September 1944

Western Front

In the Canadian 1st Army's British I Corps area, the 49th Division, upon crossing the Seine, turns to the west toward Le Havre while the 51st drives toward St Valery-en-Caux. In the II Corps area, the 2nd Division takes Dieppe, the port of which will be opened within a week. The 3rd Division thrusts to Le Trèport. The 4th Armored and the 1st Polish Armored Divisions are driving quickly toward the Somme, with the former in the lead.

In the British 2nd Army's XII Corps area, the 7th Armored Division crosses the Somme near Airaines. The 53rd Division, echeloned to the left rear, protects the left flank of the corps. The XXX Corps drives rapidly northeastward with the 11th Armored and Guards Armored Divisions spearheading. The 11th Armored reaches the St Pol-Arras road as the Guards Armored bypasses Arras. The 50th Division is following up.

The 12th Army Group passes to the direct command of SHAEF from the command of Gen Montgomery.

In the US 1st Army's XIX Corps area, the 2nd Armored Division, followed closely by infantry, reaches positions northwest of Cambrai. The V Corps moves rapidly toward St Quentin. The 4th Division, motorized and reinforced by CCA of the 5th Armored Division, takes the lead, pushing to the vicinity of Chauny. Other elements of the corps improves their positions at and near Compiègne, where bridge construction is in progress. The VII Corps changes course from the northeast to the north. CCB of the 3rd Armored Division drives quickly through Vervins to La Capelle. To the right, CCA, in conjunction with the 9th Division, reaches the Etreaupont-Aubenton area. The 1st Division, on the corps left flank, reaches Voyenne.

The US 3rd Army is practically immobilized by an acute gasoline shortage. An enforced lull permits the Germans to build up behind the West Wall. In the XX Corps area, CCR of the 7th Armored Division advances to Etain along the Verdun-Metz highway. The 3rd Cavalry Group, using captured gasoline, patrols eastward toward the Moselle. In the XII Corps area, CCA of the 4th Armored Division expands the Commercy bridgehead over the Meuse, and the 80th Division crosses into it. CCB crosses the Meuse south of Commercy. The 35th Division protects the southern flank of the army. The VIII Corps continues preparations for renewing an all-out assault on Brest when ammunition is more plentiful and makes slight gains in a limited attack in conjunction with an aerial bombardment. Aircraft, warships, and artillery pound Ile de Cézembre, off St Malo, in preparation of an amphibious assault by an 83rd Division force.