Hastings notes that Culin was inspired by "a Tennessee hillbilly named Roberts", who during a discussion about how to overcome the bocage, said "Why don't we get some saw teeth and put them on the front of the tank and cut through these hedges?"


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July 4, 1944: On the British front to the west and north of Caen, the strategy by general Montgomery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Law_Montgomery,_1st_Viscount_Montgomery_of_Alamein) finally starts to payoff: as the British attack the German defenders in the north of the city, the Canadians are sent around Caen to the west to capture the airport located near the village of Carpiquet. This offensive, planned by general Dempsey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Dempsey), is within the scope of the Operation Windsor, which begins on July 4th.

Carpiquet, located at 1/2 mile to the west of Caen, is attacked by the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regiment, North Shore Regiment, Queen's Own Rifles Regiment and the Canadien French Regiment la Chaudiere, which battle against the German defenders of the 12nd SS Panzer Division, who are heavily bombarded by the allied artillery and the British Typhoon fighters.

By the end of the day, the Canadians control Carpiquet as well as northern part of the airport and push back a large number of German counter-attacks.

In the South of Carentan in the Cotentin peninsula, the Americans continue the siege of the La Haye-du-Puits. Many units have gathered to the north of this village in order to go into battle the next day. In the North of Saint-Lo, the 7th Corps of general Collins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawton_Collins) continues its offensive which began the day before, and the 83rd and 90th American Infantry divisions must deal with German soldiers from the 7th Army. The combat is extremely violent. The soldiers of the 90th Infantry Division reach the village of Sainteny, defended by SS Pomegranates of division Götz von Berlichingen and elements of the 6th German Parachutist Regiment. The American losses are high - a thousand men are injured or killed - for a very limited amount of progress: only 200 yards.

Pictured: Rockets fired from a Hawker Typhoon of No 181 Squadron, Royal Air Force, on their way towards buildings at Carpiquet airfield. The Canadian 3rd Division took Carpiquet (to the west of Caen) on July 4th.


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July 5, 1944: planned by general Dempsey, Operation Windsor (which began on July 4) continues - the 8th Brigade of the 3rd Canadian Infantry division, Royal Winnipeg Riffles Regiment, North Shore Regiment, Queen's Own Rifles Regiment and the Canadien French Regiment la Chaudiere control the Southern part of the airport which, as of yesterday, was controlled by the 12nd German SS Panzer Division. The 3rd Canadian Infantry division meets heavy resistance from the Hilterjugend soldiers who defend each farm and crossroads and who fight until death. Their fanatical defense slows the Canadian progress tremendously.

On the American front, the US troops of the 7th Corps fight mightily towards Periers and La-Haie-du-Puits. The cost is extremely high: between July 4th & 5th nearly 1,500 American soldiers are injured or killed while the 7th Corps progresses only by 200 yards. Saint-Jores is liberated by the soldiers of the 90th American Infantry division.

Pictured: St Lô in Ruins



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July 6, 1944: General Montgomery’s strategy of attacking Caen from the west has failed and furious battles between the Canadians and the 12nd SS Panzer Division occur. Despite the intense fighting, neither side yields. Colonel Maurice, chief of the 4th King's Shropshire Light Infantry, is killed by German artillery during the bombardment of his headquarters. The situation seems like a stalemate, the front line having not moved at all. Caen is still in the hands of German defenders and the British troops’ progress in the northern suburbs of the city are stopped by mortars.

Montgomery chooses to push a new offensive in the next two days to bore into the front and capture the town of Caen definitively. However the Germans are firmly entrenched defensively, even burying Tiger tanks which, once in this position, are almost invisible to the Allied aviatiors. General Montgomery decides to intensify the bombing preceding the attacks.

The Americans also seem to be stopped by the German forces in the South of Cotentin - the front remains steady. The attacks of the US troops are carried out on two axes - one directed towards the town of Saint-Lo, the other towards Periers. The 30th American Infantry division approaches the village of Saint-Fromond and its strategic bridge above the channel Vire-Taute and the artillery bombards the various entrances to the village and the infantry captures the small village of Airel, located in the immediate vicinity of Saint-Fromont.

Pictured: Caen in July 1944 and today.


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July 7, 1944: General Montgomery prepares for the attack of Caen, which must begin June 8th. While Allied artillery bombards the German throughout the city and surrounding areas, the Highland Light Infantry (belonging to the 3rd Canadian Infantry division) attacks towards Buron, 3 miles to the northwest of Caen. Now isolated in this village, elements of the 12nd SS Panzerdivision fire heavily on the Canadian troops, which slows progress dramatically. Each house has been transformed into a defensive ‘fortress’ and an anti-tank ditch dug around Buron is a barrier to the Allied forces, which are exposed to German defenders. The fighting lasts much of the day, and the losses on both sides are high: the Canadians have over 260 casualties (a quarter of which are killed) at the end of the day. However the village is still not entirely taken by the Allieds, so the British artillery bombards Buron throughout the evening.

The American artillery ceases bombardment of the village of Saint-Fromond to allow the 30th American infantry division to attack. After fierce battles, the northern bank of the city is under control and the US soldiers cross the Vire-Taute channel to secure access to the bridge which is of vital importance for the Allies - this action makes it possible for the Sherman tanks to join the southern bank of Saint-Fromond and to continue towards Saint-Lo, located about 4 miles from the village. As soon as it is secured the bridge allows the 11th American Cavalry Group to send its tanks.


West of Saint-Fromond, the small village of Saint-Jean-de-Daye is liberated by elements of the 30th American Infantry division, which then moves immediately to the south. The Germans are pushed back, but establish a defensive line stopping progression a few hours later. Artillery support is needed to silence these points of German resistance.

Since the Normandy landing (32 days), the Germans have had 80,783 casualties (killed, wounded, deserted or captured).

Pictured: M10 tank destroyer in Saint-Fromond, July 7, 1944


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July 8, 1944: Operation Charnwood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Charnwood) begins as planned by general Montgomery. The offensive by the 1st English Corps is preceded by a massive bombardment of Caen the night before: 450 Halifax and Lancaster bombers drop nearly 6,000 tons of bombs on the Northern part of the city, reduced to a state of rubble and ash - which is good news for the German snipers. The 3rd Canadian Infantry division attacks the west side of Caen near Bretteville-sur-Odon while the 59th British Infantry division attacks the northwest of Caen. The 7th German Army, led by General Hausser, holds its ground and resists the Allied attacks.

