September 1944

Western Front

In the Canadian 1st Army's British I Corps area, the 48th Division continues along the Le Havre Peninsula toward the port, reaching enemy outposts. The 51st Division takes St Valery-en-Caux.

In the II Corps area, the Canadian 4th Armored Division reaches the Somme east of Abbeville and the Polish 1st Armored Division is rapidly approaching the river west of Abbeville.

In the British 2nd Army's XII Corps area, the 7th Armored Division drives northeast from the Somme to positions beyond St Pol. The XXX Corps continues northward so rapidly that the planned drop of airborne forces in the Tournai area is not necessary. The Guards Armored Division reached Tournai. The 11th Armored Division drives to the Lille area.

Gen Eisenhower, at a commanders' conference, outlines plans for the 3rd Army and the V Corps of the 1st Army to drive to the West Wall (Siegfried Line) after the supply situation improves.

In the US 1st Army area, the XIX Corps gets advance elements into Belgium and drives toward Tournai. The V Corps releases the French 2nd Armored Division, in the Paris area, to 1st Army reserve. The Corps continues steadily northeastward, overrunning Noyon and St Quentin, until ordered to halt on the general line Landrecies-Le Cateau-Cambrai. The VII Corps pursues the enemy into Belgium, crossing the border near Maubeuge and Hirson. The 3rd Armored Division drives to the vicinity of Mons. The 9th Division, to the right, swings northeastward to positions near Charleroi. The 1st Division moves forward to the left rear of the armor.

The US 3rd Army is immobilized for lack of fuel. The VIII Corps continues to batter the outer defenses of Brest. The 2nd Division takes Hill 105, dominating the eastern approach to the city. The 8th Division is battling for Hill 80 and the 29th Division for Hill 103. Elements of the 83rd Division invade Ile de Cézembre, which surrenders.

In the XX Corps area, while the 3rd Cavalry Group reconnoiters to the Moselle, the 7th Armored Division feints to the north from Verdun to confuse the enemy, halting short of Sedan when fuel runs out. In the XII Corps area, the 80th Division relieves CCA of the 4th Armored Division in the Commercy bridgehead. The 319th Infantry crosses the Meuse to the north of St Mihiel while the 2nd Cavalry Group patrols to the Moselle. CCB, 6th Armored Division, relieves the 35th Division of the task of protecting the southern flank between Orléans and Auxerre.