August 1944

Western Front

Gen Montgomery directs the Canadian 1st Army to clear the Pas-de-Calais; the British 2nd Army to push into Belgium; and the US 1st Army to support the British drive, moving forward on the axis Paris-Brussels.

In the Canadian 1st Army area, the II Corps prepares to cross the Seine south of Rouen. Patrols ot the 4th Armored Division cross in the evening.

In the British 2nd Army area, the XXX Corps expands and strengthens the bridgehead at Vernon.

In the US 1st Army area, the XIX Corps is relieved by British forces and releases the 30th Division to the XV Corps. The XV Corps maintains the Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead and mops up in the area. In the V Corps area, while the French 2nd Armored Division mops up scattered opposition within Paris, the 4th Division returns to positions southeast of the city and protects the Seine bridgehead and airfields in the area. In the VII Corps area, additional elements of the 3rd Armored Division cross the Seine and push northward rapidly.

The US 3rd Army, with gasoline running low, receives a shipment by air. The VIII Corps continues to make slow progress toward Brest against firm opposition. In the XX Corps area, the 7th Armored Division thrusts quickly toward Château-Thierry and the Marne. Nogent-sur-Seine falls to the 5th Division. In the XII Corps area, the 4th Armored Division mops up in Troyes while the 35th Division patrols on the right flank.