October 1944

Western Europe

In the II Corps area, forward elements of the Canadian 2nd Division reach the Beveland Canal, at the western end of the Beveland Isthmus, and cross over during the night. The 52nd Division expands its Baarland bridgehead to Oudelande.

In the British I Corps area, Bergen-op-Zoom falls to the Canadian 4th Armored Division. The 413th Infantry of the US 104th Division, assisted by effective artillery fire and attached British tanks, takes Zundert by storm.

In the VII Corps area, following a heavy artillery barrage, the Germans open a strong tank-infantry attack toward Asten in an effort to divert Allied strength from the main battle front, penetrating the lightly held positions of the US 7th Armored Division along the Canal de Deurne and the Canal du Nord, west of Venlo. The Germans take Meijel, near the junction of the two canals, and penetrate the line at Heitrak, on the Meijel-Deurne highway, and near Nederweert. CCA of the US 7th Armored Division seals off the penetration near Nederweert. CCB is relieved by the British 11th Armored Division in order to counterattack on the 28th.

In the XX Corps area, the 357th Infantry of the 90th Division, employing 4 small teams, again attempts in vain to tak Hôtel de Ville in Maizières-lès-Metz.

In the VI Corps area, the 3rd Division presses slowly in on St Dié against heavy fire. The 36th Division's isolated battalion is too weak to break out, but some progress toward it is made by Nisei troops. The first efforts to drop supplies by air fail. Subsequent attempts achieve some success.

Gen de Lattre, at a conference with Gen Devers at Vittel, presents his plan for an offensive toward Belfort and gains Gen Devers' approval. The French drive is to coincide with the general Allied offensive in November and is to open on the 13th.