July 1944

Western Front

In the US 1st Army area, the VIII Corps overruns La Haye-du-Puits during an attack from the west by the 79th Division. The newly arrived 8th Division enters the line between the 79th and 90th Divisions. The VII Corps continues efforts to advance down the Carentan-Périers road against strong opposition. In the XIX Corps area, the 113th Cavalry Group, 30th Division, and the 3rd Armored Division expand their bridgehead despite difficulty in coordinating the movement of infantry and armor within the limited sector. On the west, the 113th Cavalry Group overruns the villages of Goucherie and Le Mesnil-Veneron. Late in the day, the Group is attached to CCA, 3rd Armored Division, which has crossed into the bridgehead and is pushing toward Le Désert. The 30th Division, with the 120th Infantry on the right, the 117th in the center, and the 119th on the left, advances toward Le Désert and Cavigny. CCB, 3rd Armored Division, gets almost to La Bernardrie, and is attached to the 30th Division late in the day. The 35th Division, which has completed landing on the continent, is attached to the XIX Corps.

In the British 2nd Army area, the I Corps opens an assault on Caen at 0420, employing the Canadian 3rd Division on the right, the 59th Division in the center, and the 3rd Division on the left. British troops penetrate into the city at the northeast corner. US heavy bombers provide close support for the attack.