1944
1 January
NEW BRITAIN – Brig Gen Lemuel C. Shepherd, ADC 1st Mar Div, issues first order to ADC Group, calling for attack SW toward Borgen Bay on 2nd. ADC Group, as strengthened for the attack, consists of 7th Marines, reinforced by battalion of 5th Marines, and supporting units.
NEW IRELAND – U.S. carrier-based planes under command of Adm Frederick C. Sherman attack enemy shipping in Kavieng harbor.
NEW GUINEA – As Saidor assault force joins DD escort in Oro Bay, Allied planes pound coastline in Saidor area with over 200 tons of bombs.
CBI – Gen Stilwell creates an operations staff for ZEBRA Force.
MTO – Gen Patton turns over command of U.S. Seventh Army to Gen Clark. Gen Clark, who also retains command of U.S. Fifth Army, is to plan for Operation ANVIL. In accordance with NATOUSA directive of 22 December, AAF units are reorganized, effective this date: USAAF/NATO becomes Army Air Forces, Mediterranean Theater of Operations (AAF/MTO); XII Air Force Service Command becomes Army Air Forces Service Command, MTO (AAFSC/MTO); II Air Service Area Command becomes XV Air Force Service Command; III Air Service Area Command becomes XII Air Force Service Command; XII Air Force Engineer Command (Prov) becomes AAFEC/MTO. The new organization is approved in behalf of Gen Eisenhower by Maj Gen Walter Bedell Smith.
2 January
BOUGAINVILLE – 182nd Inf, Americal Div, relieves 21st Marines in line.
NEW BRITAIN – In Cape Gloucester area, Co E of 5th Marines establishes physical contact with Mar patrol from Green Beach at Dorf Pt. ADC Group attacks toward Borgen Bay with 3 battalions abreast, moving around 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines; is halted by enemy strongpoint, which it partly envelops.
NEW GUINEA – U.S. Sixth Army’s TF MICHAELMAS (RCT 126, 32nd Div, reinforced) makes surprise landing at Saidor under cover of smoke screen, and captures harbor and airfield. Weather conditions prevent aircraft from joining DD’s in preliminary bombardment, but effective air strikes are made in coordination with the landing. Australian troops driving along Huon coast from Finschhafen occupy Sialum.
CBI – Maj Gen Daniel I. Sultan arrives at New Delhi to act as Gen Stilwell’s deputy, freeing Stilwell of administrative burdens.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: Gen Alexander orders U.S. Fifth Army to mount amphibious operation below Rome (SHINGLE) between 20 and 31 January; shortly before the assault landing at Anzio, Fifth Army is to thrust sharply toward Cassino and Frosinone; Eighth Army is to keep enemy pinned down in its sector by exerting pressure and employing deceptive measures. Air preparation for Anzio landing begins.
3 January
POA – U.S. Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51 under Adm Turner) issues Operation Plan A6-43 for assault on the Marshalls, specifying shipping to be involved and giving pre-D-Day bombardment plan.
NEW BRITAIN – 1913th Aviation Engr Battalion begins work on Cape Gloucester airdrome. Japanese attack Target Hill in early morning and are beaten back. Attack of ADC Group halts at small stream, dubbed Suicide Creek, NW of Target Hill. Efforts to bridge the creek so that tanks can cross are unsuccessful.
CBI – To hasten clearing of Tanai R line, Gen Stilwell promises commander of Ch 38th Div the use of 3rd Battalion, 112th Regiment, from reserve, provided he takes Taihpa Ga in 2 days.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps prepares for final phase of assault on Winter Line, to begin on 5th. During night 3-4, 1st SSF, as preliminary for attack on M. Majo, begins clearing ridge SE of this feature. French Expeditionary Corps (FEC), under Gen Juin, takes command of zone on N flank of Fifth Army as U.S. VI Corps withdraws from line to participate in amphibious assault on Anzio. 3rd Algerian Div begins relief of 45th Div.
USSR – Soviet forces take Olevsk, NW of Kiev; press beyond there to achieve first crossing of prewar frontier of Poland. Novograd Volyinsk falls, giving Russians control of another rail line from Korosten.
4 January
NEW BRITAIN – After arty preparation, ADC Group continues attack. Tanks cross improvised ramp over Suicide Creek and support marines by destroying enemy positions at point-blank range.
Assault force, now expanded to 4 battalions, pushes southward without opposition to next phase line – N of Hill 150 and Aogiri Ridge.
NEW IRELAND – Carrier-based aircraft of Adm Frederick Sherman again attack Kavieng but find no ships there.
NEW GUINEA – Extensive patrolling of Saidor area is uneventful. Australians reach Cape King William, 16 miles SE of Sio.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 10 Corps area, in preparation for attack on Cedro Hill, 138th Brig of 46th Div establishes bridgehead across Peccia R, night 4-5, against strong opposition. In II Corps area, 1st SSF gains positions on ridge SE of M. Majo, overrunning Hill 775 and M. Arcalone. Other elements of II Corps move forward to line of departure for main offensive, overcoming some opposition en route.
USSR – Belaya Tserkov, another enemy strongpoint SW of Kiev, falls to Red Army. Advance continues toward Uman.
WESTERN EUROPE – U.S. planes begin flying supplies, under code name CARPETBAGGER, from United Kingdom to underground patriot forces in Western Europe. Full-scale supply missions will come to an end in September 1944.
5 January
NEW BRITAIN – ADC Group remains in place in Cape Gloucester area, patrolling and regrouping.
NEW GUINEA – Gap between U.S. and Australian troops is narrowed to about 60 miles as Australians reach Kelanoa. U.S. patrols meet opposition at Cape Iris, W of Saidor.
BURMA – Ch 38th Div makes vain attempt to clear last strongpoint remaining between it and Tarung R.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army begins final assault on Winter Line. British 10 Corps withdraws Peccia R bridgehead, since tanks are unable to cross river. M. Porchia, which dominates Cedro Hill, is still held by enemy. In II Corps area, TF A (6th Armd Inf, reinforced) of 1st Armd Div pushes toward M. Porchia, reaching N-S road in front of it. 3rd Battalion, 135th Inf, jumping off night 4-5, clears part of village strongpoints of S. Vittore. 1st Battalion, 135th, attacks toward La Chiaia, NW of S. Vittore, beginning night 4-5, but is stopped by fire from S. Giusta. In conjunction with assault of 135th Inf, 168th Inf begins move to outflank La Chiaia and takes Hill 425. 1st SSF confines its activity to probing M. Majo with patrols.
USSR – Red Army forces overrun Berdichev, rail junction SW of Kiev.
U.K. – U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSAFE) is established in United Kingdom, under command of Gen Spaatz to coordinate operations of Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces. Official abbreviation of this headquarters is changed on 4 February 1944 to USSTAF.
6 January
POA – COMCENPAC issues Operation Plan No. Cen 1-44 for invasion of Marshall Is. 7th Div FO 1 calls for occupation of Kwajalein in several phases. Maj Gen Hubert R. Harmon takes command of U. S. Thirteenth Air Force.
BOUGAINVILLE – Logistical situation improves as Prov Service Command, activated on 15 December at New Caledonia, begins operations on Bougainville.
NEW BRITAIN – ADC Group, renewing southward attack, clears Hill 150, S of Target Hill. Gen Cunningham reports to Gen Krueger the presence of enemy positions near Arawe beachhead.
NEW GUINEA – 808th Aviation Engr Battalion arrives at Saidor.
CBI – Since remaining landing craft are recalled to the Mediterranean, Adm Mountbatten cancels PIGSTICK. Gen Sultan warns Gen Stilwell that SEAC planners want to bypass Burma until Germany is defeated, then mount a major offensive beginning with invasion of Sumatra. Gen Stilwell in his capacity of Chief of Staff, China Theater, later decides to send a mission (Gen Boatner, Brig Gen Benjamin G. Ferris, Col Francis Hill, and Col Brink) to Washington to present his views.
BURMA – Brig Gen Frank D. Merrill is assigned command of the GALAHAD force, whose designation is made “unit.” Chinese make another unsuccessful attempt to reduce enemy strongpoint on Tarung R.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, TF A of 1st Armd Div reaches crest on N end of M. Porchia and holds firm against counterattack. 135th Inf completes clearing S. Vittore by 1700 and drives closer to La Chiaia. 168th Inf continues outflanking movement to N, making slow progress. 1st SSF is reinforced by 2 battalions of 133rd Inf, 34th Div, to temporarily continue operations as TF B. TF B attacks toward M. Majo from M. Arcalone, night 6-7. RCT 142 is detached from II Corps and returns to 36th Div as reserve.
ETO – Gen Order No. 1 of USSAFE names Maj Gen Frederick L. Anderson and Brig Gen Hugh J. Knerr as deputy commanders for operations and administration, respectively.
7 January
JAPAN – Japanese Imperial General Headquarters authorizes Southern Army to secure positions in
Imphal area of India when the opportunity presents itself.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten drops plans for CUDGEL, small operation in Arakan coastal sector of Burma.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, M. Porchia falls to TF A of 1st Armd Div, making nearby Cedro Hill, in British 10 Corps zone, untenable for enemy. 135th Inf occupies M. La Chiaia and continues W, clearing Hill 224 and Cicerelli Hill, between M. La Chiaia and Highway 6. 168th gains control of ridge NE of La Chiaia, contributing to success of 135th Inf. Right flank column of TF B, 1st SSF, takes M. Majo early in day and holds it against series of counterattacks while column on left attempts to reduce Hill 1109, overlooking Cervaro, without success.
USSR – Moscow announces breakthrough on 60-mile front in Kirovograd sector. Kirovograd is practically surrounded.
8 January
U.S. – War Department Operations Division planners decide that present positions in CBI should be maintained and that airpower should be built up so that CBI can support main offensive against Japan to be made in the Pacific.
SOLOMON IS. – U.S. warships under command of Adm Ainsworth bombard Shortlands, starting large fires.
MTO – Gen Eisenhower turns over command of Allied Forces in MTO to Gen Wilson. Gen Devers takes command of NATOUSA.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 10 Corps area, 139th Brig of 46th Div takes M. Cedro without opposition. In II Corps area, TF B outflanks and captures Hill 1109. Enemy has now been forced back to M. Trocchio and hills above Cervaro to defend approaches to Liri Valley, which leads to Rome.
USSR – Kirovograd, highway and rail center of Dnieper bend, falls to Red Army. Germans are reporting offensive in Zhlobin area.
9 January
BOUGAINVILLE – Americal Div continues relief of 3rd Mar Div on Bougainville: 132nd Inf enters line. Second Piva airfield, called Piva Yoke, is completed.
NEW BRITAIN – ADC Group secures foothold on Aogiri Ridge, W of Hill 150, which enemy has been told to hold at all costs since it covers a good supply route that they have constructed.
CBI – In Hukawng Valley, 112th and 113th Regiments of Ch 38th Div are converging on Taihpa Ga, and 114th is active in jungle S of the Tanai. 3rd Battalion, 114th, begins lively action with enemy infiltrators who have surrounded its supporting battery.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps overruns Maungdaw on Arakan front.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps orders attack on 10th, 34th Div making main effort, to secure Cervaro and M. Trocchio, final Winter Line objectives. Last elements of U.S. 45th Div are relieved by 3rd Algerian Div, FEC.
10 January
NEW BRITAIN – ADC Group repels enemy charges against Aogiri Ridge, beginning at 0115, then continues attack southward toward Hill 660. Arawe beachhead is being reinforced.
NEW GUINEA – Since enemy attack on Saidor is expected, Gen Martin asks Gen Krueger for reinforcements and is granted BLTs 1 and 3 of RCT 128.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 34th Div’s 168th Inf columns push toward Cervaro across hills N of S. Vittore–Cervaro road; 2nd Battalion of 135th, to left, advances NW from La Chiaia to threaten Cervaro from S; TF B, on right, heads toward Capraro Hill. Enemy strongly resists all these thrusts.
USSR – Large enemy pocket N of Kirovograd is eliminated.
11 January
NEW BRITAIN – ADC Group reaches next phase line S of Aogiri Ridge and Hill 150.
NEW GUINEA – C-47’s start using Saidor airfield.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps closes in on Cervaro.
USSR – On central front, Russians announce resumption of offensive in vicinity of highway junction of Mozyr. Berlin has previously announced this.
GERMANY – Strategic air offensive against German aircraft industry and the German Air Force (POINTBLANK), in preparation for OVERLORD, begins. 663 heavy bombers are dispatched against plants at Oschersleben, Halberstadt, and in Brunswick area. Although extensive damage is done, aggressive enemy fighters exact a high price. Total loss is 60 bombers.
12 January
U.S. – War Department planners in Washington, considering the matter of a new directive for SEAC, reject CULVERIN – assault on Sumatra – and favor opening of a land route to China.
Advance part of U.S. Third Army leaves Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to embark for ETO.
SOLOMON IS. – Americal Div completes movement to Bougainville.
NEW BRITAIN – Arawe beachhead is now strengthened by Co B, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Mar Div, and Co F, 158th Inf.
AFHQ – U.S. Seventh Army planning group under Brig Gen Garrison H. Davidson moves from Sicily to Algiers to work on plans for ANVIL, invasion of S France. Planning headquarters for ANVIL is designated Force 163.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: Gen Alexander, CG, directs U.S. Fifth Army to impose maximum losses on enemy S of Rome and to clear Rome; advance to general line Civitavecchia–Viterbo–Terni and later to Pisa–Pistoia–Florence. Long-range objective of British Eighth Army is Faenza–Ravenna region. Importance of speed is stressed.