The Highland Light Infantry belonging to the 3rd Canadian Infantry division has been stalled at the village of Buron launches a new offensive to liberate the city, covered by armored support. Despite sustaining very heavy losses the day before (more than 260 casualties), the Canadians manage to capture Buron and to push the German soldiers of the 10th SS Panzer Division out of the city. South of Buron and one mile to the west of Caen, the North Nova Scotia Highlanders attached to the 3rd Canadian Infantry division attacks the village of Authie. A day of violent fighting begins between the Canadians and the Hitlerjugend, though eventually the SS must retreat, giving up Authie, now added to the list of towns liberated by the Allies. The losses for the Canadians are high: nearly 160 casualties and 7 Sherman tanks are destroyed.

On the American side progress is slow but steady and the US tanks cross the bridges over the Vire river. The US forces in the west of the Cotentin peninsula move southward towards Lessay and Periers, located in the east of Cotentin, while those in the south of the Calvados move towards Saint-Lo and Torigni-sur-Vire. La-Haie-du-Puits is finally liberated by the 79th American Infantry division supported by the tanks of the 749th Tank Battalion, which drive the German defenders belonging to the 352nd German Infantry division out of the city.

Pictured: A Handley Page Halifax bomber, of the RAF's No. 4 Group, over Caen's burning northern suburbs following the previous night's bombing



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July 9, 1944: Operation Charnwood comes to an end. The 3rd Canadian Infantry division continues its progress in the west and the southwest of Caen, and Kurt "Panzer" Meyer (he head of the SS divisions) is forced to retreat to the eastern bank of the Odon river by the pressure from the English and Canadian forces. General Montgomery seems satisfied with the results of the Charnwood offensive, despite the fact that the Allied losses are higher than expected and all the initial objectives are not achieved, such as the bridge of the village of Bourguebus, considered a ‘doorway’ to the town of Falaise.


The Canadians manage to reach the center of Caen, which means the the entire northern half is entirely in the hands of the Allies. However, the Germans still control the southern and eastern parts of the city, defended by the 1st, 12nd and 21st SS Panzer divisions.

The Americans of the 79th Infantry division, continue to secure La-Haye-du-Puits (liberated the day before), progress southward towards Lessay. On the left side, the 8th and 90th American Infantry divisions are moving towards Periers, while the 29th and 30th American Infantry divisions move towards Saint-Lo. The front is forms a fairly stright line (rectilinear), which indicates good progress by the US troops in the bocage, where progress of the soldiers and vehicles is very difficult.

Pictured: Caen in ruins after bombings of July 8th and 9th, 1944


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July 10, 1944: the Northern part of the town of Caen is finally liberated, more than one month after D-Day, though the city was intended to be captured by the evening of June 6. This delay of 34 days highlights the dead-end at which the British and Canadians have found themselves. Once the Northern sector of Caen (which is almost entirely destroyed by the Allied aerial bombing) is captured, the British forces decide to focus once again on the key position of Hill 112, located less than two miles southwest of the capital of the Calvados, Caen. This offensive is part of Operation Jupiter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Jupiter_(1944)), which aims at drilling into the front in the valley of Odon, southwest of Caen, and crossing the Orne river.

The 8th British Corps launches its offensive towards Hill 112 on July 10, and though its progress is supported by the Allied fighter-bombers and artillery, the German resistance remains very strong and limits the British headway in this sector. Hill 112 is defended by the soldiers of the 2nd SS Armored Corps, which are aware of the strategic importance of this position - it defends the accesses of the southern area of Caen, currently held by the Panzergroupwest (led by Eberbach).

The 43th British Infantry division Wessex moves towards the village of Maltot, four miles southwest of Caen, and while it manages to enter the city, the German defenders of the 9th and 10 SS Panzer Division push hard. Utilizing heavy fire they isolate some British soldiers in the village: the Allied losses are very heavy and they are forced to back up a mile to the north of Maltot.

The Americans continue progress with difficulty to the North of Periers and Saint-Lo - slow in spite of the intensive bombing from the Allied air force and artillery. The American soldiers face very bloody battles known under the name ‘The Battle of the Hedgerows’. Although slowed by the resistance and terrain, the tirelessly push past the marshy area in the south of Carentan and continue progress.

Pictured: a British soldier carries a little girl through the devastation of Caen, July 10, 1944


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July 11, 1944: It’s been six weeks since D-Day and the beginning of the liberation of Normandy. The Germans, having just lost the town of Caen the day before, launch an offensive in the Cotentin peninsula, aware that the Americans’ slow progress in the bocage means they are limited in their ability to defend an attack, despite Allied control of the air. The Germans decide to attack in the direction of Saint-Jean-de-Daye - the center of the American front and directly to the north of Saint-Lo. They precede their attack with a bombardment by their artillery, however, the Americans of 9th and 39th infantry divisions fight the German forces of the Panzer Lehr with courageous resistance, and hold their ground. Heavy tanks battles occur in the Normand bocage, and by the end of the morning, the US forces take the advantage while launching a counter-offensive directed towards Saint-Lo. They then progress like the previous days, foot by foot, at the cost of heavy losses.

The British cannot take the time to enjoy their victory in the north of Caen as the 2nd Army led by the general Dempsey continues its offensive in the direction of Hill 112, still defended by the western Panzergruppe led by Eberbach.

Pictured: two disabled Panthers of 1st company, 130th Panzer Regiment, Panzer Lehr during the counter attack of July 11, 1944. Notice the difficult-to-navigate terrain on either side of the road.


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July 12, 1944: The German offensive launched yesterday on the American front near Saint-Jean-de-la-Daye, has failed. The American forces take the advantage and continue their progression to the south in the direction of Periers and Saint-Lo, but although pushed back on July 11 and severely weakened, the Germans fiercely resist and prevent the American forces from progressing quickly. The German soldiers of the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division even launch a new counter-attack towards Carentan.


Heavy fighting is occurring in the neighborhoods of Hill 147, which is taken, lost then taken again at intervals of several hours by the two sides. But on July 12, the 116th American Infantry Regiment captures the top of the hill, which offers the perfect position for the Allied artillery, to continue the bombardment of Saint-Lo. In the village of Meautis, General Theodore Roosevelt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodore_Roosevelt,_Jr.), son of President Theodore Roosevelt (between 1901 and 1908) and second in command of the 4th American Infantry division dies following a hearth attack under an apple tree where he takes a break. He is buried in the provisional cemetery on Omaha Beach and later awarded the Medal of Honor.

