July 1944

Western Front

Gen Montgomery issues orders for an offensive, calling for a strong southward drive (COBRA} by the US 1st Army, which will be assisted by the British 2nd Army attacking east and south of Caen.

In the US 1st Army area, the VIII Corps advances some 3,000 yards beyond La Haye-du-Puits with the 90th Division overrunning the Mont Castre Forest.

The VII Corps continues its attack with 3 divisions--the 4th, the 83rd, and the 9th, from west to east--and reaches the general vicinity of St Eny, Tribehou, and Le Désert.

In the XIX Corps area, CCB of the 3rd Armored Division renews its efforts to reach Hauts-Vents but is stopped a little short. The 120th Infantry, 30th Division, pulls up almost abreast with CCB as its forward elements reach the village of Le Rocher. The 119th Infantry, on the 30th Division's left flank, reaches positions just short of Belle-Lande.

In the British 2nd Army area, the I Corps mops up within Caen. The VIII Corps begins a drive toward Thury Harcourt, attacking between the Odon and the Orne. The 43rd Division takes Eterville and Hill 112, between Eterville and Evrecy, but is unable to secure Maltot.