U.S. Fifth Army orders VI Corps (Gen Lucas) to land in Anzio–Nettuno area at H Hour (0200) on D Day (22 January) and drive on Colli Laziali. In II Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 168th Inf, 34th Div, overruns Cervaro; other units of the div continue to clear hills near the town. On right flank of II Corps, TF B reaches Capraro Hill. FEC, with 3rd Algerian Div on left and 2nd Moroccan Div on right, opens drive toward S. Elia and makes steady progress.
USSR – Russians envelop Sarny, in prewar Poland, and take it from rear. Germans are counterattacking around Vinnitsa, SW of Kiev.
13 January
PACIFIC – CINCPAC-CINCPOA Campaign Plan GRANITE outlines tentative operations to be conducted and timetable: carrier raid on Truk about 24 March in support of invasion of the Admiralties and Kavieng; capture of Eniwetok and Ujelang Atolls in the Marshalls (CATCHPOLE), 1 May; capture of Mortlock and Truk in the Carolines, 1 August; invasion of the Marianas (FORAGER), 1 November. If Truk can be bypassed, it is proposed that the Palaus be invaded on 1 August. 27th Div is alerted to prepare to seize Eniwetok.
NEW BRITAIN – ADC Group continues attack toward Hill 660 with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, but is pinned down short of objective. Arty and aerial bombardment precede the attack. 864th Engr Aviation Battalion arrives to help repair Cape Gloucester airdrome.
BURMA – In Hukawng Valley, Ch 38th Div gains firm control of Tarung R line as 114th Regiment reduces the last strongpoint in Yupbang Ga area. 112th, to N, has cleared region between the Tarung and Sanip Rivers. 1st Battalion, 113th Regiment, upon crossing the Tarung at Yupbang Ga, patrols N to Tabawng Ga.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div finishes clearing heights overlooking Le Pastinelle and the Rapido Plain. TF B (1st SSF and 133rd Inf) is dissolved, having completed its mission; RCT 133 remains in position. 2nd Battalion of 135th Inf reduces troublesome strongpoint (Pt 189) S of Cervaro. II Corps is now in position for assault on last hill barring access to the Rapido, M. Trocchio.
BOUGAINVILLE – Arty units of Americal Div begin relieving those of 3rd Mar Div.
14 January
U.S. – President Roosevelt, in message to Chiang Kai-shek of this date, delivered on 15th, asks that Yunnan forces be committed in Burma in conjunction with operations from India; hints that if they are not, lend-lease to China may be curtailed.
NEW BRITAIN – 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, drives to top of Hill 660, final objective of ADC Group.
USSR – Breaking through enemy positions on broad front, Soviet forces take Mozyr and Kalinkovichi; during next few days deepen the salient.
15 January
U.S. – War Department abolishes Central Defense Command and transfers its functions to Eastern Defense Command.
NEW BRITAIN – Relief of ADC Group is begun.
NEW GUINEA – Elements of Australian 9th Div reach Sio, on N coast of Huon Peninsula.
BURMA – In Hukawng Valley, 1st Battalion of 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, followed by 3rd, reaches Kaduja Ga; 2nd Battalion is in reserve at Yupbang Ga. 3rd Battalion of 114th Inf is reinforced by 2nd Battalion of same regiment.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army successfully concludes operations against Winter Line with capture by II Corps of M. Trocchio; is now confronted by Gustav Line, which follows the Garigliano, Gari, and Rapido Rivers to Cassino and continues to British Eighth Army boundary along hills above Cassino. U.S. Fifth Army’s British 10 Corps prepares for assault across lower Garigliano. 5th Div moves quietly forward, night 15-16. II Corps overruns M. Trocchio without a fight, Germans having withdrawn main forces across the Rapido. 135th Inf, 34th Div, takes this last height before the Rapido while 168th Inf on right and 141st Inf, 36th Div (which has relieved 6th Armd Inf on M. Porchia), on left keep pace. In FEC area, Germans abandon S. Elia, corps’ objective.
USSR – Troops of Leningrad Front, having quietly concentrated W of Leningrad, open powerful
offensive for that city on northern front. Other Red Army forces begin assault on Novgorod from S. ETO-COSSAC is redesignated Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF).
16 January
BOUGAINVILLE – 3rd Mar Div completes withdrawal from island.
NEW BRITAIN – Japanese make their last counterattack in W New Britain, a futile and costly effort to recover Hill 660. Relief of ADC Group continues. 2nd Battalion of 158th Inf, with tank support, attacks to reduce enemy positions near Arawe perimeter after air and arty preparation, gaining 1,500 yards.
CBI – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, replying to President Roosevelt’s message, threatens to discontinue supplying food and housing for U.S. forces in China after 1 March 1944 unless he is granted the previously requested billion-dollar loan or unless the U.S. will finance the Cheng-tu project at the exchange rate of 20 to 1. This arouses sharp criticism in Washington. Adm Mountbatten, in letter to Gen Marshall, offers to provide British troops to lead Chinese Army in India, but Gen Stilwell prefers and eventually secures operational control of GALAHAD.
In Hukawng Valley of Burma, 3rd Battalion of 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, crosses the Sanip but is halted by enemy pocket near junction of Tanai and Tarung Rivers. 112th Regiment secures Gum Ga; subsequently pushes on to Warang, where it halts.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps is ordered to make main effort toward Anzio.
ETO – Gen Eisenhower takes over post of Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force.
17 January
NEW BRITAIN – Enemy positions in Arawe area are mopped up.
BURMA – In Hukawng Valley, 113th Regiment of Ch 38th Div bypasses enemy position on Brangbram Stream, leaving company to contain the position, and heads for Taihpa Ga, advancing very cautiously.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps concludes brief but strenuous amphibious training program for SHINGLE with rehearsal, called WEBFOOT, from 17th to 19th on beaches S of Salerno. British 10 Corps opens Operation PANTHER, assault across the Garigliano, at 2100. 5th and 56th Divs, latter on right, cross in several columns and at first make good progress.
ETO – Reorganization of ETOUSA SOS into a single headquarters is announced.
18 January
ETO – Gen Eisenhower gives USSAFE administrative responsibility for all U.S. Army air forces in the United Kingdom.
19 January
NEW BRITAIN – Extensive program of patrolling is begun in W New Britain in effort to regain contact with Japanese and secure W part of the island to line Borgen Bay–Itni R.
NEW GUINEA – Saidor beachhead is by now reinforced with most of RCT 128.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: Hq is redesignated Hq, Allied Central Mediterranean Force (ACMF). In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 10 Corps area, 5th and 56th Divs enlarge bridgehead across the Garigliano. 5th Div gains Minturno and 56th is approaching Castelforte.
USSR – Soviet forces of Leningrad Front seize Novgorod.
20 January
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 10 Corps continues to expand bridgehead across the Garigliano, 5th Div gaining heights overlooking Capo d’Acqua Creek on coast. 201st Gds Brig is withdrawn from reserve to attack M. Scauri and concentrates S of Minturno. II Corps’ 36th Div, with close air and arty support, begins assault across the Rapido in S. Angelo area with 141st and 143rd Regiments in evening and meets intense opposition. 34th Div makes diversionary thrust toward Cassino.
USSR – Soviet troops advancing SW from Pulkovo and SE from Oranienbaum join, encircling enemy and sealing off corridor to Gulf of Finland.
ETO – Gen Spaatz takes responsibility for all U.S. Army air forces in United Kingdom in accordance with order of Gen Eisenhower of 18th.
21 January
BURMA – Gen Stilwell decides to drive an armored spearhead, followed by infantry, down Kamaing Road to Walawbum. 113th Regiment of Ch 38th Div reaches Ningru Ga, less than a mile from Taihpa Ga.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps begins uneventful voyage from Naples area toward Anzio. To deceive enemy, naval forces bombard Civitavecchia and feint landings there. In British 10 Corps area, Germans, having brought up reinforcements, begin series of strong counterattacks against Garigliano bridgehead, which extends from the river to Hill 413 and thence to Salvatito Hill. II Corps’ 36th Div, which has gained a weak hold on far bank of the Rapido during night 20-21, attempts
to expand and strengthen bridgehead against continued severe opposition. 1st Battalion, 141st Inf, holds bridgehead across the river but is out of contact with main body, which retires to assembly areas. 1st Battalion, 143rd, which crossed, night 20-21, withdraws under heavy fire to E bank. Renewing attack at 1600, 3rd Battalion of 143rd Inf succeeds in crossing S of S. Angelo and 2nd Battalion starts across during night 21-22.
USSR – Soviet troops capture rail junction of Mga, SE of Leningrad.
ETO – OVERLORD is discussed during first meeting of Gen Eisenhower with his commanders at Norfolk House, London.
22 January
POA – Main body of GALVANIC assault force, the largest U.S. force to be assembled in the Pacific thus far, sails for the Marshalls. Enemy interception of land-based planes over Kwajalein ceases.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Preinvasion air attacks begin with B-25 strike on shipping off the coast. Photo planes obtain photographs of Lorengau and Momote.
ITALY – ACMF: After brief, intense rocket bombardment of beaches, U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps begins 3 simultaneous landings in Anzio area at 0200, completely surprising enemy, who offers but feeble resistance. Assault forces reach preliminary objectives by noon and continue toward initial beachhead line, some 7 miles inland. On right, 3rd Div lands on X-Ray beaches E of Nettuno and seizes all crossings on Mussolini Canal; hard fighting develops along the canal during night as enemy reinforcements arrive, and Germans regain most of the bridges. In center, 6615th Ranger Force (Prov) – 3 Ranger battalions plus 83rd Chemical Battalion and 509th Para Inf Battalion – lands near Anzio port; seizes it intact and Nettuno as well. On left, 2nd Brig Gp of British 1st Div and 2nd Special Service Brig (9th and 43rd Cdos) land 6 miles NW of Anzio on Peter Beach to block main road from Anzio to Albano. Allied planes provide close support for landings. Enemy aircraft make ineffective attacks. British 10 Corps continues to meet strong enemy counterattacks against Garigliano bridgehead and loses M. Natale. Particularly hard, indecisive fighting occurs N of Tufo. In II Corps area, 36th Div continues losing battle for Rapido bridgehead, abandoning it under heavy pressure. The div suffers heavy casualties in this futile attempt to force the Rapido.
USSR – Germans announce frustration of Soviet attacks in Vitebsk sector. Red Army troops have almost encircled Vitebsk.
23 January
POA – Attack Force Reserve for GALVANIC and Majuro Attack Group sail for target.
NEW GUINEA – Australians of 18th Brig, 7th Div, helped materially by recent heavy attacks of Third Air Task Force, gain control of Shaggy Ridge, 6 miles N of Dumpu in Ramu Valley. This victory plus that at Saidor gives Allied forces control of Huon Peninsula. Japanese withdrawing to Madang are subjected to air attacks.
ALGERIA – AFHQ orders ANVIL planners to assume that 3 U.S. divs will be employed in invasion of S France.
ITALY – ACME: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps expands beachhead with little difficulty except on right flank, where 3rd Div continues battle for Mussolini Canal bridges. Enemy planes make strong effort against the beachhead. British 10 Corps withstands further enemy efforts to reduce the Garigliano bridgehead and falls back slightly in Minturno area. II Corps prepares for another assault across the Rapido, this time by 34th Div. FEC recovers M. S. Croce and is ordered to turn SW toward Terelle and Piedimonte as preparations are made to envelop Cassino from N.
USSR – Moscow announces that rains have halted Soviet offensive in Vitebsk area.
U.K. – Gen Eisenhower proposes to CCS that OVERLORD be mounted in greater strength and in a wider zone than originally planned; that airborne forces be used in the Cotentin instead of at Caen. He also recommends that target date of 1 May be postponed a month, largely because of shortage of assault craft; for the same reason he recommends that the ANVIL assault force be limited to one div.
24 January
ALGERIA – ANVIL planners learn that assault force for invasion of S France will contain but one U.S. div.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps reaches initial beachhead line, where main body pauses to consolidate and await reinforcements. On left flank, 2nd Brig of British 1st Div advances to Moletta R line. On right flank, 504th Para Inf secures rest of bridges along main Mussolini Canal after relieving 3rd Rcn Tr there. Ranger Force relieves 7th Inf (-3rd Battalion) in quiet left sector of 3rd Div front. 15th and 30th Regiments, 3rd Div, are disposed along W branch of canal facing Cisterna. In preparation for drive on intermediate objectives of Campoleone and Cisterna, British 1st Div probes toward former and 3rd Div toward latter. 2nd Special Service Brig (9th, 10th, and 43rd Cdos) is withdrawn from Anzio to British 10 Corps zone. Enemy aircraft again attack bridgehead strongly. In British 10 Corps area, after a last counterattack against Garigliano bridgehead, enemy goes on the defensive, having gained M. Rotondo (Hill 342), N slopes of Hill 413, and
Castelforte at great cost. In II Corps area, after 30-minute arty preparation, 133rd Inf of 34th Div attacks, night 24-25, to secure bridgehead across the Rapido N of Cassino; elements reach river line but are unable to cross. FEC completes preparations for attack on N flank of southern front.
GERMANY – Berlin announces fresh Soviet offensive in Kirovograd area of the Dnieper bend.
25 January
U.S. – U.S. Third Army is relieved at Fort Houston, Texas, by U.S. Fourth Army at midnight 25-26.