At the same time, the British continue their push towards Hill 112, defended by SS troops belonging to the Western Panzergruppe led by Eberbach (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Eberbach). The British and Canadians attack along a line parallel to the road connecting Caen to Villers-Bocage. No less than 6 infantry divisions, supported by several tanks battalions, move to the southwest of Caen and follow the Odon river. East of Caen, the 51st British Infantry division also moves towards the southwest to liberate this part of the city, previously held by the Germans. Though the engagements are quite violent, the German SS Mechanized Infantry divisions move back while opposing with savage resistance.

Pictured: A picture I took of General Theodore Roosevelt’s gravestone at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Omaha Beach on June 6, 2013


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July 13, 1944: The Americans continue to push forward in the south of Cotentin, despite slow advances in the area of Martinville. They are stuck in the Normand bocage by Germans who have built up defensive positions. The American Sherman tanks are vulnerable as they climb the hedgerows and lose many tanks while the Germans, camouflaged in the fortress-like hedges. The American engineers equip the Sherman tanks with huge iron teeth salvaged from German beach obstacles, welded to the front, which cut the vegetation in front of the vehicle, allowing faster progress as well as a new camouflage thanks to the branches which remain hung between the blades. They nick-name the Culin hedgerow cutter the Rhinoceros. Tank and infantry units began to support each other - the tanks supplying the heavy firepower needed to eliminate the enemy's well-sited firing positions while the infantry keeps enemy soldiers with antitank weapons at bay. The Rhinos are an ingenious creation, allowing American armor to move across the country at will while the German tanks continue to make do primarily with the roads. In spite of violent engagements which weaken the German troops, the American progress is still slow - a situation which worries General Bradley (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Bradley), who begins working on a possible great scale offensive allowing the opening of the front.

The British and Canadian forces continue to battle in the southwest and east of Caen for total control of the city, the liberation of the villages over the Odon River and Hill 112. The fights, often including hand-to-hand combat, are of extremly violent in these areas meaning human and material losses are very high for both sides.

Pictured: The bocage of the Cotentin peninsula


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July 14, 1944: it’s Bastille Day in France as the battles continue in Normandy. The British continue attacking the German forces of the Western Panzergruppe (led by Eberbach) in and around the town of Caen and try to take full control the eastern and southern parts of the city - but the defenders hold their positions tightly, despite near constant bombing. In the valley of Odon, the British continue to progress, although very slow and the losses are tremendous. A large number of German armored divisions are now engaged with the Brits and Canadians, yet they also hold their ground despite heavy losses.

On the other hand, the German tank and armored vehicles moving towards Caen reduce the pressure on the American forces in the western sector, where the German defenders do not allow the Allied troops to advance any more. The American front has essentially stabilized for the time being, it practically does not move. Saint-Lo and Periers are still in artillery range, but not in rifle range.

Pictured: US troops in the (difficult to traverse) Norman bocage, just outside Saint-Lo


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July 15, 1944: The British continue attacking the south and east of Caen, which is heavily defended by the German SS troops who refuse to give up. Allied artillery continues bombarding the southern part of the city, and the British and Canadian troops move with great difficulty through the ruins of the northern part. Hill 113, defended by the German Hitlerjugend, still blocks the access of the southern area of Caen. A new British offensive, carried out by the 15th Scottish division and codenamed Operation Greenline (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_the_Odon), is launched in the valley of Odon. It is absolutely necessary for the Allies to capture Hill 113.

The Americans still push towards Periers and Saint-Lo, two major Allied objectives which, once captured, will allow a faster path towards the center France and Brittany (to the southwest of Normandy). But the German divisions are well established in the bocage and ‘The Battle of the Hedgerows’ is turning into a real stalling point for the Americans. 
To the northeast of Saint-Lo, American divisions belonging to the 19th Corps only progress by one mile to the south as the German forces of the 7th Army, led by General Hausser (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hausser), are experienced and battle-tested and are difficult to drive back.

By mid-July, the Allies have landed nearly 1,500,000 soldiers in Normandy (a total of 36 divisions) and 300,000 vehicles. 54,000 tons of material land each day on Utah Beach and Omaha Beach, as well as in Arromanches where the artificial harbor functions 24 hours a day.

Pictured: An American version of a sidewalk cafe, in fallen La Haye du Puits, France on July 15, 1944, as Robert McCurty, left, from Newark, New Jersey, Sgt. Harold Smith, of Brush Creek, Tennessee, and Sgt. Richard Bennett, from Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, raise their glasses in a toast.

 

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

July 16, 1944: the 15th, 43th, 49th, 50th, 53rd and 59th British and Canadian Infantry divisions still battle the western Panzergruppe led by Eberbach in the valley of Odon, while in Caen the British continue their push to control the whole city. The tank combat is ferocious and nearly constant but the Allied artillery and air force limit the German counter-offensives. A new British offensive, codenamed Operation Pomegranate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_the_Odon#Operation_Pomegranate.2C_16.E2.80.9317_July), is launched in the valley of Odon. It is important to open the front, so Lieutenant-General Simonds presents another operation to the 2nd Canadian Corps, called Operation Atlantic, which aims at opening the front in the southwest of Caen towards the village of Louvigny. This small offensive, to be carried out by the 2nd Canadian Infantry division, is approved and preparations begin.

The American front in the south of the Cotentin peninsula forms a fairly straight line. However, north of Saint-Lo the German counter-attacks increase, and the 29th and 30th American Infantry divisions are moved further apart little by little - this situation worries Allied command. In response, the 9th and 30th divisions launch a new offensive towards the south, along the road Carentan-Saint-Lo, to solidify the rectilinear front. The American progression is extremely slow and difficult, but the Americans still reach the village of Esglandes. During this time, the 2nd Battalion of the 116th Infantry Regiment is encircled, but the German forces are quite weakened.

Pictured: remnants of armor after a day of tank battles


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July 17, 1944: to the southwest of Caen, Operation Atlantic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Atlantic) begins and the forces of the 2nd Canadian Infantry division attack towards Louvigny, supported by Allied aviation and artillery. They furiously battle the German soldiers of the 1st and 12nd SS Panzer divisions, who generally refuse to give up, instead fighting until death. The village of Louvigny is reached but the Canadians struggle to force the Germans completely from their defensive positions. The Germans counter-attack and once again control the village after more fierce fighting, but after a short retreat to regroup, the Allies attack again and progress foot-by-foot towards Louvigny, but not without heavy losses.

