December 1944

Western Europe

The British 2nd Army starts regrouping for an offensive to clear the region between the Maas and the Rhein. The XXX Corps, which will be employed first, turns over its sector and troops to the XII Corps.

In the XIX Corps area, the 30th Division, in limited attacks, clears most of the region between the Inde and Roer Rivers.

In the VII Corps area, the 104th Division reaches the Roer on a 4-mile front. The 39th Infantry, 9th Division, finishes clearing Derichsweiler. This virtually ends the current mission of the corps.

The V Corps opens an offensive for the Roer and Urft dams, employing the 78th Division (untried as yet in combat), 2nd Division, and 99th Division. The 78th Division is held up near Kesternich. The 2nd Division is slowed by obstacles and enemy fire in the center of the corps. The 99th Division attacks in the Monschau Forest and gains its preliminary objectives.

The US 3rd Army draws up plans for an air-ground assault on the West Wall. The III Corps accepts the surrender of the last of the Metz forts--Jeanne d'Arc.

In the XX Corps area, the 90th Division prepares for an all-out effort to take the rest of Dillingen on the 15th, regrouping and building up supplies. The 95th Division makes very slight progress in the Saarlautern bridgehead, although elements of the 2nd Infantry, 5th Division, are committed with the 377th Infantry to guard the bridge.

In the XII Corps area, the 35th Division strengthens its hold across the Blies. The 1st Battalion, 134th Infantry, undergoes enemy counterattacks in Habkirchen, beginning early in the morning, and is forced back toward the river. as the 3rd Battalion enters the battle for Habkirchen. A battalion of the 320th Infantry crosses the Blies at Bliesbruck and takes Hill 321. A small force from the 137th Infantry crosses north of Habkirchen, but is pinned down.

In the XV Corps area, the 44th Division begins the struggle for Fort Simershof, near Hottviller, which is barring any forward movement.

In the VI Corps area, the 14th Armored Division attacks between the 103rd and 79th Division with CCA taking Soultz-sous-Forêts. The 79th Division completes the capture of Seltz and overruns Niederroedern.