BURMA – 65th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, whose mission is to clear Taro Plain (a responsibility previously held by 3rd Battalion of 112th Regiment, Ch 38th Div) and then push eastward into Hukawng Valley, has encircled and eliminated enemy force during 23-24 January; 323 enemy dead are counted in gorge where the Tanai enters the Taro Plain.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div attacks with 1st Battalion of 30th Inf up Campomorto–Cisterna road and with 2nd Battalion of 15th up Conca–Cisterna road until stopped by enemy strongpoints. As a diversion, 504th Para Inf attacks across Mussolini Canal toward Littoria and retires after dark. On left flank of VI Corps, British 1st Div makes limited attack for Aprilia, called the Factory, N of Carroceto, and clears it. In II Corps area, 133rd Inf of 34th Div continues efforts to establish bridgehead across the Rapido N of Cassino and gets all 3 battalions to W bank. Bypassing M. Cifalco, 4th Tunisian Inf, FEC, secures Le Propaia and advances to foot of Belvedere Hill. Enemy recovers part of Le Propaia in counterattack.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps assumes command of Cdn 5th Armd Div.
USSR – Red Army troops SW of Leningrad capture Krasnogvardeisk rail junction.
26 January
ARGENTINA – Severs relations with Germany and Japan.
MARSHALL IS. – B-25 strike on Maloelap, for the first time with fighter escort, destroys most of enemy air strength there.
CHINA – U.S. Ambassador to China, Clarence E. Gauss, delivers President Roosevelt’s reply to Chiang Kai-shek. Roosevelt’s reply proposes that a Chinese representative discuss exchange rate with Treasury officials in Washington and states that U.S. expenditures in China, beginning 1 March 1944, will be limited to U.S. $25,000,000 a month. In letter to President Roosevelt, Gen Chennault proposes that B-29’s, under Fourteenth Air Force command, be used against industrial targets in Japan after air supremacy has been established in China and enemy’s ocean shipping has been pounded; then, Japanese Army installations in China, Formosa, and Hainan should be attacked. Chennault warns Gen Arnold that B-29 operations from Cheng-tu area would be costly and suggests that all air forces in China be under control of commander of air forces in China.
BURMA – 65th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, reaches Ahawk Stream. The Ahawk Trail along this stream is the shortest route from Taro to the Hukawng Valley.
ITALY – ACMF: Continuing limited attacks toward Cisterna in U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div reduces strongpoint near Ponte Rotto. British 1st Div repels strong enemy counterattack against the Factory. British 10 Corps completes regrouping to renew offensive. 46th Div is committed E of Castelforte, shortening line of 56th Div. In II Corps area, advance elements of 133rd Inf, 34th Div, reach edge of Hill 213 against strong opposition but at nightfall fall back to W bank of the Rapido. At 0330, 1st Battalion of 135th Inf crosses one co over the Rapido just N of Cassino and presses to edge of town; after daybreak joins elements of 133rd Inf in unsuccessful attack against Pt 225, between Cassino and the barracks. RCT 142, 36th Div, is attached to 34th Div to assist French in operations to N. In FEC area, 4th Tunisian Inf, 3rd Algerian Div, seizes Belvedere Hill and Abate Hill; 3rd Algerian Inf drives enemy from Le Propaia.
27 January
YUGOSLAVIA – Allied commando party successfully raids Hvar, night 27-28.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div, after another futile attempt to reach Cisterna, breaks off attack to regroup for a stronger push. British 1st Div makes slow progress N of the Factory on left flank of corps. British 10 Corps renews attack to expand Garigliano bridgehead. 46th Div presses toward M. Jugo and 5th Div toward M. Natale. Enemy resists vigorously. In II Corps area, after hour-long arty preparation, 168th Inf and 756th Tank Battalion attack through bridgehead of 133rd Inf, 34th Div. A few tanks cross with great difficulty and clear lanes for infantry. 1st and 3rd Battalions, former on left, then cross under heavy fire and drive to vicinity of Hills 56 and 213. After nightfall 3rd Battalion withdraws to river and moves N along it to cross 500 yards upstream. In FEC area, 3rd Algerian Div loses Abate Hill and Hill 700 to SE during strong counterattack but retains Belvedere Hill.
USSR – Red Army units gain ground in Leningrad area. Enemy is cleared from RR between Tosno and Lyuban, and Tosno is overrun.
28 January
BURMA – 65th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, crosses Ahawk Stream.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, assault elements of British 1st Div reach positions 1½ miles N of the Factory, then halt to regroup for assault on Campoleone. British 10 Corps continues struggle to expand Garigliano bridgehead. In II Corps area, 1st Battalion of 168th Inf, 34th Div, after getting a few men to Hill 213, falls back to river. By dawn, 3rd Battalion has small bridgehead across the Rapido near Cairo. In FEC area, 3rd Algerian Div repels determined counterattacks between Belvedere Hill and Le Propaia.
USSR – Red Army forces moving down Leningrad–Moscow RR capture Lyuban and drive on toward Chudovo.
ETO – Lt Gen Omar N. Bradley succeeds Lt Gen George Grunert as commander of First U.S. Army.
29 January
U.S. – In order to improve Calcutta–Assam LOC, now in British civilian hands, Gen Marshall suggests to President Roosevelt that the LOC be placed under Anglo-American military control and that the President write Prime Minister Churchill on this matter. President Roosevelt agrees and urges Churchill to intervene personally.
NEW GUINEA – 863rd Aviation Engr Battalion arrives at Saidor.
MARSHALL IS. – As invasion forces approach the Marshalls, carrier planes and naval vessels join in final neutralization program, supplementing action of land-based planes that has been in progress for some time. Carrier aircraft of Adm Mitscher’s TF 58 thoroughly cover airfields and other targets on Kwajalein Atoll; completely neutralize Taroa airfield on Maloelap Atoll; make repeated attacks on Wotje airfield. These strikes are followed by naval bombardment by TF 58 warships. In addition, the neutralization group (TG 50.15) bombards Wotje and Maloelap. Land-based planes concentrate on Roi–Namur and Kwajalein Islands in Kwajalein Atoll and attack targets on Wotje, Maloelap, Jaluit, and Mille Atolls.
CBI – 5303rd Hq, commanding service units supporting the Chinese, becomes an “area command.”
In Burma, Gen Stilwell’s plan to block road leading from Kamaing to enemy positions along the Tanai goes astray as 1st Battalion, 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, upon arriving at front, is ordered by div CG to clear Japanese from river bank instead. 3rd Battalion of 114th Regiment is withdrawn for rest.
YUGOSLAVIA – Allied base for coastal craft is established at Vis, already the chief base for supplying Tito’s forces.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps regroups in preparation for strong assault on Campoleone and Cisterna, immediate objectives before Colli Laziali. AA cruiser HMS Spartan and a Liberty ship are sunk during heavy enemy air attack. In British 10 Corps area, 138th Brig, on right flank of 46th Div, reaches M. Jugo. 56th Div makes unsuccessful attack on Hill 413. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div is strongly reinforced by tanks, arty, and engineers as it renews attempts to take Hills 56 and 213 and saddle between them. Tanks, using alternate route, cross the Rapido in force, permitting all 3 battalions of 168th Inf to advance rapidly to objectives, which are overrun before dawn of 30th. In FEC area, 2nd Battalion of 142nd Inf arrives at Belvedere Hill.
USSR – With fall of Chudovo on Leningrad front, Leningrad–Moscow rail line is cleared of enemy. Germans announce their withdrawal from Smela, in the Dnieper bend. Red Army launches coordinated assault by troops of First and Second Ukrainian Fronts against faces of salient held by German 8th Army in the Ukraine.
GERMANY – In the largest U.S. air strike to date, over 800 heavy bombers of Eighth Air Force attack industrial center of Frankfurt am Main, using radar.
30 January
MARSHALL IS. – Carrier planes of TF 58 continue neutralization of the Marshalls, attacking Eniwetok Atoll, where 19 planes are destroyed on the ground, in addition to targets on Kwajalein, Wotje, and Maloelap Atolls. Immediate objectives on Kwajalein Atoll – Roi–Namur and Kwajalein Islands – are pounded during 400 sorties and subjected to naval bombardment of surface vessels for 4 hours. Assault forces arrive at target after nightfall; accompanying DD’s and cruisers turn aside en route to objective in order to bombard Maloelap and Wotje. Rear Adm Harry W. Hill’s Majuro Attack Group (TG 51.2), consisting of reinforced 2nd Battalion of 106th Inf, 27th Div, and VAC Rcn Co, begins invasion of Majuro Atoll, which is to become an advance naval base, night 30-31. Scouts of VAC Rcn Tr makes unopposed landings on Calalin and Dadap Islands in the atoll.
NEW BRITAIN – Cape Gloucester airfield is ready for use.
CBI – GO 13, Hq USAF CBI, directs that XX BC be under command of Gen Stilwell, on whose behalf Gen Stratemeyer will exercise control. In Burma, 65th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, gains control of Taro Plain; overruns Taro.
ITALY – ACMF: U.S. Fifteenth Air Force, with dual purpose of destroying German airpower and assisting Allied troops, attacks targets in Po Valley so successfully that German Air Force in the future sharply curtails opposition to strategic bombing during daylight.
In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps launches major offensive toward Colli Laziali, forestalling planned enemy counterattack to reduce Anzio beachhead. On left, British 1st Div and 1st Armd Div make main effort up Albano road. After sharp action, beginning night 29-30, of 24th Gds Brig to secure line of departure for 3rd Brig, 3rd Brig jumps off in afternoon and takes heights just S of Campoleone overpass. 1st Armd Div moves left of Albano road to attack Colli Laziali from W. On right flank of VI Corps, 1st and 3rd Ranger Battalions spearhead attack of 3rd Div toward Cisterna, moving forward quietly, night 29-30; spotted by Germans at dawn, Rangers are ambushed and virtually destroyed within 800 yards of Cisterna. Meanwhile, efforts of 4th Ranger Battalion and 3rd Div to relieve the ambushed Rangers are costly and futile. 504th Para Inf makes diversionary attack along Mussolini Canal but stops short of Highway 7. In British 10 Corps area, 17th Brig of 5th Div takes M. Natale. In 11 Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div repels strong enemy counterattacks W of the Rapido. In FEC area, 2nd Battalion of 142nd Inf, U.S. 36th Div, begins attack toward Manna Farm.
U.K. – Prime Minister Churchill promises President Roosevelt that he will investigate the matter of the Calcutta–Assam LOC.
31 January
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – Under over-all command of Fifth Fleet (TF 50) commander, Adm Spruance, U.S. Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51, commanded by Adm Turner) invades Marshalls at Kwajalein Atoll, opening Operation FLINTLOCK. Air, naval, and ground operations are well coordinated. Little opposition is met and U.S. casualties are extremely light. Underwater demolition team is employed for first time in the Pacific to explore beaches at W end of Kwajalein I. Southern Attack Force (TF 52, also under Adm Turner) invades S Kwajalein Atoll. Preliminary operations begin early in morning. Provisional units attached to RCT 17, 7th Div, secure channel for entry of shipping into lagoon with occupation of Cecil (Ninni) and Carter (Gea), small islets NW of Kwajalein I. Reconnaissance elements and part of Co B, 111th Inf, take Cecil without opposition by 1235 after having landed earlier by mistake on Chauncey (Gehh), where some infantrymen are left to contain enemy. Troops of another provisional force from 7th Div manage to land on Carter at 0620 and overcome opposition by 0930.
After preparatory air and naval bombardment, RCT 17 begins invasion of Carlos (Ennylabegan) and Carlson (Enubuj) at 0910, 40 minutes behind schedule. BLT 1 occupies Carlos and BLT 2, Carlson, with little trouble. Arty is put ashore on Carlson and registered on next objectives, Kwajalein I., (Porcelain) and Burton (Ebeye). Northern Attack Force (TF 53 under Rear Adm Richard L. Conolly) invades N Kwajalein. 4th Mar Div opens operations with preliminary landings by 25th Marines, reinforced, on islands adjacent to main objective, twin islands of Roi–Namur (Burlesque–Camouflage), in order to secure safe passage for naval vessels into lagoon and for arty sites. 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, quickly quells token resistance on Ivan (Mellu) and Jacob (Ennuebing), SW of Roi, during morning, making Jacob Pass available for shipping. In afternoon, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, takes Albert (Ennumennet), and 2nd Battalion seizes Allen (Ennubirr), SE of Namur, with ease. 3rd Battalion then proceeds to Ennugarrett (Abraham) and occupies it. Arty is brought ashore and registered on Roi–Namur.
MAJURO ATOLL – Atoll is secured without a fight as VAC scouts complete uneventful reconnaissance.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, superior enemy forces bar 3rd Div from Cisterna. British 1st Div and 1st Armd Div are stubbornly opposed from Campoleone area. Attack up Albano road halts upon VI Corps order at night. In British 10 Corps area, 138th Brig of 46th Div reaches M. Purgatorio. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div seizes Cairo village and repels further counterattacks. 133rd begins clearing barracks area N of Cassino. In FEC area, 2nd Battalion of 142nd Inf, U.S. 36th Div, overruns Manna Farm. French recapture Abate Hill.
1 February
U.S. – CCS agree to postpone the cross-Channel assault about a month, the exact date to depend upon weather conditions during early days of June.
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – Troops of VAC open attack for main objectives. The generally light opposition met is a tribute to the effectiveness of preliminary bombardment by naval vessels, aircraft, and arty, which was closely integrated and overwhelming. In Southern Landing Force area, 7th Div invades Kwajalein I., at S bend of the atoll, advance elements touching down at 0930. BLTs 184-3 and 32-1 land abreast, former on N, on Beaches Red 1 and 2 at W end of island and quickly secure beaches. In zone of 184th Inf enemy clings to ruins of his main beach defenses along lagoon shore. Both teams move steadily eastward to N-S Wilma Road, which connects coastal roads Will on N and Wallace on S.
