October 1944

Western Europe

The II Corps continues clearing the Breskens Pocket. An amphibious assault force of the Canadian 3rd Division lands at the eastern end of the pocket, taking the enemy by surprise and establishing a bridgehead. Other elements of the division expand holdings north of the Leopold Canal in the Maldegem area. The 4th Armored Division exerts pressure on enemy positions at the eastern end of the canal. The Germans continue a vigorous defense of the Zuid Beveland causeway, holding the 2nd Division to slight gains in the Woensdrecht area.

The I Airborne Corps returns to the United Kingdom.

Gen Bradley decides to shift the 9th Army headquarters to the northern flank of the army group, where it is to take command of the XIX Corps of the 1st Army in place; leave the VIII Corps in its current positions and attach it to the 1st Army. These changes are to become effective on 22 October. The 12th Army Group takes direct control of the 94th Division from the 9th Army.

In the XIX Corps area, the 119th Infantry of the 30th Division drives through Bardenberg to North Wuerselen. The 120th is kept from Euchen and Beek, villages astride the road to Bardenberg, by an enemy force crossing its front en route to Bardenberg. The 117th Infanry clears Schaufenberg and tries unsuccessfully to reach Mariadorf, then is authorized to go on the defensive in the Alsdorf-Schaufenberg region. At night, an enemy force reaches Bardenberg and routs a small holding force of the 119th Infantry, isolating the main body of that regiment in North Wuerselen. The 119th Infantry reserves attemp to regain Bardenberg from the north but are stopped at the village.

In the VII Corps area, the 1st Division continues operations against Aachen. The 9th Division attacks to break out of the Huertgen Forest. Assisted by tanks, a forward battalion of the 60th Infantry emerges in the Richelskaul area and 2 platoons of the 39th Infantry at Wittscheidt.

In the V Corps area, a planned attack on the West Wall is postponed until 11 October.

In the XX Corps area, it is decided to break off the costly action against Fort Driant. Indecisive fighting continues within Maizières-lès-Metz.

In the XII Corps area, CCA of the 6th Armored Division, attacking through CCB attempts to take the final objective of the division, the plateau west of Létricourt. Elements clear the woods southwest of Létricourt but a column to the right comes under heavy fire from Chenicourt and cannot reach Létricourt. CCB sends reinforcements forward. To the left, the 80th Division advances abreast or nearly so of the armor. This ends the corps' offensive toward the Seille. The 80th Division gradually takes over positions won by the armor and improves them. The Germans retain Létricourt and from time to time mount small, ineffective counterattacks. An enemy force breaks into Fossieux, where it is engaged by the 35th Division. The corps front is largely quiet for the rest of the month and in the early days of November. Regouping and rotation of the front-line troops is possible during this time.

In the XV Corps area, the 79th Division makes an all-out effort to clear the rest of the Forêt de Parroy, gaining the main road junctions in the center, therefore making the enemy's positions untenable. The Germans withdraw from the forest after nightfall.

In the II Corps area, the Algerian 3rd Division forces the Moselotte in the Thiéfosse-Saulxures region and takes the village of Trougemont.