The battles to the north of Saint-Lo (in the Cotentin peninsula) continue. The battles around Martinville, in the north of the Madeleine, and in the suburbs of Saint-Lo are extremely violent - the attackers must attack and defend against seemingly constant counterattacks at the same time - and the losses are very high. The Allied fighters have to deliver close support to the American infantrymen whose numbers are drastically weakened by the preceding weeks of fighting. The 35th American Infantry division attacks the western positions of the 2nd Fallschirmjäger-Korps, which fall one by one. Major Howie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_D._Howie), chief of the 3rd Battalion of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th American Infantry division, is killed by the explosion of a German mortar shell. The following day, July 18th, his body is placed upon the ruins of the Sainte-Croix Church in Saint-Lo., an American flag and flowers covering his body, all while the battles continue.

Marshal Rommel, on the way to his headquarters located at La-Roche-sur-Yon, is attacked by Allied aviators in Spitfires belonging to the 602nd Squadron of the Royal Air Force, whose Squadron Leader is a South African pilot: J.-J. "Chris" Le Roux (reported missing on August 29th, 1944). The driver of the car is killed during the attack while Marshal Rommel is seriously wounded. The wreck of the car is later found by a German mechanic who drives the injured to the village of Livarot, where they receive medical care.

Pictured: the flag-draped body of Major Thomas Howie in Saint-Lo



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July 18,1944: General Montgomery launches Operation Goodwood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Goodwood), which aims to liberate the east and southeastern areas of Caen. It starts from the positions captured on D-Day by the 6th British Airborne division between the Orne river and the village of Troarn, and also from the southwestern part of Caen. The 8th Corps, led by general O'Connor, deploys 3 armored divisions (the 7th, the 11th, and the Guards) from the attack in the east of Caen to the south-southwest, towards the town of Falaise. The offensive begins with a spectacular three-hour bombardment: 2,500 bombers drop nearly 6,000 tons of bombs, while the naval and ground artillery fire nearly 250,000 shells, targeting an located between the eastern part of Caen and the village of Troarn - an area roughly 9 miles long and 2.5 miles wide.

The fighting between the Canadians and the 12th and 21st SS Panzer divisions (belonging to the Western Panzergruppe led by Eberbach) in the southwest of Caen and in the area surrounding of Louvigny are fierce. This small village, lost the day before by the Allies, is liberated once again on July 18 during a forceful attack led by the Royal Regiment of Canada supported by field and naval artillery.

The 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry, supported by the tanks of the 29th Brigade belonging to the 11th British Armored division, progresses towards the villages of Cuverville, Giberville and of Demouville, which are heavily bombarded the morning of July 18 and are defended by the 16th Luftwaffe Feld Division, which retreats quickly after the bombardments, abandoning the village of Cuverville and repositioning to the southwest of Saint-Pair.

The 3rd Royal Tank Regiment liberates the villages of Touffreville and Sannerville, located at the south of Herouvilette-Escoville, which was also liberated in the first hours of Operation Goodwood. The first German line of defense is breached, and the British progress nearly 4 miles in the direction of Cagny.

Major von Luck (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_von_Luck), leading the 21st Panzer Division, is aware of the capability of the German 88 mm guns and the Tiger and Panther tanks against the British tanks, so he gathers five of these 88s and a Tiger tank on the high point of the village of Cagny: 16 British tanks are destroyed in just a few minutes time and the British progression is slowed dramatically. The German and British tanks engage in one of the largest armored fights in all of the Battle of Normandy on the north side of Cagny, and the German forces have the advantage of height. But the British do not give up: the Armored Division of Irish Guard attacks Cagny while the 5th Brigade of the Armored Division Guards moves towards the villages of Emieville and Guillerville, to the east of Cagny. However, once again the German Tiger tanks of the 503 Armored Battalion show their superiority and push back the British attack. The Irish Guard manages to bore into the German defenses due to their numerical superiority in addition to the bombardment from the British artillery. They liberate the village of Cagny after silencing the artillery positions defended by the men of the 21st SS Panzer Division.

At the end of the day, the British have lost 1,500 soldiers and 270 tanks. While they have only progressed 4.5 miles, all the plains in the southeast of Caen are finally liberated. The town of Caen itself is also entirely liberated, more than a month after the date projected in May 1944 by the Allied planners.

On the American front, US soldiers enter the ruins of Saint-Lo for the first time - they are the men of the 29th Infantry division, joined within a force called Task Force Cota (name of the commander of the 29th division, Norman Cota: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Cota), who take the road connecting Lison and Saint-Lo from Couvains. The progress of the infantry and vehicles is slowed by the German artillery, which is positioned to the south of Saint-Lo. While they progress, German mortars bombard the soldiers who are working to open paths through the ruins of the city, severely bombarded for a week.

Pictured: bulldozers clear paths for troops and vehicles through the ruins of Saint-Lo


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July 19, 1944: Operation Goodwood, which began yesterday, continues. The primary point of German resistance from yesterday, in Cagny, has fallen and now the Germans concentrate their efforts on the areas around the villages of Guillerville and Emieville, Southeast of Caen, defended by the 21st SS Panzer Division and the survivors of 16th Luftwaffe Feld Division.


In the south of Caen the Canadians of the 2nd Infantry division fight the survivors of the 272nd German Infantry division, practically decimated during the massive bombardment of the day before, but who still resist south of the village of Saint-Martin-de-Fontenay. The 11th English Armored division progresses along the Caen-Falaise road and fights the troops of the 1st SS Panzer Division. The strategic position of Bourguébus is finally reached by the 7th British Armored division after heavy Allied bombardments. Once again the British and Canadians lose a large number of tanks (100) in just one day due to the superiority of the German Tiger tank.

Saint-Lo is finally liberated. After fierce fighting the American soldiers of the 29th Infantry division manage to push back the defenders of the 3rd German Parachutists division (3. Fallschirmjäger-Division). Many snipers and the German artillery still remain as problems for the American forces but with the armored and air support, the streets become increasingly sure. The soldiers of the 29th Infantry are reinforced on July 19 by the troops of the 35th American Infantry division. The liberation of Saint-Lo is an excellent news for the Allies, because it opens the road towards Coutances and Vire.

Pictured: German Tiger II tanks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_II) belonging to the 503rd heavy tank battalion, hide from Allied aerial reconnaissance.



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July 20, 1944: Operation Goodwood continues in the southwest of Caen. In the north and the west of the villages of Emieville and Guillerville, the British push back several German counterattacks led by the 21st Panzer Division. The weather is increasingly bad in Normandy and the Allied forces stall in the southern plain of Caen. Operation Goodwood is abruptly stopped and the German defenders, who were overwhelmed on July 18 from the bombardments and the British and Canadian offensive, are now dug in and prepared to fight for every inch of ground.