BLT 32-2 attacks through BLT 32-1 in afternoon. By end of day 7th Div holds about a third of island, including W edge of airfield. Gen Corlett, 7th Div CG, lands on Carlson and takes command ashore. U.S. forces are withdrawn from Chauncey, infantry elements to Cecil and 7th Rcn Tr aboard the . A few naval troops are left to guard barges. In Northern Landing Force area, 4th Mar Div lands 2 BLTs of RCT 23 on S shore of Roi and similar force from RCT 24 on S shore of Namur. Assault hour, set for 1000, is delayed because of boating difficulties, and landings actually occur between 1145 and noon. On Roi, which airfield largely covers, stunned and disorganized Japanese offer no effective resistance as RCT 23 speeds to N coast and clears island except for small pocket in center of airfield. RCT 24 is less fortunate on Namur, where thick vegetation and many buildings provide concealment for enemy. BLTs 2 and 3 push N abreast, 2nd on right, meeting considerable opposition as Japanese rally from preliminary bombardment. BLT 2 suffers more than 50% of its casualties from powerful explosions of a blockhouse containing ammunition. Reinforced by reserves from BLT 1 and tanks from RCT 23, RCT 24 reaches line extending from initial objective (O-1) on eastern shore to positions 175 yards N of O-1 on W flank. Landing Force Commander establishes CP on Namur. Enemy infiltration attempts, night 2-3, culminate in counterattack by about 0100 at dawn, but attack is repelled in close combat.
BURMA – 5303rd hq, previously designated “area command,” is redesignated Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC). The term “combat” is included to permit Gen Stilwell to retain command, since SEAC controls forces in line of communications areas. Gen Boatner heads NCAC. All Allied units, upon entering N Burma, are to be attached or assigned to NCAC, except for GALAHAD Force, which on arrival is attached to CAI and later assigned to NCAC. British hq in N Burma, Fort Hertz area, under Brig John F. Bowerman, is attached to NCAC. Engineers begin construction of permanent road in Hukawng Valley and combat road to support Ch divs. The combat road is to consist of improved Kamaing Road plus Kachin and Naga trails and is to run through Shingbwiyang, Yupbang Ga, Taihpa Ga, Maingkwan, and Tinghawk Sakan. During period 30 January–1 February, 3rd Battalion of 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, moves through Taihpa Ga to attack enemy strongpoint in that area.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div, after another futile attempt to reach Cisterna in morning, breaks off attack and digs in to meet expected enemy counterattack. Entire VI Corps is now on the defensive. Enemy build-up presages imminent counteroffensive to drive corps back into the sea. Gen Clark confers with Gen Alexander. By this time 45th Div and 1st Armd Div (-CCB) are ashore. British 10 Corps continues efforts to expand Garigliano bridgehead against stubborn opposition. In II Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div attacks toward Castellone and Majola Hill with fire support of 168th from Hills 56 and 213 and reaches top of both objectives. Enemy counterattacks vigorously in region from Manna Farm to Hill 706.
USSR – Red Army troops approaching Estonian border capture Kingisepp, last Russian station on RR to Narva.
ETO – Initial Joint Plan, NEPTUNE (formulated by air, ground, and naval planners) for invasion of Normandy is issued. The code name NEPTUNE is more restricted in its connotation than the term OVERLORD; NEPTUNE applies only to movement across the Channel, seizure of a beachhead in Normandy, and the Normandy area.
2 February
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – In Southern Landing Force campaign, 7th Div meets increased resistance, which planes, arty, and naval gunfire help to neutralize as the division continues clearing Kwajalein. 2nd Battalion, 184th Inf, passing through 3rd, advances along lagoon side of island on left while 2nd Battalion of 32nd Inf continues attack on ocean side. Overwhelming enemy strongpoints, both assault forces soon reach Carl Road, which crosses island at E end of airfield. As advance continues toward next cross-island road, Nora, some 300 yards ahead, 3rd Battalion, 32nd Inf, attacking through 2nd Battalion, crosses tank ditch and clears strongpoint, called Corn. Although forward elements of division get well beyond Nora Road, line is organized for night short of it, 3rd Battalion of 32nd Inf taking up positions in Corn Strong Point and 2nd Battalion of 184th on line 75-100 yards NE of Carl Road. Elements of 7th Rcn Tr land on Chauncey, where enemy is becoming aggressive, and clear it during sharp fire fight. Japanese dead total 125. In preparation for invasion of Burton, island is searched from DD and seaplane and pounded by arty and naval gunfire. In Northern Landing Force campaign, 4th Mar Div completes mop up of Roi and capture of Namur; begins search of remaining islands of N half of Kwajalein Atoll. On Namur RCT 24, with tank support, attacks with BLT 3 on left and BLT 1 on right. Organized resistance ceases by 1215, ending battle for S Kwajalein except for mopping up. Maj Gen Harry Schmidt, 4th Mar Div CG, announces end of organized resistance on Namur at 1418. RCT 25 is given task of securing other islands of N half of Kwajalein Atoll and begins uneventful search for enemy.
SWPA – U.S. Sixth Army hq moves from Australia to Cape Cretin, New Guinea.
CBI – Replying to President Roosevelt’s message of 26 January, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek reports that he has discussed the exchange rate, Chinese offering 30 to 1, with the Minister of Finance and reiterates offer to move Yunnan troops to Burma when large-scale amphibious operation can be undertaken.
ITALY – ACMF: Gen Clark, CG U.S. Fifth Army, orders Gen Lucas, CG VI Corps, to consolidate beachhead and prepare for defense. In British 10 Corps area, 2nd Special Service Brig fails in effort to take M. Faito. In II Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div presses southward toward Highway 6, 2nd Battalion crossing Hill 445 and pushing on toward Hill 593 while 1st Battalion clears Hill 324 to E. 3rd Battalion of 168th Inf is committed because of counterattacks on 2nd Battalion. 1st Battalion of 142nd Inf, 36th Div, takes responsibility for M. Castellone. 133rd Inf finishes clearing barracks area N of Cassino and attacks S with tank support to N end of Cassino but withdraws about 1,000 yards after nightfall.
USSR – In the Ukraine, Soviet forces attack German 6th Army on 60-mile front W of the Dnieper. First Estonian village falls to other Soviet forces. Stalin agrees to provide 6 bases for U.S. Planes in USSR.
3 February
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – Adm Hill arrives by plane from Majuro to take part in formal planning for invasion of Eniwetok with forces previously allocated as reserves for Kwajalein. Planning continues until the expeditionary force sails on 15th. In Southern Landing Force campaign, 7th Div attacks to clear rest of Kwajalein I., with Nathan Road (E-W road opposite Nob Pier) as immediate objective; assault forces encounter dense construction and must destroy blockhouses and concrete positions in detail. 1st Battalion of 184th Inf advances on lagoon side, 3rd Battalion of 32nd Inf attacks on ocean side. Beyond Nora Road; frontal attacks prove so costly, particularly in 184th Inf’s zone where Co B is virtually halted along lagoon at W edge of built-up Admiralty area, that plan of attack is changed. 1st Battalion, 184th, swings left to lagoon shore while 2nd attacks through its right flank toward Nathan Road, forcing exposed salient into enemy positions. 3rd Battalion, 32nd Inf, assisted by 1st Battalion, continues toward Nathan Road, advance elements getting to within 100 yards of it. Numerous enemy pockets have been bypassed. Enemy counterattacks are repulsed during night. After effective naval gunfire, arty, and carrier aircraft bombardment that eliminates enemy opposition, 1st Battalion of 17th Inf, 7th Div, invades Burton, 2 cos going ashore abreast (Co A on right; Co C on left) on S part of lagoon beach at 0935. After crossing S end of island, 1st Battalion drives N supported by amphibian tractors and later by light and medium tanks. Opposition develops about an hour after the landing, particularly on left where Co B passes through Co C shortly before 1700. By 1900, forward elements halt for night on line that crosses island just S of Bailey Pier, a concrete structure extending into lagoon about midway up the island. 3rd Battalion, upon landing, takes responsibility for rear area. Illumination throughout night and fire of supporting arms help prevent enemy counterattacks. Amphibious tank detachments sent to Buster and Byron, islets (no known native names) between Kwajalein and Burton, take them without opposition.
ITALY – ACMF: Gen Alexander forms NZ 2nd Div and Indian 4th Div into NZ Corps under Lt Gen Sir Bernard C. Freyberg and places the corps under U.S. Fifth Army command. VI Corps issues verbal orders to beachhead forces to prepare defensive positions at once. In II Corps area, while 1st Battalion of 135th Inf, 34th Div, completes clearing Hill 324, 2nd Battalion, 135th, and 3rd Battalion, 168th, drive to within 1½ miles of Highway 6. 133rd Inf attacks with tanks toward Cassino but is driven back; renewing attack in afternoon, gets forward elements to northern edge of town, where they dig in. Enemy continues to counterattack between Manna Farm and Hill 706, but the hill is cleared by 3rd Battalion, 135th Inf.
USSR – Soviet forces converge S of Korosun and surround 2 corps of German 8th Army. Germans make desperate attempts to relieve the besieged forces, curtailing offensive operations to do so.
4 February
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – RCT 184, in southern part of atoll, continues difficult mop-up of enemy along lagoon shore, completing this as far as Green Beach 4 by 1435. 1st Battalion, 32nd Inf, attacks through 2nd Battalion of 184th and 3rd Battalion of 32nd toward end of island, arriving at Nate Road in a highly disorganized state. Here 2nd Battalion, 32nd, passes through 1st Battalion to complete capture of island. Advance elements reach Nero Pt, at tip of island, by 1515, but organized resistance continues until 1920. Gen Corlett announces capture of Kwajalein I., to Adm Turner at 1610. A considerable number of Japanese and Koreans surrender during the day. 1st Battalion, 17th Inf, continues northward attack on Burton, this time meeting main opposition on right, in zone of Co A. At 1130, 3rd Battalion attacks through 1st Battalion. Co K reaches NE corner of island at 1210 and Burton is completely secured by 1337. Troops of 2nd Battalion, 17th Inf, secure Burnet (no known native name) and Blakenship (Loi), N of Burton, capturing about 40 natives on Burnet
and subduing more than 20 Japanese and Koreans on Blakenship.
CBI – In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell alters plan of attack: Ch 22nd Div is to envelop enemy in Yawngbang area. 1st Battalion of 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, reaches Kaduja Ga. After stubborn defense of Taihpa Ga area during past few days, Japanese withdraw secretly about this time.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Japanese open offensive on 15 Corps’ Arakan front, 2 TF’s pushing northward around E flank of Indian 7th Div while a holding force makes frontal attacks on Indian 7th Div N and NW of Buthidaung. Enveloping enemy forces overrun Taung Bazaar and head S and W.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps receives plan of defense. 45th Div is to hold Moletta R line with one RCT on left flank. Newly arrived 1st SSF is to hold right flank. 1st and 3rd Divs are to hold central sector. In VI Corps reserve, 1st Armd Div (-CCB) and 45th Div (-an RCT) are to be prepared to counterattack. 36th and 39th Engr Combat Regiments are to help defend coastline and be prepared to assemble as corps reserve. Enemy counteroffensive against Anzio beachhead begins, night 3-4, with limited effort against Campoleone salient held by British 1st Div. After hard fighting throughout day, British fall back to new line about a mile N of Carroceto and the Factory with heavy losses. In II Corps area, 34th Div is stubbornly opposed as it continues efforts to break through enemy positions. 3rd Battalion, 135th Inf, reaches S. Angelo Hill but enemy counterattack forces it back to Hill 706. 2nd Battalion get to within 500 yards of Hill 593. 1st Battalion gains weak hold on Pt 445. 133rd Inf and supporting tanks consolidate positions on N edge of Cassino; 1st Battalion penetrates NE corner but is driven back; takes Hill 175.
USSR – Moscow announces that entire coast of Gulf of Finland is cleared as far as Narva R estuary, as is rail line from Novgorod to Leningrad.
5 February
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – While mopping up is conducted on Kwajalein I., other islands in S Kwajalein Atoll are being reconnoitered. 3rd Battalion, 17th Inf, finds 3 Japanese on Beverly (S Gugegwe); 1st Battalion clears about 200 Japanese from Berlin (N Gugegwe). Co C with tanks then proceeds to Benson, next island to N, and secures it. 7th Rcn Tr invades Bennett (Bigej); is assisted there by 3rd Battalion of 184th Inf with 2 tanks; 94 Japanese are killed before island is secured. 2nd Battalion (-) of 17th Inf, organized into Eastern and Western Forces, continues to mop up. Eastern Force works south from N end of southeastern leg of atoll toward Bennett, taking 5 islands without opposition. Western Force advances N from Carlos and takes 4 islands, 3 of them without opposition.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten’s representatives, Axiom Mission, leave New Delhi for London and Washington, where they will present his views. 16th Brig of Gen Wingate’s Special Force begins southward trek from Ledo. Wingate’s long-range penetration columns are to divert enemy from Myitkyina area in behalf of Gen Stilwell, facilitate advance of CEF across the Salween from Yunnan, and impose losses on enemy in N Burma. Special Force consists of Indian 77th and 111th Brigs and 3 independent brigs (4th, 16th, 23rd) formed from British 10th Div. U.S. 5318th Air Unit, under Col Philip G. Cochran, is responsible for supplying, transporting, and evacuating Wingate’s columns.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps receives probing jabs, particularly in front of Cisterna. Enemy continues build-up of forces for main counteroffensive. Airstrip at Nettuno is abandoned as a permanent base because of enemy shelling. Port operations are hampered by continuing enemy air attacks. II Corps continues battle for Cassino, but cannot break through. Small force from 1st Battalion of 135th Inf, 34th Div, reaches walls of Abbey and withdraws; this is the farthest advance to be made by 34th Div during battle for Cassino. Night 5-6, 1st and 3rd Battalions, 168th Inf, assemble on Pt 445; 1st Battalion, 135th, concentrates on left flank to block enemy infiltration from Castle Hill. 1st Battalion, 133rd, drives S from Hill 175 to Castle Hill but is forced back to Hill 175 by strong night counterattack. 3rd Battalion repels counterattack at N edge of Cassino and takes another block of houses. 36th Div is ordered to move around 34th Div and be prepared to capture Piedimonte from NE.
