August 1944

Western Front

The US 12th Army Group (Gen Bradley) becomes operational and takes command of US divisions engaged in France, these being divided between the US 1st and 3rd Armies. Gen Montgomery, however is to retain command of all ground forces through the month of August. The XIX TAC of the US 9th Air Force becomes operational with the mission of supporting the 3rd Army. The IX TAC continues to assist the 1st Army.

The US 3rd Army (Gen Patton) becomes operational with 4 corps under its command (VIII, XII, XX, XV) as well as Forces Françaises de l'Interieur (FFI). Operating on the right of the 1st Army and on the extreme right of Allied force, the 3rd Army is to secure the Brittany Peninsula and its valuable ports. The VIII Corps, consisting of the 4th and 6th Armored Divisions and the 8th and 79th Infantry Divisions, passes from 1st to 3rd Army command; with the 4th and 6th Armored Divisions spearheading, pours through the narrow Avranches corridor and fans out to the south, southwest, and west. Crossing the La Selune River at Pontauault, the 6th Armored Division swings west into Brittany in 2 columns and reaches the Pontorson-Antrain area. The 4th Armored Division drives southward to cut off the peninsula and reaches positions near Rennes. The XV Corps (Maj-Gen Wade H. Haislip), consisting of the 83rd and 90th Infantry and 5th Armored Divisions, is concentrating between the Sée and Selune Rivers to block enemy movement toward Avranches.

The US 1st Army, command of which passes from Gen Bradley to Lt-Gen Courtney H. Hodges, directs all but the V Corps to drive to the southeast. The V Corps is to take the heights north of Vire and remain there until pinched out. The VII Corps expands the Brécey bridgehead on the right flank with the 1st Division reinforced by CCa of the 3rd Armored Division. The 4th Division, reinforced with CCB of the 3rd Armored Division, pushes forward toward St Pois. The 9th Division moves southward on the left flank of the corps. The XIX Corps overruns Percy and Tessy, Percy falling to the 28th Division and Tessy to CCA, 2nd Armored Division. The V Corps continues southward toward Vire on a 2-division front after the 5th Division is pinched out on the right flank by the British. The 5th Division assembles in the rear as Army reserve.

In the British 2nd Army's VIII Corps area, the 11th Armored Division overruns Le Béne-Bocage. To the left, the Guards Armored Division is driving on Estry. The XXX Corps works forward toward Mont Pincon on the right and Villers-Bocage on the left. The 7th Armored Division is committed to a drive on Aunay-sur-Odon.

In the Canadian 1st Army area, the II Corps evokes strong opposition as it attacks below Caen in the Tilly-la-Campagne-La Hogue area. In the British 1st Corps area, the 49th Division takes control of the Sannerville-Troarn sector.