October 1944

Western Europe

In the II Corps area, Breskens falls to the Canadian 3rd Division. The Breskens Pocket is now less than half its original size.

In the British I Corps area, the Canadian 4th Armored Division reaches Esschen.

Major regrouping is begun in preparation for the offensive toward the Rhine. The 9th Army headquarters moves from positions in Luxembourg between the 1st and 3rd Armies to the left flank of the 1st Army, where it takes command of the zone and troops of the XIX Corps. The northern boundary of the VII Corps becomes the northern boundary of the 1st Army. The 1st Army takes control of the zone and troops of the VIII Corps, placing a new southern boundary of the 1st Army along the previous boundary between the 9th and 3rd Armies.

In the XII Corps area, the 26th Division, untried in combat as a unit, makes a limited attack to gain experience and to improve positions east of Arracourt, securing the ground west of Moncourt with support of troops from the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

In the XV Corps area, the 79th Division finishes clearing the high ground east of the Forêt de Parroy.

In the VI Corps area, the 3rd Division advances steadily northeastward along the Mortagne River toward St Dié. The 179th Infantry, 45th Division, completes the mop up of Brouvelieures. The 180th Infantry forces the Mortagne east of Fremifontaine but falls back under enemy fire.