Once again the German Tigers display their superiority by destroying more than 100 tanks, bringing the total loss of armor for the British to over 400 tanks in just the last three days.

As the rain continues to fall on Normandy, the Allied air support remains grounded. A vast operation aimed at opening the American front, called Operation Cobra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cobra), must be delayed by general Bradley because of the lack of air support. Saint-Lo is still in the cross-hairs of many snipers, which slows the American progress: the houses must be cleared one by one by the soldiers of the 29th Infantry division. The city has been almost entirely destroyed by the bombardments which greatly increases the difficult work by American military engineers in opening the roads for movement. The stench of death permeates Saint-Lo, 80% destroyed. It is estimated that nearly 800 residents (of a population of 10,000) were killed by the bombings since the Allied invasion in Normandy began.

Pictured: Saint-Lo after the bombardments - almost total destruction.



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July 21, 1944: Operation Goodwood ends in the southwest of Caen, the British having progressed only 7 miles despite several thousands of tons of bombs having been dropped on the German positions. The Allies have suffered 3,600 casualties and 469 Allied tanks are out of commission, and the town of Falaise, which was one of the objectives of the Goodwood offensive, is far from being reached. Despite these discouraging reports, general Montgomery is pleased; the Germans sent many tanks to the southeast of Caen, which will allow the American forces to move south in the days to follow.

There is still no air support in Normandy due to the strong rains which fall constantly. The Americans are about to launch a massive offensive, Operation Cobra, and therefore limit contact with the German forces (which benefit from this and attempt to resupply). The Germans have been severely tested in the area around Saint-Lo, and their incredible resistance of this city has caused serious problems as the troops are exhausted and short on ammunition. In preparation for Operation Cobra, which must begin in the next few days (as soon as good weather returns), the 8th Infantry division organizes reconnaissance missions on July 21st in the West of Saint-Lo.

Pictured: map of land liberated by the Allies, July, 1944.



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July 22, 1944: In preparation for Operation Cobra in the south of the Cotentin peninsula, the 358th Regiment of the 90th American Infantry division attacks in the direction of the village of Saint-Germain-sur-Seves, 3 miles north of Periers. Due (in part) to the lack of air support from the bad weather, the US losses are very high - the two battalions do not manage to enter the village. Weakened, they retreat and must defend their positions against counterattacks by the German infantry and tanks. During the offensive the 358th American Regiment loses nearly 700 soldiers (100 killed or missing in action, 400 wounded and 200 prisoners). Saint-Germain-sur-Seves is not reached.

Despite general Montgomery’s being pleased, Operation Goodwood is considered a failure by the Americans - the losses were too high (3,600 soldiers killed and 469 destroyed tanks). The British progressed only by 7 miles and the front line is as follows: the road connecting Fleury-sur-Orne to Saint-Andre-sur-Orne to the south of Caen is safe and the villages of Bourguebus and Frenouville are liberated. But the British and Canadian troops are stopped cold.

Pictured: Prime Minister Winston Churchill visits Caen. Lieutenant General Sir Miles Dempsey, commanding British Second Army, pointing out a section of the front to the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Also in the picture are the Lieutenant General G G Simonds (left), commanding II Canadian Corps and the 21st Army Group commander General Sir Bernard Montgomery (right), Normandy, 22 July 1944.



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July 23, 1944: Marshal von Kluge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Günther_von_Kluge) sees that the German forces are becoming exhausted in the Cotentin peninsula, so he requests Hitler’s authorization to carry out a strategic retreat all the soldiers and vehicles in the west of Normandy. Hitler, having refused the majority of retreats since D-Day, finally accepts. The American forces continue their ‘punch’ operations to maintain the contact with the German soldiers and to observe the new positions taken by the enemy.

The weather, still very bad, continues to delay the start of the Operation Cobra in the south of the Cotentin. The American troops are near Lessay and try to push in direction of Periers, continuing contact with the Germans. While continuing to prepare for the offensive, they mass towards the various points which will be used as departure points Operation Cobra. The American units receive new uniforms, helmets, and get rid of useless materials which could slow them down.

The British reinforce their positions to the south of Caen, weakened by the losses of Operation Goodwood. The American High-Command is very critical of general Montgomery who is considered incompetent to lead in the east. Furthermore, the small amount of space controlled by the British and Canadian forces does not allow the creation of multiple runways, which seriously handicaps the Allied air forces at this stage of the Battle of Normandy. Eisenhower even proposes Montgomery dismissal to the English Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, which is ignored. This highlights the tension within the Allied forces.

General Bradley, for his Operation Cobra, decides that the infantry needs to attack ahead of of the tanks, whereas Montgomery uses the opposite strategy.

Pictured: Oft-overlooked are the combat engineers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_engineer), who work on or just behind the front lines commonly repairing and clearing damaged roads, railways and bridges. Here we see the 300th Combat Engineers reconstructing a railroad bridge five miles north of Saint Jean de Daye, Normandy, July 23 1944. On the left Maj. Crandall, Battalion Commander, observes the work.



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July 24, 1944: The weather has improved in Normandy and Operation Cobra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cobra) can finally start. Early in the afternoon, three divisions of the 8th US Air Force (nearly 1,600 bombers) along with six fighter-bombers groups of the 9th TAC (Tactical Air Force) begin to bombard a narrow corridor (roughly 4 miles long by 2 miles wide) located about 2.5 miles northwest of Saint-Lo. The cloud cover is heavy which blocks the view of many pilots; 500 bombers choose to go return to base without having attacked their targets.

The American forces located in the area (9th and 30th Infantry divisions) receive the order during the previous night to pull back about 1/2 mile to the northeast. Although the weather has improved, visibility is still poor and some units of the 30th Infantry division are bombarded in error - 25 American soldiers are killed and 131 are wounded. Other members of the 30th division join their positions during the night and observe the enemy movements. Brief engagements take place as the Germans of Panzer Lehr division infiltrate these positions, particularly in the area of the 60th Infantry Regiment belonging to the 9th American division, between the villages Hauts-Vents and Le Bois du Hommet, along the road of Saint-Lo to Periers.

The reports of the missed bombardments alarm General Bradley - they are numerous because of the atmospheric conditions. However, he decides to maintain plans to begin Operation Cobra the following day.

The British receive the reinforcement of the 1st Canadian Army, led by General Crerar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Crerar). The front has stabilized for now with no major offensives planned today. However, the British gather to the south of Caen aiming to launch a new operation, called Operation Spring (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Spring).

Pictured: General Omar Bradley and General Collins near Cherbourg



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July 25, 1944: today marks the beginning of two operations; Operation Cobra (American) and Operation Spring (British).

