October 1944

Western Europe

At a conference in Brussels, Gen Eisenhower issues a plan for an offensive, with tentative dates. The first priority for the 21st Army Group is to open the port of Antwerp. The British 2nd Army is to be prepared to drive southeastward between the Meuse and the Rhine about 10 November to support the US advance across the Rhine. The US 1st Army is to cross the Rhine in the Cologne area between 1 and 5 November. The US 9th Army, after covering the northern flank of the 1st Army while it is pushing to the Rhine, is to help the 1st Army envelop and clear the Ruhr. The US 3rd Army will cover the right flank of the 1st Army and refrain from offensive operations until it has sufficient logistical support.

Maj-Gen Raymond S. McLain succeeds Gen Corlett, whose health is impaired, as CG XIX Corps.

In the VII Corps area, the Germans are making strenuous efforts to break the encirclement of Aachen. The 1st Division, strongly reinforced, renews its assault on Aachen. The 26th Infantry takes Observatory Hill and is methodically clearing the heart of the city. TF Hogan, 3rd Armored Division, is committed to help the 26th Infantry clear the commanding ground overlooking the city. A battalion of the 110th Infantry, 28th Division, is brought from the V Corps sector to reinforce the 1st Division and close the gap between 26th Infantry elements within Aachen and the 1106th Engineers south of the city. Although this battalion is given a defensive role, it is soon drawn into the battle for the city.

In the VI Corps area, the 36th Division breaks int Bruyères and clears most of the town.