USSR – Moscow reports Lutsk and Rovno, previously reported evacuated by enemy, occupied by troops of First Ukrainian Front.
6 February
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – In Southern Landing Force area, Western Force of 2nd Battalion, 17th Inf, occupies Cohen (Ennugenliggelap), next island N of Clifton (Eller), without opposition, bringing to an end offensive against S Kwajalein Atoll. Southern Landing Force losses total 142 killed, 845 wounded, and 2 missing. Japanese losses are estimated at 4,938 killed and 206 captured. Northern Landing Force continues uneventful reconnaissance of islands of N Kwajalein Atoll.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Momote and Lorengau airfields are unserviceable as result of Fifth Air Force attacks.
CBI – Responsibility for Calcutta–Assam LOC is given to Calcutta representative of GHQ, India. Port is to be controlled by an outstanding man who will be assisted by 2 deputies, one of them an American. Port director will be a civilian responsible to War Transport Department of Indian Government.
11 Army Group: In 15 Corps area, Japanese overrun headquarters of Indian 7th Div and separate it from Indian 5th Div. The headquarters is re-established later in day at Sinzweya.
ITALY – ACMF: U.S. 88th Div arrives at Naples but is not committed to action until it has received combat training.
U.S. Fifth Army takes control of supply at beachhead and control of 540th Engr Combat Regiment to defend X-Ray and Nettuno beaches. About midnight 6-7, enemy begins diversionary attack on Moletta R in company strength and is engaged by 2nd Battalion, 157th Inf, of VI Corps. II Corps is in position for assault on last ridge (Hill 593, Monastery Hill, Castle Hill, and Cassino) barring access to Highway 6. NZ Corps takes over sector S of Highway 6, releasing elements of II Corps for action against Cassino.
USSR – Moscow announces major breakthrough by troops of Third Ukrainian Front in region NE of Krivoi Rog and Nikopol where Apostolovi, rail junction between the 2 places, is overrun. Enemy forces are trapped as the Dnieper is reached near Nikopol. On N front, E bank of the Narva N and S of Narva is free of enemy.
7 February
KWAJALEIN ATOLL – Northern Landing Force concludes uneventful search of islands of N Kwajalein, completing offensive against Kwajalein Atoll. During the action, 4th Mar Div has suffered 737 casualties, of whom 190 were killed or died of wounds. Japanese losses are 3,472 killed and 91 captured.
CBI – President Roosevelt replies to Chiang Kai-shek assuring him that the U.S. will study the exchange rate and U.S. military expenditures in China. Chinese advance $15,000,000,000 in Chinese national currency to CBI to cover U.S. expenditures for March, April, and May 1944 without specifying rate of exchange for repayment. Of this, $500,000,000 is allocated for Cheng to airfields for B-29’s.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, after strong air and arty action, enemy begins main counteroffensive against Anzio beachhead at 2100 and takes Buonriposo Ridge from British 1st Div by daybreak. British 10 Corps makes limited attack, night 7-8, toward M. Faito in effort to reach mountains behind Castelforte and open Liri Valley, but attack is a failure. In II Corps area, 36th Div takes over Castellone–Manna Farm area and corps prepares for second drive to cut Highway 6.
USSR – Troops of Third Ukrainian Front drive to outskirts of Nikopol.
8 February
CBI – Gen Stilwell’s mission to Washington reports that a major Japanese offensive is about to begin, according to estimate of situation by GHQ, India.
MEDITERRANEAN – Gen Wilson informs JCS that he must have more definite information regarding the size of ANVIL assault in order to plan campaign in Italy.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps’ British 1st Div commits reserves to counter enemy offensive, and hard fighting continues throughout day in Factory area. In British 10 Corps area, bridgehead across the Garigliano reaches its maximum depth, with 46th Div holding about 6 square miles NE of Castelforte. When 56th Div is withdrawn to reinforce Anzio beachhead, plan for drive up Ausonia Valley is abandoned and 10 Corps goes on the defensive. II Corps begins another strong effort to break through to Highway 6 in Cassino area. While 133rd Inf, 34th Div, continues to struggle in Cassino, 168th opens attack on Monastery Hill, its right flank protected by 135th. 168th Inf jumps off at 0400 with 2 battalions in assault but is pinned down short of Monastery Hill and suffers heavy casualties. 135th Inf repels counterattacks on right flank. 100th Battalion joins rest of 133rd inf in fight for Cassino and makes slow progress within and near Cassino. In NZ Corps area, British 78th Div is placed under control of corps.
USSR – Nikopol, important manganese center in the Ukraine, falls to forces of Third Ukrainian Front assisted by troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front. German bridgehead at Nikopol is reduced.
9 February
U.S. – President Roosevelt asks Chiang Kai-shek if an American observer mission might be permitted to go to N China.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy overruns strategically situated Factory and holds it against counterattacks supported by naval and air bombardment; continues attacks, night 9-10, forcing British back even farther. Relief of hard-pressed and badly depleted British 1st Div is begun during night 9-10 by 180th Inf. II Corps is still unable to break through to Highway 6 in Cassino area.
10 February
SWPA – CG, Sixth Army, terminates Operation DEXTERITY (W New Britain and Saidor, New Guinea). 5th Australian Div and TF MICHAELMAS make patrol contact about 4 miles SE of Saidor, completing Huon Peninsula campaign. On New Britain, patrols of 1st Mar Div and RCT 112 make contact.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps’ Indian 7th Div is isolated at Sinzweya as Japanese cut Ngakyedauk Pass and contact other forces to S. Indian 26th Div, released from Fourteenth Army reserve to assist in restoring communications, recaptures Taung Bazaar. Indian 7th Div and 16th LRP must be supplied by air from this time.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy captures Carroceto RR station despite efforts of British 1st Div with close support of air and arty to stem advance. Relief of British 1st Div continues, night 10-11, when 179th Inf replaces 168th Brig S of the Factory. II Corps prepares for another effort to break through at Cassino.
ETO – CCS announce that D Day for OVERLORD will be postponed about 3 weeks. All LSTs in the Mediterranean not vitally needed are to be returned to U.K.
11 February
ITALY – ACME: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 179th Inf of 45th Div, assisted by 191st Tank Battalion, attacks to recover the Factory. 1st Battalion reaches objective but is driven back. II Corps tries again to reach Highway 6. 36th Div, with 141st and 142nd Regiments in assault, suffers heavy casualties while attacking in vain toward Albaneta Farm. 168th Inf, 34th Div, attacks through violent rain and snow storm toward Monastery Hill but is also unsuccessful. Gen Alexander directs Indian 4th Div, NZ Corps, to attack as soon as possible to clear heights W of Cassino.
USSR – Shepetovka, rail center W of Kiev near prewar Polish border, falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.
12 February
PACIFIC – TF 58, less one attack group, sails for Truk from Majuro. Allied assault force begins voyage toward Green Is., Co B of 1st Marines, 1st Mar Div, moving by sea from Cape Gloucester, New Britain, lands on Rooke I., and begins uneventful search for enemy.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 15 Corps area, Indian 7th Div is ordered to hold its positions and contain enemy forces that Indian 26th Div and Indian 5th Div are moving against from N and S, respectively.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div, after another unsuccessful attempt to recover the Factory, goes on the defensive. In II Corps area, 36th Div breaks off offensive on N flank of corps; in bitter fighting repels very heavy enemy counterattack preceded by extremely heavy arty barrages. NZ Corps relieves II Corps of responsibility for Cassino sector.
USSR – Soviet forces pushing toward Luga overrun important rail junction of Batetskaya and get to suburbs of Luga.
ETO – CCS issue directive to Gen Eisenhower on his duties as Supreme Allied Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, which will invade the European continent to destroy German armed forces. Target date is set as May 1944.
13 February
SWPA – Gen MacArthur directs forces of South and Southwest Pacific Areas to take Manus I., Admiralty Is., and Kavieng, New Ireland, about 1 April in order to gain control of Bismarck Archipelago and isolate Rabaul.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, Indian 4th Div, NZ Corps, begins relieving 168th Inf, which is depleted in strength. 133rd Inf retains positions in Cassino. NZ Corps prepares to take over battle for Cassino. FEC is reinforced by combat team of Italian 1st Motorized Gp.
USSR – Soviet forces clear E shore of Lake Peipus.
ETO – CCS order a combined bomber offensive against Germany aimed at destruction of “military, industrial, and economic systems”; disruption of communication lines and reduction of airpower.
14 February
CBI – Adm Mountbatten warns British Chiefs of Staff of impending Japanese attack on 4 Corps after Arakan offensive is successfully concluded.
ETO – Gen Eisenhower, upon receiving CCS directive of 12 February, establishes headquarters, Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). COSSAC staff comes under control of SHAEF.
15 February
MARSHALL IS. – Eniwetok Expeditionary Group (TG 51.11 under Adm Hill) leaves Kwajalein for Eniwetok.
GREEN IS. – Amphibious force under command of Adm Wilkinson invades Green Is. The landing force (NZ 3rd Div, less 8th Brig Gp; supporting and construction units, including U.S. 976th AAA Gun Battalion), headed by Gen Barrowclough of NZ 3rd Div,
goes ashore on Nissan I., without opposition and starts search for Japanese. Construction is begun at once for advanced naval base. Enemy planes attempting to interfere with the operation are driven off by aircraft and AA fire.
CBI – GO 16, Hq USAF CBI, rescinding GO 13 of 30 January, removes Gen Stratemeyer from command of XX Bomber Command but gives him mission of controlling logistics and responsibility for administration of the XX BC in India; maintaining efficiency of transportation facilities between India and China; making recommendations, with approval of CG XX BC, to theater commander for missions in Southeast Asia–China area.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps is reorganizing and strengthening beachhead to meet threat of enemy counteroffensive. 36th Engrs now hold part of Moletta R line, replacing most of 157th Inf. Night 15-16, 56th Div, which is in process of moving to VI Corps zone from British 10 Corps sector, takes over left flank from positions of 36th Engrs almost to Albano road. To E, 45th Div holds front line. British 1st Div is withdrawn for rest and refitting. In II Corps area, relief of 168th Inf is completed by Indian 4th Div. NZ Corps begins offensive to clear heights W of Cassino and establish bridgehead across the Rapido S of Cassino, night 15-16, with preliminary attack by elements of Indian 4th Div for Hill 593. The attack fails. Earlier in day, alternating air and arty bombardment destroy Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino, which enemy has been using extensively as a base for offensive operations.
GERMANY – RAF BC makes powerful night attack on Berlin.
16 February
MARSHALL IS. – In preparation for invasion of Eniwetok, TG 58.4 attacks and photographs the atoll. Most buildings are destroyed, 1 of 2 coastal guns on NE corner is wrecked, and Engebi airfield is left temporarily unserviceable. 14 enemy planes are estimated destroyed on the ground.
NEW BRITAIN – Campaign for W New Britain ends successfully as Army and Marine patrols make contact at Itni R.
GREEN IS. – New Zealanders discover enemy force of about 70 on S part of Nissan I.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 66th Regiment of Ch 22nd Div, which in conjunction with 65th was to have enveloped enemy in Yawngbang area, takes wrong trail and clears village that is mistakenly believed to be Yawngbang.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, Germans sharply increase air effort in conjunction with all-out offensive against Anzio beachhead, flying some 170-odd sorties, the peak of their performance. Instead of attacking in support of NZ Corps at Cassino as planned, Allied aircraft are diverted to support of Anzio beachhead forces. Enemy attack starts at 0630, after half-hour of arty preparation, with thrusts at various points held by 56th, 45th, and 3rd Divs, main effort being against 45th on left flank. 3rd Div repels all attacks before Cisterna, but enemy makes limited gains in other sectors at great cost in tanks and personnel. Germans renew attack down Albano road before midnight.
17 February
CAROLINE IS. – TF 58, less the group supporting Eniwetok operation, begins powerful 2-day strikes against Truk in effort to test enemy’s strength.
ENIWETOK ATOLL – Adm Hill’s Eniwetok Expeditionary Group (TG 51.11) invades Eniwetok Atoll (Operation CATCHPOLE) after preliminary naval gunfire, air bombardment, and minesweeping operations. Troops of VAC Rcn Co make unopposed landings from lagoon side on Canna (Rujoru) and Camellia (Aitsu) Islands, SE of Engebi, at 1318. Quick search reveals no Japanese and arty is brought ashore and registered on Engebi, main objective in N part of atoll. In order to insure safety of arty units, VAC scouts then take several small islands in vicinity of Canna and Camellia without enemy interference. 4th Mar Div scouts, of Co D, 4th Tank Battalion, head for Zinnia (Bogon), W of Engebi, to block withdrawal from Engebi; in the darkness land by mistake on 2 islands below there but work back to Bogon without opposition. First day’s objectives are thus secured without any American casualties. In preparation for invasion of Engebi, naval gunfire supplemented by shore-based arty fire is placed on island and underwater demolition teams reconnoiter beaches.