Despite the poor weather (and the ‘friendly fire’ bombings of the day before), new Allied air raids prepare the ground for the offensive: 1,500 B-17 and B-25 bombers drop nearly 3,300 tons of bombs between Montreuil and Hebecrevon in the northwest of Saint-Lo. But once again, due to the poor atmospheric conditions and the proximity of the American forces, 111 US soldiers are killed and nearly 500 are wounded by the bombardments. After the bombing runs, the Panzer Lehr then comes under massed artillery fire of approximately 1000 pieces of artillery of different calibers. The bombardments are disastrous for the German forces, which lose a tremendous amount of soldiers and vehicles during the air raid: after the bombardment the Panzer Lehr division has only 7 operational tanks left in this sector. Before the Americans even launch the ground attack (comprised of two armored divisions (238 Sherman tanks) and four infantry divisions), the Germans lose not only their armored support, but also nearly half their soldiers are killed by the bombardments.

The Americans send six divisions (over 140,000 troops) to attack between Montreuil and Hebecrevon, which strike in the following directions (from west to east): the 9th Infantry division, on the west side of the offensive, moves south towards Montreuil and must push back the counterattacks of the 2nd and 17th SS Panzer Division. The 1st infantry division attacks towards Marigny, keeping the pressure on the German paratroopers. The 3rd Armored division moves towards Cerisy-la-Salle, the 4th Infantry progresses towards Canisy. The 2nd Armoured division attacks Saint-Gilles while the troops of the 30th Infantry on the eastern side move to the south of Saint-Lo, attacking the 352nd Infantry division and the 2nd Parachutist Regiment. By the evening of July 25, the front line has moved by only 1.5 miles to the south. The American generals, and in particular Bradley, worry about this lack of progress but the German prisoners imply that they are still shocked by the scale of the bombardments. The Americans decide to ‘go all out’ in the bombardments the next day.

The British launch Operation Spring, to the south of Caen. This offensive, mainly carried out by the Canadian Black Watch Regiment, intends to keep the Germans in contact with the British instead of sending reinforcements to fight the American offensive. This attack, which does not make much progress on the front, takes on extremely heavy in losses - the Germans dug themselves in after Operation Goodwood and the Canadians are punished by units firmly entrenched in their positions. The British losses are terrible: nearly 1,500 casualties. However, Operation Spring is a success in that the Germans choose not to send reinforcements to the west.

Seven weeks after the landing on D-Day, Operations Cobra and Spring were about to change the face of the western front…

Pictured: Operation Cobra map and a US M-10 in action





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July 26, 1944: Operation Cobra continues in the south of the Cotentin peninsula. To the northwest of the zone used as starting point for the offensive, four American Infantry divisions also join the attack: the 8th (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)), 79th (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)), 83rd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/83rd_Infantry_Division_(United_States)), and 90th (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/90th_Infantry_Division_(United_States)). These divisions attack along to two axes, one in the west along the road connecting the villages of Lessay and Coutances, the other along the Periers-Coutances road.

The German forces do not offer much resistance and the Americans move to the south: the village of Marigny is reached where violent engagements begin in the surrounding area. Marigny is defended by elements of the elite 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich division (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2nd_SS_Panzer_Division_Das_Reich), supported by tanks and the 353th Infantry division. In the early evening the 2nd Armored division reaches the village of Saint-Samson-de-Bonfosse, after having progressed the furthest into the German lines for the day. But the best news for the Allies is that the front in the south of Cotentin has finally opened - the Germans are retreating and Bradley’s tactic is paying off: the tanks progress much more easily when the infantry leads the way.

The British try to recover from Operation Spring, launched the day before. The losses were very high, which allows them to just hold their positions. The sacrifice of the Canadians helps the Allies achieve the goal of the Spring offensive: the Germans do not send divisions to reinforce the Cotentin peninsula, choosing instead to maintain a force in the south of Caen to counter possible further offensives. Spring is successful, but a catastrophic loss: 1,500 Canadians casualties.

Pictured: damaged M4A1 Sherman tank of A Company, 741st Tank Battalion, being towed by recovery vehicle



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July 27, 1944: It’s day three of the offensive code-named Operation Cobra - the front is finally opened to the southwest of Saint-Lo and the Americans now push to exploit it. At the west end of the opening, the 1st Infantry division and the 3rd Armored division push back the Germans of the 2nd and 17th SS Panzer Division to the village of Camprond, a progression of almost 4 miles. In the center of the opening, the 2nd Armored division reaches the village of Notre-Dame-de-Cenilly, nearly 4.5 miles further to the south and reaches the Saint-Lo-Tessy-sur-Vire road at Mesnil-Opac. The town of Periers is finally liberated by the soldiers of the 90th Infantry division, and Lessay falls to the hands of the troops belonging to the 79th Infantry.

Violent tanks battles are occurring between American armored divisions and isolated elements from the elite SS Panzer divisions "Das Reich" and "Götz von Berlichingen". SS-Oscha Ernst Barkmann, belonging to the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich", destroyed nine American Sherman tanks and several other vehicles of the 3rd Armoured division along the road connecting Saint-Lo to Coutances, close to the village of Lorey. But the Germans, despite having a higher fire-power with their tanks, are unable to slow down the irresistible American progress.

On the British front, it is a return to the battle for position. The brutal Operation Spring did not open the front in the south of Caen, but rather locked a maximum number of German divisions in the area so that they are not sent as reinforcements against the American divisions involved in Operation Cobra.

Pictured: An American Sherman tank in the city of Périers on July 27, 1944.



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July 28, 1944: Operation Cobra has blown the western front wide open and the American forces are working to take advantage. The US forces continue to exploit the opening of the front in the south of Cotentin under Operation Cobra. While the 2nd and the 3rd Armored divisions move to the south and southeast from the starting point of Operation Cobra, General Bradley’s 1st Army, positioned to the north of Periers, also pushes southward. The liberation of the towns of Lessay and Periers the day before make it possible for the US troops to join with two new armored divisions: the 4th and the 6th.

The Germans pull back towards Coutances, which is reached by the 4th American Armored division that evening, having liberated the village of Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin on the way. The 4th Armored’s progression is rapid and the German opposition very weak - nearly 6 miles are gained today. The 84th German Corps is quickly pushed back - creating an unexpected opening - which the Allied forces take advantage of to progress towards Avranches.

While the American front has opened up and the Germans seem unable to stop them, the British do not manage any progress. The Germans are dug in to the south and east of Caen and do not move despite the mass of British and Canadians soldiers.

