July 1944

Western Front

The US 6th Armored Division begins landing at Utah Beach.

The US 1st Army, with the capture of St Lô by the XIX Corps. successfully concludes the Battle of the Hedgerows, during which it has gained suitable positions from which to launch a breakout attack (COBRA).

In the VII Corps area, the 9th and 30th Divisions continue steadily toward the Périers-St Lô road, which patrols reach.

The XIX Corps completes the costly struggle for St Lô. On the right flank of the corps, the 35th Division advances rapidly southward all along the line, left flank elements reaching the northern edge of St Lô. After the 115th Infantry, 29th Division, closes in on the city from the northeast TF C (a special force of the 29th Division) attacks into the city from the east and clears it by 1900. St Lô remains under enemy fire that adds to the wreckage already wrought by Allied air and artillery bombardment. The 113th Cavalry Group is attached to the 29th Division to reconnoiter southward and determine the extend of the German withdrawal.

The British 2nd Army begins an offensive in the Caen area that, despite its limited-objective nature, receives the strongest air support (7,700 tons of bombs) ever provided for ground forces in Normandy. The purpose of the offensive is to draw off German armor from the US 1st Army;s breakout attack (COBRA), scheduled for 24 July. The Canadian 2nd Division is heavily engaged near Louvigny. The Canadian 3rd Division takes Colombelles and Giberville. The VIII Corps, making the main effort, attacks through the bridgehead of the I Corps with 3 armored divisions, the 11th, 7th, and Guards, from west to east. Although resistance stiffens considerably in the afternoon, the attack reaches the general line Hubert-Folie-Tilly-la-Campagne-La Hogue-Frenouville-Cagny. The I Corps, in a supporting role, clears 3 villages west of Troarn.