GREEN IS. – As New Zealanders continue elimination of enemy garrison, PT boat base is opened.
ITALY – ACME: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy commits his full strength to counteroffensive. Pressing down Albano road, Germans drive deep wedge into center of 45th Div front, between 157th and 179th Regiments. Allied aerial, arty, and naval bombardment is helpful in preventing enemy breakthrough. Air effort is the heaviest yet undertaken in support of troops; about 1,100 tons of bombs are dropped. British 1st Div (-3rd Brig) is given task of holding sector of final beachhead line in Albano road area in order to relieve pressure on 45th Div. 45th is reinforced by 2nd Battalion of 6th Armd Inf. British 56th Div recovers ground lost to enemy in its sector. Gen Truscott, relieved of command of 3rd Div by Brig Gen John W. O’Daniel, becomes deputy commander of VI Corps. In NZ Corps area, elements of Indian 4th Div make night assault in Cassino area and
reach crest of Hill 593 but are driven off. Reinforcements move up and occupy heights between Pts 450 and 445. British 78th Div, having been delayed by deep snow, arrives in NZ Corps zone from British Eighth Army front. Planned air support is again shifted to Anzio.
USSR – Troops of Second Ukrainian Front complete reduction of enemy pockets W of Cherkassy. Germans suffer some 100,000 casualties in this battle.
18 February
ENIWETOK ATOLL – 22nd Marines, supported by elements of an Army cannon company, invades Engebi after preparatory bombardment. Enemy offers organized resistance only at S tip of island, which by 1450 is declared secure. Part of the assault force re-embarks for Parry. Scouting parties begin search for enemy on smaller islands between Engebi and S part of the atoll.
CAROLINE IS. – TF 58 completes attacks on Truk during which most airfields are left unserviceable and many aircraft are destroyed on the ground and in the air. Although most of the Japanese Fleet has withdrawn, merchant shipping suffers heavily, some 200,000 tons being destroyed in harbor. Support ships intercept and sink one CL and one DD trying to escape. As a result of this action, it is decided to bypass enemy on Truk.
BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO – Allied DD’s bombard Rabaul, New Britain, and Kavieng, New Ireland.
NEW GUINEA – Maj Gen William H. Gill, 32nd Div CG, arrives at Saidor and takes command. Elements of 126th Inf are pushing W in effort to destroy enemy forces bypassing Saidor.
BURMA – Gen Stilwell personally checks on location of missing 66th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, and finds it and 3rd Battalion of 65th near CP of 66th. When main trail from Yawngbang to Lakyen is found, Japanese have withdrawn and the opportunity of trapping them is lost.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy makes main effort against 45th Div. Although salient is broadened and deepened, no breakthrough can be made. Weather conditions prevent the tremendous air support of the previous day, but arty fire is still employed on large scale. 179th Inf falls back to final beachhead line, where it contains enemy. This is the deepest penetration to be achieved by enemy in Anzio beachhead. In NZ Corps area, Indian 4th Div continues limited attacks for Hill 593, taking part of it and holding against several counterattacks. Other elements of Indian 4th Div attack at 0200 toward Monastery Hill but gain little ground. Jumping off night 17-18, NZ 2nd Div’s 5th Brig takes Cassino station but loses it by midafternoon, 18th. Action in Cassino area subsides during late February and early March as both sides regroup.
USSR – Soviet forces overrun Staraya Russa.
19 February
ENIWETOK ATOLL – RCT 106, 27th Div, lands on lagoon shore of Eniwetok I., after naval and air bombardment. Two battalions go ashore abreast, 1st Battalion on right and 3rd on left. Pushing through outposts, assault forces reach ocean side of island. 1st Battalion then pivots to right to secure arty sites in S part of island. Strong enemy counterattack delays southward attack. 3rd Battalion, 22nd Marines, the reserve force, is committed to strengthen 1st Battalion in afternoon. 3rd Battalion, which was to have conducted holding action, is ordered to N end of island instead and at 1230 starts northward cautiously. Unexpectedly slow progress on Eniwetok forces postponement of attack on Parry I., scheduled for this date.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, predawn enemy attacks make slight penetration, but further efforts during morning to advance down Albano road are frustrated. TF under Maj Gen Ernest N. Harmon (6th Armd Inf less 2nd Battalion, 30th Inf, and supporting units) counterattacks strongly after heavy arty and air preparation and gains some 2,000 yards. 169th Brig, British 56th Div, which has just landed, cannot get ready in time to attack in conjunction with Harmon’s TF. British eliminate enemy pocket formed by enemy attack during morning. By this time enemy has committed his reserves in fruitless and costly effort to break through and tide of the battle has turned in favor of VI Corps.
20 February
ENIWETOK ATOLL – While 3rd Battalion of 106th Inf works slowly northward on Eniwetok I., 3rd Battalion of 22nd Marines, assisted by 1st Battalion, 106th Inf, overcomes resistance in S part of island. 1st Battalion (-), 106th Inf, conducts mopping up operations on S Eniwetok I. Preparations for assault on Parry, last of the 3 big islands of the atoll, continue. Arty on Eniwetok I., is registered on Parry and supplements other bombardment. 2nd Separate Pack Howitzer Battalion is emplaced on Japtan I., and joins in bombardment of Parry.
JALUIT ATOLL – Carrier planes of TF 58 pound targets on atoll.
GREEN IS. – Japanese garrison is completely destroyed by this time at cost of 10 New Zealanders and 3 Americans killed.
ROOKE I. – Co B, 1st Marines, withdraws after uneventful stay of 8 days.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s area, VI Corps decisively defeats enemy in center of salient.
This ends Axis efforts to achieve a breakthrough. Enemy is maintaining pressure against flanks of salient while preparing to renew offensive.
GERMANY – USSTAF begins a week of strong air attacks against aircraft factories (ARGUMENT), dispatching powerful force of over 1,000 bombers of Eighth Air Force against a number of plants, most of them in Brunswick–Leipzig area. Several factories are reported severely damaged.
21 February
ENIWETOK ATOLL – Capture of Eniwetok I., is completed, but mopping up continues. 3rd Battalion, 106th Inf, reaches N tip at 1630. 3rd Battalion, 22nd Marines, is withdrawn in preparation for invasion of Parry, which is still under large-scale preliminary bombardment. Plan for capture of Parry is completed and approved.
NEW BRITAIN – 5th Marines is working eastward along N coast from Natamo toward Iboki Plantation. 3rd Battalion, in overland and amphibious operation, seizes Karai-ai, Japanese supply point near Cape Raoult.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s NZ Corps area, Gen Freyberg issues plan for another assault on Cassino. In VI Corps area, relief of battle-worn 45th Div is begun: elements of British 56th Div advance under fire, during night 21-22, to replace 2nd Battalion, 157th Inf, which has been isolated W of Albano road. Enemy is maintaining pressure against shoulders of salient, especially against 180th Inf.
USSR – Soviet forces break into outskirts of Krivoi Rog.
22 February
MARIANAS – Enemy planes make costly and futile efforts to turn back carrier TF 58 (Adm Mitscher) as it is proceeding toward the Marianas.
ENIWETOK ATOLL – 1st Battalion, 106th Inf, takes responsibility for N part of Eniwetok I., as well as S part. 3rd Battalion is withdrawn as floating reserve for Parry I. operation. 22nd Marines starts landing on Parry at 0900 as a 3-day preliminary bombardment draws to a close. During the preparatory phase, Parry receives 9444 tons of naval shells, 245 tons of arty shells, and 99 tons of bombs. 22nd Marines lands on lagoon shore and meets lively resistance at once. After pushing across to ocean shore, 1st Battalion on left turns N and clears N part of island by 1330; 2nd Battalion, which is joined by 3rd Battalion, drives S and by 1930 overwhelms enemy in S part of island, whereupon Parry is declared secure.
SWPA – Japanese appear to be withdrawing aircraft from Southeast Area. U.S. Seventh Fleet DD’s operating near Rabaul and others bombarding Kavieng meet no air opposition.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Merrill receives oral orders for operation to trap Japanese.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd and British 1st Divs relieve elements of 45th Div on left flank of corps.
USSR – Soviet forces take Krivoi Rog, important industrial center in the Ukraine, by storm.
GERMANY – USSTAF employs Fifteenth Air Force as well as Eighth against German aircraft plants. From Italian bases, Fifteenth strikes at Regensburg while Eighth attacks plants at Bernburg, Aschersleben, and Halberstadt.
23 February
MARIANAS – Carrier planes of TF 58 attack enemy positions as planned, damaging shipping and destroying a number of aircraft on the ground and aloft.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Low-level aerial rcn evokes no Japanese reaction.
NEW BRITAIN – 80th Fighter Sq moves to Cape Gloucester.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, 65th and 66th Regiments, Ch 22nd Div, jointly occupy Yawngbang, but too late to block retreat of enemy.
11 Army Group: In 15 Corps area of British Fourteenth Army, Japanese, after determined but fruitless efforts to overrun Indian 7th Div at Sinzweya, begin to withdraw.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps is placed under command of Gen Truscott. Enemy, continuing limited actions, wipes out those elements of British 56th Div that have replaced 45th Div in region W of Albano road.
USSR – On northern front SW of Lake Ilmen, Soviet forces break into outskirts of Dno.
24 February
SWPA – Gen MacArthur orders Admiralties reconnoitered in force by ground forces not later than 29 February, since aerial rcn of 23rd was unopposed.
NEW GUINEA – U.S. patrols from Saidor reach Biliau at Cape Iris.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit (Marauders), starts from Ningbyen on expedition to harass Japanese in Hukawng Valley, with ultimate goal of capturing Myitkyina airfield in conjunction with Chinese forces.
11 Army Group: Elements of Indian 7th Div, 15 Corps, British Fourteenth Army, pushing over Ngakyedauk Pass, make contact with elements of Indian 5th Div.
USSR – Troops of Second Baltic Front, assisted by troops of Leningrad Front, overrun Dno. In a
new offensive begun a few days ago by First White Russian Front forces, enemy bridgehead on left bank of the Dnieper S of Vitebsk is reduced and Rogachev, N of Zhlobin, is overrun.
GERMANY-AUSTRIA – Continuing offensive against aircraft industry, U.S. Eighth Air Force planes strike hard at Schweinfurt, which RAF BC further damages in night attack, and Gotha. Fifteenth Air Force attacks plants at Steyr for second successive day. Both forces are strongly opposed and engage in intense air battles.
25 February
NEW BRITAIN – 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, lands at Iboki Plantation without opposition.
CBI – U.S. 5307th Prov Unit, NCAC, makes contact with enemy patrols.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 15 Corps area, 81st W African Div takes Kyauktaw in Kaladan valley.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 18th Brig of British 1st Div arrives to bolster that badly depleted div. British 56th Div is also greatly understrength.
USSR – First echelon of U.S. personnel for FRANTIC Mission enters USSR via PGC.
GERMANY – U.S. Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces, concluding series of all-out attacks on German aircraft industry, closely coordinate their efforts against plants at Regensburg. Eighth Air Force also strikes at Augsburg (target for night attack by RAF BC), Stuttgart, and Fuerth. German Air Force opposition is directed particularly against Fifteenth Air Force, which loses nearly one fifth of its attacking force.
U.K. – Prime Minister Churchill assures President Roosevelt that the upper Burma campaign will not be curtailed for the sake of CULVERIN or any other amphibious operation. The subject of a new SEAC directive is under consideration by Allied planners.
26 February
SWPA – Alternate plans for Operation BREWER (invasion of the Admiralties) are approved. TF BREWER, based on 1st Cav Div under Maj Gen Innis P. Swift, the div CG, is constituted as the occupation force. Elements are to reconnoiter Momote airdrome area in force on 29 February, and if possible remain there. If beachhead is established, rest of the TF will reinforce it. Preinvasion softening by Fifth Air Force is curtailed by unfavorable weather conditions.
U.S. – CCS agree to suspend decision on ANVIL until situation is reviewed on 20 March and give Italian campaign “overriding priority over all existing and future operations in the Mediterranean.”
USSR – Moscow reports Dno–Novosokolniki rail line clear of enemy. Soviet forces E of Pskov take Porkhov.
27 February
ADMIRALTY IS. – As reconnaissance force of TF BREWER begins loading on ships of Rear Adm William M. Fechteler’s attack group at Oro Bay, PBY lands small ALAMO scouting party on SE coast of Los Negros, where Japanese bivouac area is discovered. Preinvasion air attacks are delivered against Momote and Lorengau and on New Guinea at Wewak and Hansa Bay.
USSR – Moscow announces repulse of German counterattacks against positions on W bank of Styr R in prewar Poland.
28 February
SWPA – BREWER Rcn Force (Brig Gen William C. Chase, 1st Cav Brig CG) sails for Los Negros, Admiralty Is. The scouting party there is withdrawn. Allied planes continue preinvasion attacks against the Admiralties and New Guinea targets.
ALGERIA – At AFHQ, Gen Clark is relieved of responsibility for ANVIL. Davidson continues to head ANVIL planning group (Force 163) pending assignment of new army commander.