Pictured: map of the ‘Saint-Lo breakthrough’ from Operation Cobra. The progress in just a few day’s time has been dramatic.



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July 29, 1944: Saturday brings day 5 of Operation Cobra and since yesterday, the American troops have made sizable advances (more than 8 miles) deep into the German lines. Three principal points of attack are established: in the west the 3rd Armored division progresses to the south of the town of Coutances, attacked yesterday and liberated today. In the center and the east of the opening, the 2nd Armored division pushes towards Saint-Denis-le-Gest and Villebaudon.

The Germans try to create another line connecting the villages of Brehal and Cerences to the west and Percy in the east. - they call this line the "Weisse Linie" (White Line). However, many soldiers belonging to the 84th Corps are surrounded outside the village of Roncey by the 2nd and the 3rd American armoured divisions. Columns of vehicles try to escape from this areas and move towards Coutances but it is too late - three American divisions attack the pocket with massive bombardments. Nearly 1,500 German soldiers are killed and 4,000 more are prisoners. The American forces continue the attack on the German troops and push to attack the "White Line" created by the infantry and Panzer SS divisions.

By the evening of July 29, the American forces in the south reach the villages of Cerences, Cambry, Lengronne, Saint-Denis-le-Gast. The 2nd Armored division moves and attacks towards Percy. The Germans are out-manned, low on supplies, and war-weary, while the American forces are reinforced, well-equipped, and motivated - the rout on the western front of the Battle of Normandy is on.

Pictured: G.I.s of the 4th Armored Division guard prisoners during Operation Cobra in Coutances, France on July 29, 1944



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July 30, 1844: The Germans, after quickly forming a defensive line (the Weisse Linie) between Cerences and Percy, are attacked at various points - but the line was formed too quickly and the US troops power through it easily. The Americans continue their offensive to the south (towards Avranches, the ‘entryway’ to Brittany), located about 30 miles south of the starting point of Operation Cobra, which began just one week ago. South of Saint-Lo is now controlled by the 2nd Armored Division and the 30th Infantry Division, which continue to progress to the southeast. In the west, Granville is liberated by the soldiers of the 6th Armored division.

The Infantry divisions (4th, 8th and 79th), respectively supported by 3rd, 4th and the 6th armored divisions, attack to the west and liberate Gavray, La Haie-Pesnel, Brehal and Avranches. At the end of the day, the Americans reach the village of Pontaubault in the south and move towards Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet. The progression is rapid: the Germans are overwhelmed and retreat without much fight in the face of superior force. The bridge of Pontaubault, which allows access to Brittany, is taken intact and is under American control.

General Patton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_S._Patton), chief of the 3rd American Army, is proud of his soldiers - speed was the key of Operation Cobra and things have proceeded as planned. In fact some of the offensives, in particular the liberation of Avranches, have exceeded their wildest hopes. The Allies can now say it: Cobra, despite impressive losses, is a total success. The reports of the losses are as follows: nearly 18,450 American casualties (more than 5,020 KIA) and approximately 15,000 Normans are victims of the bombardments and of the engagements since the beginning of Cobra.

To the east the British, who face two thirds of the German soldiers located in all of Normandy, launch a new operation, dubbed Operation Bluecoat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Bluecoat). Six British and Canadians divisions belonging to the 2nd Army (led by General Dempsey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Dempsey)) take part in the offensive, which attempts to exploit the German rout generated by Operation Cobra (on the eastern side of the American forces). The British attack from Caumont to the east of Vire in the southern area of Villers-Bocage, which is savagely defended by the Western Panzergruppe led by Eberbach and the 7th German Army of Hausser (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Hausser). In response, the 1st and the 9th SS Panzer divisions attack in the east of Caen and weaken the British lines of defense.

Pictured: A US Soldier seeks cover during an engagement with German forces during Operation Cobra; tanks of the 2nd Free French Armored Division, part of Patton's 3rd Army, assembled for the exploitation of the break-through during Operation Cobra




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July 31, 1944: the American troops continue to exploit the momentum of Operation Cobra, now moving into the area near Pontaubault (in Brittany), staunchly defended by elements of the 91st German Infantry division. Despite the determined German resistance, the 4th and the 6th armored divisions push through and continue their progress. At the southern-most point of the front, the Allies have progressed 35 miles since July 24 and have captured nearly 20,000 German POWs. Violent battles take place to the west of Avranches, in the area surrounding the village of Brecey, however the Americans have the advantage and the German forces are forced to retreat to the south and southeast.

On the eastern side of the American forces, the British troops continue Operation Bluecoat. Since yesterday, they’ve progressed to the south, attacking the German soldiers who retreat from the American Cobra offensive. At the end of the day, the British and Canadian troops reach the villages of La-Ferrière-Harang (to the southeast of Saint-Lo), as well as La Morichèse-Les Mares and Les Loges to the south of Caumont, Cahagnes and Briquessard in the east while the 50th British Infantry division is attacked south of Saint-German-d'Ectot by the 276th German Infantry division.

South of Caumont, the 21st SS Panzer Division (supported by the 326th German Infantry division), resists and counterattacks the 15th and 43th British and Canadian Infantry divisions - hard fighting ensues but the 2nd Army led by General Dempsey resists the counterattack and holds their ground.

Pictured: a disabled American Sherman tank just outside of Avranches, German POWs under armed escort march after succumbing to Operation Cobra






 

crimsonaudio

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Sep 9, 2002
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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

August 1, 1944: The 2e Division Blindée (2e DB), equipped by the Americans as an armored division and under the command of General Leclerc (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Leclerc_de_Hauteclocque), lands in Normandy at Saint-Martin-of-Varreville at Utah Beach to join the American 3rd Army, activated under the command of Lieutenant General George S. Patton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_S._Patton) at noon today. Lieutenant General Courtney Hodges (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Hodges) assumes command of the 1st Army and Bradley is promoted to the overall command of both armies, named the U.S. 12th Army Group. The American advance during Cobra has been extraordinarily rapid, and General Patton, famous for his opportunism, orders his 3rd Army to push towards Mayenne and Laval in Brittany - much fighting takes place in the Loire Valley. Patton then pushes 7 divisions from his Third Army cross the bridge of Pontaubault on the river Selune in 72 hours - almost unbelievable speed.

Patton wrote a poem before the battle began:
So let us do real fighting, boring in and gouging, biting.
Let's take a chance now that we have the ball.
Let's forget those fine firm bases in the dreary shell raked spaces,
Let's shoot the works and win! Yes, win it all!

