July 1944

Western Front

In the US 1st Army area, the VIII Corps attempts to push beyond La Haye-du-Puits but makes little progress against the dual handicaps of a stubborn enemy and hedgerow terrain.

In the VII Corps area, the 4th and 83rd Divisions gain several hundred yards toward Périers in violent fighting with the 83rd overrunning St Eny. The 9th Division arrives from Cherbourg and is given the sector east of Taute, previously the right flank of the 30th Division's zone. The boundary between the VII and XIX Corps is adjusted slightly.

In the XIX Corps area, while the 113th Cavalry Group and CCA of the 3rd Armored Division hold on the right flank of the corps, the 30th Division and the attached CCB continue the offensive toward Hauts-Vents, the immediate objective. A strong enemy counterattack in the region west of the main road to St Lô is checked, largely by artillery fire. CCB, attacking between the assault regiments of the 30th Division, pushes rapidly toward Hauts-Vents along the main highway until it is stopped short of the objective by an order from division. Late in the day, CCA, 3rd Armored Division, is attached to the 9th Division, VII Corps.

In the British 2nd Army's I Corps area, Caen falls as the 3rd Division, driving southward into the city, meets the Canadian 3rd Division, which enters from the west. Elements of the Canadian 3rd Division at last take the Carpiquet airfield, which the Germans have defended stubbornly, and Bretteville-sur-Odon.