September 1944

Western Europe

In the II Corps area, the 3rd Division resumes its attack on Calais after the armistice ends at noon. Organized resistance ceases by evening and mopping up is begun.

In the British I Corps area, the Polish 1st Armored Division takes Merxplas, northwest of Turnhout.

The VIII Corps in on a general line Weert-Meijel-Deurne-Boxmeer and from there along the Maas in the Cuijk area.

In the XIX Corps area, the 7th Armored Division, from positions near Oploo, attacks southward in a corridor west of the Maas during the afternoon, pushing toward Vortum and Overloon and soon running into determined resistance. Attacks to clear the corridor from the south continue to make little progress. The 115th Infantry, 29th Division, relieves the 2nd Armored Division in the Gangelt-Teveren area.

In the XII Corps area, the 4th Armored Division, after a successful sweep south of Xanrey, goes on the defensive in a quiet sector. In a desperate attempt to recover Forêt de Grémecey, the Germans make a strong attack against both flanks of the 35th Division's perimeter, breaching lines of the 134th and 137th Regiments within the forest. So grave is the situation that the corps commander, about 1420, orders the 35th Division to fall back behind the Seille after dark, but Gen Patton directs a counterattack by the 6th Armored Division to restore the situation. The 35th Division, committing its last reserves, manages to hang on and the Germans begin a planned withdrawal.

In the XV Corps area, the 79th Division continues to meet strong opposition in the Forêt de Parroy. Elements of the French 2nd Armored Division assist the 45th Division of the VI Corps in an attack on Rambervillers.