In the meantime, the 1st American Army, along with the 2nd British Army of General Demsey, are progressing towards the south, respectively towards Vire and Falaise. The 1st Canadian Army is ordered to push back the counterattacks in the east and south of Caen. The British are involved in Operation Bluecoat, headed by the 2nd Army of Dempsey.

Pictured: Map showing the breakout from the Normandy beachhead



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August 2, 1944: General Patton’s 3rd Army continues its progression in Brittany, liberating Mont Saint-Michel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint-Michel). The Germans, completely overwhelmed around Pontaubault, lose a large number of soldiers as POWs. However, in the east of Avranches, pockets of resistance slow the American progression, particularly around Mortain where elements of the 84th German Corps are dug in to their positions.

To the east of the American troops, the British continue Operation Bluecoat against the German divisions located between Villers-Bocage in the northeast and Vire in the southeast. Ferocious combat takes place around the Forêt du Homme and southeast of the Forêt l'Eveque, because the 21st SS Panzer Division, supported by the 326th German Infantry division, counterattacks to the north and west against the 15th and 43th British Infantry divisions as well as the 11th Armored division, which moves south in the direction of Vire. The 9th and 10th SS Panzer Division fight violently in an attempt to stop the 11th British Armored division, and even though they inflict heavy losses on the British forces, the Germans are forced to retreat to the south.

Pictured: A heavily camouflaged American M-10 Tank destroyer advances cautiously after a rare Luftwaffe attack near Avranches, and the bridge of Pontaubault which allowed Patton to break-out of Normandy






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August 3, 1944: The battles to the east of Avranches continue and after the violent engagements the Americans reach the outskirts of the village of of Mortain, one of the major German points of resistance in the area. Hitler prepares a "last chance" operation, aiming to attack the American forces in the northeast of Mortain with the maximum number of remaining units. The German generals are then ordered to gather planes and tanks, the inventory of which is very small.

To the west, the 3rd Army led by general Patton progresses very quickly through Brittany and reach the German defense lines at the town of Rennes.

The British and Canadian forces continue to fight savagely under Operation Bluecoat - the front line advances very slowly in favor of the British, despite facing the Panzer SS divisions of the Western Panzergrupper led by General Eberbach. On August 3, the first elements of the Belgian group led by Colonel Jean Piron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Piron) embark in England and prepare to cross the English Channel. From now on they are charged with supporting the 1st Canadian Army led by General Crerar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Crerar) in the east of Caen.

Pictured: American troops advancing from Juvigny southward toward Mortain


 

PacadermaTideUs

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Dec 10, 2009
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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

Heck of a multi-post you've got there CA - I think you've set the new record. I'll admit, I've only just begun reading, but I've already got a comment re the June 3rd accidental teletype: I'm sure the topic's been researched, but I've got to wonder whether it was accidental afterall, or rather a test of the German reaction and efficacy of Operation Bodyguard. A cry of "wolf" in order to induce short-term complacency in the German response, perhaps.

Recommendation: I know this isn't the typical sort of topic to get pinned to the top of NS, but it's an important subject to our history...
 

jabcmb

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Feb 1, 2006
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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

Great job and good timing for me. I'll be in Normandy in two weeks and this is a great refresher course for me. Thank you!
 

Tidewater

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

I've already got a comment re the June 3rd accidental teletype: I'm sure the topic's been researched, but I've got to wonder whether it was accidental afterall, or rather a test of the German reaction and efficacy of Operation Bodyguard. A cry of "wolf" in order to induce short-term complacency in the German response, perhaps.
I had a mental picture of Erkle saying, "Oops. Did I do that?"
 

Bazza

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

Thanks for this Audio - we should always remember this period in history - so much sacrifice - so much courage and bravery - so much advancement in weapons technology - and so much sheer determination to prevail. I'll go back and read more when time allows - just wanted to say thanks and well done.
 

TIDE-HSV

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

The indiscriminate bombing/killing of civilians that accompanied the invasion is amazing.
I don't think collateral damage = indiscriminate. The British were accused of indiscriminate bombing. The air battle of Dresden was the turning point. If you decide to research it, be prepared to run into a fog of conflicting claims. We bombed mostly by day and by industrial, transport, etc., targets. The British did a lot of night carpet bombing with incendiaries, which is what caused the firestorm at Dresden. After Dresden, the carpet fire-bombing was largely over. I've actually been to Dresden, which wasn't reconstructed until after the fall of the eastern Communist regime. Being German, they had a detailed map of each building, with the masonry blocks labeled. When they rebuilt, they left the fire-blackened stones remain, so all the old buildings look like checkerboards of black and new stone. I have some pix, and, if I can locate them, I'll post them.

To understand the British attitude, you have to remember the really indiscriminate destruction of London in the Battle of Britain. The British felt they had a lot of pay-back coming. Even the V-1 and V-2 missiles were pure terror weapons. If you haven't read it, I'd heartily recommend reading Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five." he was a POW there and an eyewitness to the whole Dresden process...
 

crimsonaudio

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

Also worth noting that most of these occupied cities were desolate before the Allied armies attacked - the people knew the battle was coming and got the heck out.
 

Tide1986

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

Also worth noting that most of these occupied cities were desolate before the Allied armies attacked - the people knew the battle was coming and got the heck out.
Did I read somewhere in your recounting that something like 15K civilians were killed in Normandy particularly due to the Allied bombings?
 

crimsonaudio

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

Did I read somewhere in your recounting that something like 15K civilians were killed in Normandy particularly due to the Allied bombings?
I don't think so - I can't readily recall any incident in the entire Battle of Normandy where so many civilians were killed by the Allied forces.
 

Tide1986

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

I don't think so - I can't readily recall any incident in the entire Battle of Normandy where so many civilians were killed by the Allied forces.
I couldn't find it, but I did note that 800 residents of Saint-Lo (out of 10K) we're killed by the Allied bombings.
 

Tide1986

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

I couldn't find it, but I did note that 800 residents of Saint-Lo (out of 10K) we're killed by the Allied bombings.
A quick Google search suggests somewhere on the order of 50K civilian deaths due to Allied bombings before and after D-day. Don't know the veracity of that assertion.
 

crimsonaudio

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Re: Normandy daily - 1944

I couldn't find it, but I did note that 800 residents of Saint-Lo (out of 10K) we're killed by the Allied bombings.
Yah, Saint-Lo and Caen, despite being relatively empty, did have somewhat high casualties. It's unavoidable, especially in a world of 'dumb' bombs and when you have an enemy dug in and fortified.

But again, no where near 15k.

The Pacific Theater was a very different war.
 
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