October 1944

Western Europe

In the II Corps area, the Canadian 2nd Division starts westward across the Walcheren causeway from south Beveland but is halted by enemy fire. Amphibious assault forces at Breskens and Ostend prepare to land on Walcheren. In the Breskens Pocket, only small enemy groups remain in the coastal area. Cadzand and Knocks are free of the enemy.

In the British I Corps area, while the main body of the corps is closing along the Mark River, advance elements attempt unsuccessfully to establish bridgeheads. The 1st Battalion, 415th Infantry, US 104th Division, crosses northeast of Standdaarbuiten in assault boats early in the day but is encircled by an enemy counterattacking force and withdraws after nightfall. Elements of the Polish 1st Armored Division cross the river east of Zevenbergen, but they too are forced back to the southern bank. Enemy fire prevents bridging.

The XII Corps overcomes opposition at Raamsdonk and releases the 53rd Division, which has completed its current mission with the corps, to the VIII Corps for action in the Peel Marshes.

In the VIII Corp area, Maj-Gen Lindsay McD. Silvester is replaced as commander of the US 7th Armored Division by Maj-Gen Robert W. Hasbrouck, former CCB commander. The division front is confined to the Nederweert area as the Belgian 1st Brigade, along the Nederweert-Wessem Canal, is detached. The Belgian force is augmented by a British armored brigade. The 15th Division regains Liesel.

In the XV Corps area, the French 2nd Armored Division, with CCV on the left and CCD on the right, drives southeastward from the Forêt de Mondon, taking the enemy by surprise and overwhelming their forward positions as Montigny, Merviller, and the northern part of Baccarat are cleared. Other elements of the division provide a diversion on the southern flank, taking Menarmont and Nossoncourt, southwest of Baccarat.

In the VI Corps area, the 15th Infantry of the 3rd Division attacks at night, turning northward in the region west of the Meurthe.