ITALY – ACME: Allied commanders meeting at Caserta plan for drive on Rome.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, Germans open another offensive to reduce Anzio beachhead, making preliminary thrust against British 1st and 56th Divs in region W of Albano road in morning; screen preparations for assault on 3rd Div on right flank of corps with smoke in afternoon; begin arty preparation for next phase of assault after nightfall. In II Corps area, 36th Div is relieved on M. Castellone by elements of 88th Div and FEC. By this time only one U.S. battalion is in line on southern front.
29 February
SWPA – GHQ issues outline plan for assault on Hollandia, New Guinea.
ADMIRALTY IS. – After preparatory naval and air bombardment, latter being sharply curtailed by heavy overcast, BREWER Rcn Force (2nd Sq of 5th Cav, 1st Cav Div, reinforced) begins landing on E coast of Los Negros I., at 0817. Momote airfield is occupied against negligible resistance by 0950. Since strength of the BREWER force is inadequate to defend the airfield, beachhead perimeter is withdrawn for night to base of Jamandilai Peninsula. Gen MacArthur and Adm Kinkaid inspect beachhead;
MacArthur orders it held at all costs. Expected counterattack develops after nightfall but is un-coordinated and fails to achieve much although enemy is superior in strength. Intermittent air and naval bombardment of Lorengau airfield on Manus and Seeadler Harbor is begun.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps, after prolonged fighting, completes reopening Ngakyedauk Pass.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, Germans, after exchange of arty fire, begin main offensive against right flank of VI Corps in effort to force 3rd Div back to Mussolini Canal but make little headway. 2nd Battalion, 30th Inf, counterattacks at 1930 and recovers some of the lost ground.
1 March
ADMIRALTY IS. – On Los Negros, BREWER Rcn Force clears out infiltrators and organizes defenses while awaiting reinforcements. Japanese counterattack in evening but are unable to breach perimeter; continue infiltration attempts throughout night. Gen Krueger orders Gen Swift to seize the entire Admiralties group and begin development of air and naval bases.
BURMA – 88th Regiment of Ch 30th Div, NCAC, leaves Ledo for Shingbwiyang.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy continues offensive against Anzio beachhead on a reduced scale. Main effort, in Ponte Rotto area, is contained by 3rd Div.
2 March
LOS NEGROS – BREWER Support Force (Col Hugh T. Hoffman), consisting of 1st Sq, 5th Cav, reinforced, lands; after preparatory air bombardment, joins with 2nd Sq in attack that gains Momote airdrome with ease.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit assembles across the Tanai. Advance elements of 16th LRP, British Special Force, pushing southward from Ledo, cross the Chindwin on rafts and dinghies dropped from air near Singkaling Hkamti.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 81st W African Div, 15 Corps, captures Apaukwa but later retires to positions NW of Kyauktaw under strong enemy counterattack.
MEDITERRANEAN – Lt Gen Alexander M. Patch is designated by AFHQ as commander of U.S. Seventh Army, which is to conduct ANVIL.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 509th Para Inf Battalion withdraws to reserve upon relief by 30th Inf, 3rd Div. British troops repel limited enemy attacks on W flank of corps. 9th and 40th Royal Mar Commandos arrive and are assigned to British 56th Div. MAAF support of Anzio beachhead forces is the heaviest to date. 351 heavy bomber sorties are flown in addition to many by medium, light, and fighter bombers.
3 March
SWPA – Preliminary planning for invasion of Hollandia, New Guinea, is continued at meeting in Brisbane by S and SW Pacific Area representatives. Since Hollandia is not within range of land-based aircraft, carrier support must be obtained. Japanese have air bases within 125 miles of Hollandia in Wakde I.-Sarmi area of Dutch New Guinea.
LOS NEGROS – U.S. cavalrymen prepare to meet night counterattack, having learned of enemy’s intentions of making strong effort to destroy the beachhead. Enemy attacks as expected, making no attempt to conceal his movements, but all efforts to break through are frustrated and casualties suffered are so severe that no further action on this scale is attempted.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit moves forward to block road on either side of Walawbum, 3rd Battalion clearing Lagang Ga, where drop field is established. Japanese begin moving back to Walawbum, believing Americans to be there. 1st Prov Tank Gp (Chinese-American), supported by battalion of Ch 65th Regiment, 22nd Div, reaches Ngam Ga, 5,000 yards NW of Maingkwan; repels enemy attacks during night. 64th Regiment is near Ngam Ga in region E of Kamaing road. 66th, on W, is in contact with 65th as it emerges from Taro Plain.
ITALY – ACMF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div withstands limited attack in Ponte Rotto sector; later in day counterattacks, regaining some ground. Enemy’s final major assault against Anzio bridgehead thus ends.
4 March
GREEN IS. – Fighter field is completed and a bomber field will be late in the month.
LOS NEGROS – 2nd Sq, 7th Cav, and 82nd FA Battalion arrive to reinforced beachhead. 2nd Sq, 7th Cav, replaces 2nd Sq, 5th Cav, in line.
CBI – At request of Gen Marshall, Gen Stilwell meets Adm Mountbatten in effort to improve relations with him and iron out major differences of opinion. The meeting is amiable and current problems are settled.
In NCAC area of Burma, 2nd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit, blocks Kamaing road N of Walawbum while 3rd Battalion, less elements at Lagang Ga, opens fire on Walawbum from heights E of the town. Japanese make unsuccessful attempt to cross river and outflank
Americans; open strong attacks against 2nd Battalion. 3rd Battalion holding force at Lagang Ga withstands organized enemy attack. 1st Prov Tank Gp, finding that Japanese have withdrawn, advances about 3 miles SE from Ngam Ga to Tsamat Ga, near Maingkwan.
ITALY – ACMF: Enemy forces facing VI Corps of U.S. Fifth Army are ordered to hold present positions and organize them for defense. Lull ensues.
GERMANY – Eighth Air Force delivers the first U.S. bomber attack on Berlin.
5 March
SWPA – Gen MacArthur, hoping to isolate Japanese forces in New Guinea and prevent buildup of enemy air strength in W New Guinea, proposes to JCS that Hansa Bay operation be canceled in favor of invasion of Hollandia during April; recommends that operations against Kavieng, New Ireland, be undertaken as planned on 1 April.
NEW GUINEA – 126th Inf (-2nd Battalion), 32nd Div, and supporting units land without opposition at Yalau Plantation, about 30 miles W of Saidor. Australian forces have broken out of Ramu Valley. Enemy is retreating toward Madang.
LOS NEGROS – Gen Swift arrives and takes command of TF BREWER. 2nd Sq of 7th Cav begins attack N across skidway upon relief in line by 2nd Sq of 5th Cav.
CBI – In NCAC area, 66th Regiment of Ch 22nd Div outflanks and captures Maingkwan. 2nd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit, maintains roadblock N of Walawbum under enemy attack until ordered to replenish supplies at Wesu Ga and then joins 3rd Battalion below Walawbum. 3rd Battalion continues blocking mission, but I & R Platoon is forced back across river. GALAHAD makes contact with 1st Prov Tank Gp moving southward about midnight and arranges to guide it to GALAHAD lines. Adm Mountbatten asks Gen Giffard, CG 11 Army Group, for details of reinforcement program for central front, where enemy is expected to begin offensive operations.
In British Fourteenth Army area, Gen Wingate’s Special Force of long-range penetration brigs (largely from British 70th Div but called Indian 3rd Div and popularly known as Chindits) begin dropping from air on Japanese lines of communications in central Burma. U.S. engineer personnel drop first, followed by 77th and 111th Brigs. No. 1 Air Commando, USAAF, under Col Cochran, Chindits’ own air force, flies Chindits in and drops them on airstrip called BROADWAY, about 50 miles NE of Indaw. Another projected dropping site, PICCADILLY, some 20 miles S of BROADWAY, cannot be used since enemy has blocked it. 15 Corps begins offensive toward Maungdaw–Buthidaung road and Naaf R mouth.
USSR – Red Army opens drive in the Ukraine to destroy enemy in Dnieper bend.
6 March
BOUGAINVILLE – XIV Corps patrols discover large numbers of Japanese near Hill 700, highest ground of Empress Augusta Bay beachhead, indicating an imminent counterattack. By this time perimeter is well organized, but enemy retains control of some hills commanding it.
NEW BRITAIN – In shore-to-shore operation, Combat Team A (reinforced 5th Marines, 1st Mar Div) lands about midway up W coast of Willaumez Peninsula, in vicinity of Volupai, for drive on Talasea, though scheduled air preparation is withheld because of unfavorable weather conditions. Swampy terrain and elaborate enemy defenses make progress difficult, but beachhead is expanded to depth of about 2,000 yards.
LOS NEGROS – 12th Cav arrives to reinforce beachhead and joins in action at once against retreating enemy. Bridgehead is expanded to include Salami and Porlaka.
BURMA – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek orders Gen Stilwell to halt Chinese offensive temporarily because of Japanese offensive on Arakan front. 3rd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit, repels determined attack across river and kills some 400 Japanese. Arrival of 1st Prov Tank Gp and junction between forward elements of Ch 38th Div and GALAHAD forces at Kasan Ga ends Japanese hopes of victory. Commanders of 1st Prov Tank Gp and GALAHAD arrange for coordinated assault on Walawbum on 7th. Japanese abandon Walawbum area.
7 March
LOS NEGROS – Elements of 5th Cav take Papitalai. 12th Cav is securing E shore of Seeadler Harbor; 2nd Sq crosses to Papitalai Mission and secures beachhead. B-25 makes successful forced landing on Momote airfield.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Merrill decides to withdraw GALAHAD force S to block Kamaing Road since Ch troops are now in Walawbum area. 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, its rear and right flank protected by 112th, closes in Walawbum area and reestablishes roadblock vacated by GALAHAD. Co of 1st Prov Tank Gp, after unsuccessfully attempting to persuade 113th Regiment to join in frontal attack on Walawbum, finds 64th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, agreeable to suggestion that they move S together and block Kamaing Road near Walawbum. Two blocks are established – one and two miles W of the Nambyu Stream. Tank forces intercept enemy forces on the march and disperse them.
8 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese arty opens up against beachhead perimeter and Piva strips, destroying 1 B-24 and 3 fighters and damaging 19 aircraft on the ground. Allied bombers, except for small local support force, withdraw to New Georgia. Corps arty counters enemy fire and is augmented by naval gunfire and air attacks. Japanese troops, about 2 cos strong, begin attack on Hill 700, in 37th Div zone, night 8-9.
SWPA – 41st Div begins move from Australia to Cape Cretin, New Guinea, where it is to stage for Hollandia.
LOS NEGROS – 2nd Sq, 7th Cav, secures Lombrum Plantation. This virtually completes capture of Los Negros. Supply vessels enter Seeadler Harbor without drawing enemy fire.
NEW BRITAIN – 5th Marines continues toward Talasea almost unopposed, and scouts find this objective free of enemy.
CBI – In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell orders coordinated assault on encircled enemy in Walawbum area, but communication difficulties prevent the various units from complying. On W, Ch 22nd Div is fighting near Kumnyen Ford. 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, is at Wesu Ga. 1st Prov Tank Gp, after constructing ford across Nambyu Stream, enters Walawbum, but lacking infantry support pulls back to Nambyu Stream for night. Communications between Gen Stilwell and GALAHAD are restored late in evening and Merrill is ordered to halt.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Japanese launch strong drive on Imphal, in 4 Corps sector, a week before it is anticipated by SEAC, thrusting northward toward Tiddim and Tamu.
9 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Continuing attacks on Hill 700, Japanese drive small salient into line of 145th Inf, 37th Div, on saddle. Efforts to regain the saddle fail. Enemy arty fire shifts to Torokina strip.
LOS NEGROS – 2nd Cav Brig, reinforced, lands at Salami Plantation. First echelon of Allied fighter garrison arrives at Momote airfield.
NEW BRITAIN – Marines secure Talasea airdrome without opposition. Rcn of Garua I., off Talasea, is negative.
BURMA – In NCAC area, elements of Ch 22nd and 38th Divs and of 1st Prov Tank Gp enter Walawbum after Japanese have made good their escape. Fall of Walawbum gives Chinese virtual control of Hukawng Valley.
USSR – Soviet forces break into Tarnopol, where prolonged street fighting ensues.
10 March
U.S. – JCS agree on timetable for operations in the Pacific: invasion of Hollandia on 15 April, Marianas on 15 June, Palaus on 15 September, Mindanao on 15 November 1944; Formosa on 15 February 1945
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese battalion begins assault on Hill 260, in Americal Div sector, seizing South Knob from 182nd Inf and holding it against counterattack. In coordinated counterattack, 145th Inf, 37th Div, narrows enemy salient on saddle of Hill 700 but cannot eliminate it.
ADMIRALTY IS. – On Los Negros additional service elements and aircraft arrive. Allied planes begin series of preinvasion attacks on Manus I.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, the first Japanese reaction to landing of Chindits in central Burma is an air attack on one airfield – Chowringhee.
ITALY – Hq, Allied Central Mediterranean Force is renamed Hq, Allied Armies in Italy (AAI).
USSR – Soviet forces on the offensive SW of Smela capture Uman, German air base.
WESTERN EUROPE – U.S. Ninth Air Force, which has thus far assisted Strategic Air Force, is authorized to concentrate now on preinvasion operations.
