September 1944

Western Europe

In the Canadian 1st Army's British I Corps area, the Canadian 2nd Division establishes a bridgehead across the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal south of St Leonard. Elements of the 49th Division reach Turnhout.

In the British 2nd Army's I Airborne Corps area, 2 companies of the 43rd Division cross the Neder Rijn in assault boats during the night but are unable to reach the British-held perimeter at Hartestein. Polish forces on the south bank lack assault boats for crossing. Lt-Gen B. G. Horrocks, CG XXX Corps, issues and within a few hours revokes an order for the 43rd Division to prepare to cross at Renkum.

In the XXX Corps area, other elements of the 43rd Division continue to fight for Elst and Bemmel. Continuing an attack toward Veghel, the Germans cut the highway northeast of the village of Koevering, between St Oedenrode and Veghel.

In the VIII Corps area, Deurne falls to the 11th Armored Division.

Gen Patton, in accordance with an order from Gen Eisenhower, halts offensive operations for an aggressive defense, calling for limited actions, as supplies permit, to improve defensive positions.

In the XX Corps area, the 5th Division begins the relief of the 7th Armored Division in the line.

In the XII Corps area, the 80th Division prepares to attack to the Seille River line on the 26th. CCB, 4th Armored Division, holds its perimeter between Château-Salins and Fresnes-en-Saulnois against determined tank-infantry attacks that P-47s help repulse. Heavy fire continues from Forêt de Château-Salins, however. The Germans lose about 300 dead and 11 tanks in this action.

In the VI Corps area, the 157th Infantry of the 45th Division seizes Girmont. The 180th Infantry continues clearing Epinal. The 36th Division is pushing northeastward toward St Die. The 141st Infantry takes St Amé, east of Remiremont. The 3rd Division clears Rupt of snipers and expands the bridgehead to include La Roche and Maxonchamp.