September 1944

Western Front

In the US 7th Army area, the French II Corps takes Châlons-sur-Saône. The VI Corps, preparing to cross the Doubs at Dole, Besançon, and Baume-les-Dames, is meeting delaying opposition. Elements of the 3rd Division overrun Fort Fontain during the night opening the way to the outer defenses of Besançon. The French I Corps becomes operational under Gen Emile Béthouart with the mission of continuing toward the Besançon-Belfort area on the right flank of the army. This corps consists of the Algerian 3rd Division, the 9th Colonial Division, and the Moroccan 2nd Division. The last is to move up gradually. The corps seizes Pierrefontaine, Maîche, and St Hippolyte.