August 1944

Western Front

In the British 2nd Army area, the VIII Corps continues southward toward Tinchebray, while the V Corps of the US 1st Army pushes toward the same objective from the west. The XXX Corps is closing in on Vassy and Condé. In the XII Corps area, the 59th Division takes Thury-Harcourt. The advance is continued toward Falaise.

In the Canadian 1st Army area, the II Corps, making the main effort on Falaise, begins an attack to outflank the Germans on the Caen-Falaise highway. The Canadian 2nd Division secures a bridgehead across the Laize River and pushes to within 4 miles of Falaise. In support of the Allied troops, the RAF Bomber Command drops 3,723 tons of bombs.

In the US 3rd Army's VIII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division's CCB and CCR move to Vannes and Lorient, respectively, to relieve the 4th Armored Division's units. CCB finds Vannes deserted and moves on to Lorient, relieving CCR. The Lorient containing force now consists of CCB, the 15th Tank Battalion, and the 86th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (mechanized). The 83rd Division continues the struggle for the St Malo Citadel and Dinard. The XV Corps mops up in the Alençon-Sées-Argentan area and prepares to drive eastward on Dreux. The XX Corps begins a drive toward Chartres with the 7th Armored and 5th Infantry Divisions, with the armor spearheading. The XII Corps continues eastward toward Orléans with elements of the 4th Armored Division.

In the US 1st Army's VII Corps area, the 3rd Armored Division drives steadily northward through Carrouges to Ranes against strong opposition as the enemy struggles to keep escape routes open. The 9th Division is following up. The 1st Division gets forward elements well beyond La Ferr&eacure;-Macé. The 4th Division, disposed along the Varenne, is out of contact with the enemy. In the XIX Corps area, CCA of the 2nd Armored Division pushes eastward, overrunning Domfront, Lonlay-l'Abbaye, and Ger. The 28th Division, except for the 109th Regiment, which moves southward toward Forêt de Mortain, goes into reserve. The 30th Division moves forward behind the armor. In the V Corps area, the 29th Division, advancing eastward from positions below the Sourdeval-Tinchebray highway, reaches St Jean-du-Bois. The 2nd Division continues toward Tinchebray but is soon stopped by lively opposition.