November 1944

Western Europe

The II Corps begins an all-out assault on Walcheren. Continuing the attack on the causeway from south Beveland, the Canadian 2nd Division gains a few hundred yards but is forced back. From Breskens, the Canadian 4th Commando of the 4th Special Service Brigade, under 52nd Division command, followed by the 155th Brigade of the 52nd Division, crosses the estuary to the south coast near Flushing and begins clearing that town. From Ostend, the 41st, 47th, and 48th Commandos of the 4th Special Service Brigade and a Dutch commmando force move to the west coast, land at a gap in the Westkapelle dyke, and seize Westkapelle. Some elements turn northeastward along the coast while others drive southeastward toward Flushing. A reconnaissance force is sent to north Beveland. Planned air support is curtailed when missions from the UK are cancelled because of weather conditions. Warships and support craft provide close naval support, but the latter suffer heavily from enemy fire and mines.

The British I Corps prepares for a coordinated attack across the Mark River.

The XII Corps finishes clearing its sector south of the Maas except for a small region between the Afwaterins Canal and the river.

In the VIII Corp area, the 53rd Division goes into line on the right flank of the corps along the Wessem Canal southeast of Nederweert and the Belgian 1st Brigade and the British 4th Separate Armored Brigade are attached to it. The US 7th Armored Division prepares for a limited offensive to secure the northwest bank of the Canal du Nord.

Gen Patton and his commanders draw up plans for a 3rd Army offensive. After 1st Army's attack on D-Day, the XII Corps will attack on D plus 1, the XX Corps on D plus 2, and the III Corps will eventually be responsible for mopping up the Metz pocket. Regrouping is in progress.

In the XX Corps area, the 5th Division reoccupies the Arnaville bridgehead south of Metz, relieving the 95th Division.

The XII Corps, in preparation for the offensive, makes a limited attack with the 319th Infantry, 80th Division, to clear the Seille River bend in the Létricourt-Abaucourt area and quickly takes both towns.

In the XV Corps area, the French 2nd Armored Division, after completing the capture of Baccarat, driving to the Blette River at Herbéviller and Mignéville, and helping the 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (VI Corps) take Betrichamps, halts to await relief.

In the VI Corps area, the 100th Division arrives in the corps' zone to relieve the 45th Division on the northern flank. The 3rd Division's 15th Infantry seizes La Bourgonce, in the valley northwest of St Dié.