11 March
BOUGAINVILLE – As indecisive fighting for Hills 100 and 260 continues, a third Japanese force (2 battalions) begins main attack toward Piva airfields, achieving 2 minor penetrations in line of 129th Inf in center of 37th Div sector. In 145th Inf sector, envelopment attack by elements of 148th Inf gains some ground on saddle of Hill 700. 182nd Inf, Americal Div, is unable to regain South Knob of Hill 260.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Preliminary operations are begun in preparation for invasion of Manus I. Patrols find Bear Pt, on Manus proper, free of enemy but unsuitable for arty; seize Butjo Luo, N of Manus, where arty is to be emplaced; upon landing on Hauwei I., also N of Manus, are ambushed by enemy and withdraw with difficulty.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, airdrop of Chindits (77th and 111th Brigs) in central Burma is completed. Buthidaung falls to Indian 7th Div, 15 Corps.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps issues preliminary plans for resuming offensive in Albano road sector. Relief of British 56th Div by British 5th Div of British 10 Corps is completed.
USSR – Red Army troops pushing down Dnieper R overrun Berislav.
12 March
U.S. – JCS issue directive to Gen MacArthur and Adm Nimitz calling for dual advance to Luzon–Formosa area by February 1945. Emirau, St. Matthias Is., is to be invaded instead of Kavieng, New Ireland; Hollandia, New Guinea, instead of Hansa Bay. Rabaul and Kavieng are to be isolated with minimum forces.
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese are unable to exploit penetration toward Piva airfields and yield some ground to 129th Inf counterattack. Continuing attack on saddle of Hill 700, 148th Inf restores line of 145th Inf. Counterattack by 182nd Inf on Hill 260 gains ground on South Knob but this cannot be held.
ADMIRALTY IS. – After preparatory bombardment, 2nd Sq of 7th Cav lands on Hauwei and establishes small beachhead against strong resistance.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Prov Unit opens second drive to encircle Japanese 18th Div. After putting 2 roadblocks behind enemy, Americans are to be relieved by Ch 38th Div. 1st Battalion, 5307th, is to cut Kamaing Road S of pass through Jambu Bum ridge line, at junction of Hukawng and Mogaung Valleys; 2nd and 3rd Battalions are to make wide circling movement to E and cut road several miles S of first block.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Indian 5th Div of 15 Corps clears enemy from Razabil area.
13 March
U.S. – Main body of U.S. Third Army hq sails from N.Y. for England.
BOUGAINVILLE – 129th Inf of 37th Div, in coordinated tank-infantry counterattack, regains all ground lost to enemy in its sector. Japanese withdraw from Hill 100 area. 1st Battalion of 132nd Inf, Americal Div, tries in vain to recover South Knob of Hill 260.
ADMIRALTY IS. – 2nd Sq of 7th Cav, with tank assistance, completes clearing Hauwei I. Arty is brought ashore to assist operations against Manus.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 1st Battalion of U.S. 5307th Unit reaches Makuy Bum.
Adm Mountbatten orders diversion of 30 aircraft from Hump to fly in Indian 5th Div to central front in 11 Army Group’s British Fourteenth Army area, where enemy is gaining ground. Japanese aircraft attack Chindits’ BROADWAY airstrip.
USSR – Troops of Third Ukrainian Front plunge across lower Dnieper; take Kherson.
14 March
POA – Adm Nimitz proposes to make carrier strikes against Wakde–Sarmi and Hollandia before D Day in support of Hollandia operation; promises air support for landings and, for limited period thereafter, for operations ashore. Adm Wilkinson is directed to seize Emirau, St Matthias Is.
BOUGAINVILLE – 129th Inf, 37th Div, improves positions during lull. Americans decide to suspend attacks on Hill 260 and to harass enemy there instead.
CBI – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Indian 17th Div of 4 Corps, having been authorized to withdraw when threatened with isolation, begins withdrawal but finds route to Imphal cut by Japanese.
15 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese renew attack toward Piva airfields, making slight penetration in 129th Inf line, but tank-infantry counterattack restores situation. To strengthen main attack on 129th Inf, Japanese decide to withdraw all but a screening force from Hill 260. Attack is temporarily suspended.
ADMIRALTY IS. – After preliminary arty, naval, and aerial bombardment, 8th Cav of 2nd Brig, 1st Cav Div, lands on N coast of Manus I., in vicinity of Lugos Mission. 1st Sq overruns Lugos Mission and starts E along coastal road (No. 3) toward Lorengau airdrome. 2nd Sq advances due S to Road No. 1, an inland route to Lorengau airdrome. 7th Cav follows 8th ashore and is committed to defense of beachhead. On Los Negros, elements of 5th Cav are driving W in S part of island toward Hill 260.
CBI – In NCAC area, Ch 22nd Div, with 64th and 66th Regiments in assault, and 1st Prov Tank Gp are now about 3 miles N of Jambu Bum ridge line.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Japanese 15th and 31st Divs cross the Chindwin in strength at several widely separated points N of Tamu.
ITALY – AAI: Allied planes, in greatest air effort yet made in MTO, level Cassino with 1,200 tons of bombs. At noon, heavy arty barrage opens, and under its cover NZ Corps begins third battle of Cassino. NZ 2nd Div begins clearing Cassino, where preparatory bombardment has reduced opposition in N and E part of town, but enemy is clinging stubbornly to rubble in S and W part. Indian 4th Div attacks toward Monastery Hill, making slow progress. 85th Div is arriving to reinforce U.S. Fifth Army.
USSR – Red Army forces break through enemy defenses on right bank of Bug R on wide front.
16 March
ADMIRALTY IS. – On Manus, 8th Cav, with tank support, continues twin drives on Lorengau airdrome. On Road No. 3, 1st Sq pushes about half
way across the airstrip against tenacious resistance and is then relieved by 1st Sq of 7th Cav. 2nd Sq drives NE along Road No. 1 toward the airfield. Softening fire is placed on enemy positions, night 16-17. On Los Negros, elements of 1st Sq, 12th Cav, make unopposed landing at Chaporowan Pt. 5th Cav forces continue to extend perimeter westward.
NEW BRITAIN – Marines clash with enemy for last time upon entering Kilu, on E coast of Willaumez Peninsula N of Numundo Plantation.
NEW GUINEA – Fifth Air Force, continuing interdiction of waterborne movements to and from Wewak, damages merchant vessel of supply convoy approaching Wewak. Wewak is left virtually undefended as Japanese withdraw fighters to Hollandia to cover the supply convoy.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten confirms verbal order of 13th for diverting Hump aircraft. Gen Stilwell asks Gen Marshall to urge Chinese to cross the Salween in order to relieve pressure on NCAC and British Fourteenth Army fronts. In Mawlu area of central Burma, 77th Brig, Special Force, successfully engages enemy; blocks communication lines leading to N Burma; establishes airstrip.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ Corps continues stiff battle for Cassino and Monastery Hill, making limited progress.
17 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Renewing attack on 129th Inf, 37th Div, Japanese make small penetration, which is soon eliminated in tank-infantry counterattack. Positions remain static for the next few days while Japanese are assembling their forces from Hills 700 and 260 in preparation for a stronger effort against 129th Inf.
ADMIRALTY IS. – On Manus, 2nd Cav Brig, in coordinated attack by elements of 7th and 8th Cav, overruns Lorengau airdrome, principal objective on Manus. Extensive preliminary and supporting arty fire assists materially in breaking enemy resistance at the airdrome. Lorengau airdrome is found to be inadequate as a base and another site is later found at Mokerang Plantation. On Los Negros, 1st Sq of 5th Cav seizes Hill 260, where 40-50 Japanese dead are counted.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten asks President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill to ask Chiang Kai-shek for another Chinese div for Burma. In N Burma, elements of Ch 22nd Div and some tanks of 1st Prov Tank Gp reach crest of Jambu Bum.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, New Zealand troops of NZ Corps seize RR station in Cassino, where enemy continues to resist tenaciously.
USSR-POLAND – Forces of First Ukrainian Front make progress SW of Rowno, overrunning Dubno, a road and rail junction.
FINLAND – Formally rejects Soviet peace terms.
18 March
SWPA – GHQ and CINCPAC-CINCPOA issue operation plans for invasion of Hollandia. Amphibious force (Commodore Lawrence F. Reifsnider), with Emirau landing force embarked, sails from Guadalcanal for target.
ADMIRALTY IS. – On Manus, 2nd Sq of 8th Cav, attacking across Lorengau R, takes Lorengau village with unexpected ease. Enemy must still be cleared from Road 2, which runs S to Rossum via Old Rossum. On Los Negros, 2nd Sq of 12th Cav meets sharp resistance while reconnoitering NW of Hill 260 from Papitalai Mission perimeter. Some RAAF fighters are by now based on Momote and others arrive later in month.
NEW GUINEA – Japanese supply convoy reaches Wewak, missing naval bombardment of this objective by Seventh Fleet DD’s, night 18-19.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten receives permission from Washington to keep the aircraft diverted from the Hump for one month. Gen Stilwell orders U.S. 5307th Unit to block approaches to the Tanai Valley from the S.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ Corps fights bitterly for limited gains within and near Cassino.
USSR – Red Army units pushing toward Bessarabia reach border with capture of Yampol, on E bank of the Dniester. Forces of First Ukrainian Front, after hard fighting, take Zhmerinka.
GERMANY – In heaviest attack of the war to date, RAF bombers drop over 3,000 tons of bombs on Frankfurt, night 18-19.
19 March
MANUS I. – 8th Cav is given task of clearing E end of Manus; 7th is to eliminate main enemy positions on the island along Rossum road.
NEW GUINEA – Fifth Air Force planes destroy the Japanese Wewak convoy as it is moving toward Hollandia.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Fort Hertz detachment seizes Sumprabum. 2nd and 3rd Battalions, U.S. 5307th Unit, less ORANGE Combat Team of 3rd Battalion, are ordered to block Kamaing Road near Inkangahtawng while ORANGE CT patrols from Janpan area.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Indian 5th Div begins movement by rail and air from Arakan sector to central front to assist in repelling enemy there.
ITALY – MATAF issues directive for Operation STRANGLE, to interdict movement of enemy supplies in Italy, calling for destruction of marshaling yards and attacks on rail lines and ports. Communication lines have been targets for bombers since early in the year.
AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ Corps is almost halted by determined opposition in Cassino area; during night 19-20, regroups.
USSR – Troops of Second Ukrainian Front reach the Dniester on broad front and cross to W bank. To NW, enemy stronghold of Mogilev–Podolski falls to Soviet forces storming it from NE and SE. In region S of Dubno, Germans yield Kremenets to advancing Red Army.
20 March
ST MATTHIAS IS. – Landing force consisting of 4th Marines under command of Brig Gen Alfred H. Noble, USMC, lands without preparatory bombardment on Emirau I., which is undefended. Seizure of Emirau for use as a light naval and air base concludes series of CARTWHEEL offensives against Rabaul.
NEW IRELAND – In general support of landing on Emirau, U.S. warships bombard Kavieng.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ Corps continues Cassino battle until 23rd without making appreciable headway.
BURMA – In NCAC area, leading tanks of 1st Prov Tank Gp reach Hkawnglaw Stream, some 4 miles S of Jambu Bum, but fall back when infantry fails to follow. 112th Regiment, reinforced, Ch 38th Div, is ordered to envelop Japanese below Kamaing.
USSR – Highway and rail junction of Vinnitsa falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.
HUNGARY – Germans occupy Hungary.
21 March
LOS NEGROS – 5th and 12th Cav begin concerted effort to clear rest of island. While 1st Sq, 5th Cav, and 2nd Sq, 12th Cav, attempt to effect junction by drives from Hill 160 and Papitalai Mission, respectively, 12th Cav forces at Lombrum and Chaporowan push inland to cut off westward retreat of enemy.
NEW GUINEA – Patrols of U.S. 32nd Div and Australian 7th Div establish contact about 8 miles from Yalau Plantation.
BURMA – After brief halt at Janpan in NCAC area, 2nd Battalion and elements of 3rd, U.S. 5307th Unit, resume southward advance on Inkangahtawng. Elements of 64th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, cut Kamaing Road, night 21-22.
MEDITERRANEAN – Gen Wilson, having reviewed the situation as directed on 26 February, recommends that ANVIL be canceled in favor of strong campaign in Italy.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. 34th Div begins to disembark at Anzio.
22 March
CBI – In NCAC area, 1st Battalion of 5307th Unit finds Japanese blocking trails, so is forced to cut another.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, additional elements of Wingate’s Special Force are being flown to central Burma. Japanese offensive into India in 4 Corps sector has reached serious proportions.
U.K. – British Chiefs of Staff recommend that plans for ANVIL be dropped. This would insure a greater effort in Italy. Americans disagree, holding out firmly for ANVIL despite problems of acquiring sufficient shipping for it.
USSR – Pervomaisk falls to Soviet forces.
23 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese begin general assault against 129th Inf, 37th Div, after dark. Counterpreparation by U.S. arty makes attack largely ineffective, but enemy achieves small penetration.
SWPA – ALAMO Force FO 12 gives Gen Eichelberger’s I Corps responsibility for ground operations at Hollandia. The corps is designated TF RECKLESS and is to include 24th and 41st Divs, latter less one RCT. TF PERSECUTION is organized under Brig Gen Jens A. Doe, ADC first Div, to establish air base at Aitape.
ST MATTHIAS IS. – U.S. DD’s bombard Eloaue, small island off SW coast of Mussau, where patrol from Emirau has discovered that Japanese are operating small seaplane base.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. forces of 5307th Unit arrive in position to block Kamaing Road in Inkangahtawng, although 1st Battalion is still far behind. Patrols find enemy entrenched at Inkangahtawng. Flanking forces of 64th Inf, Ch 22nd Div, join 66th Inf.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, NZ Corps breaks off attack on Cassino. Germans have been forced into narrow zone in W edge of the town but still hold positions commanding Cassino, including the Monastery.
USSR – Troops of First Ukrainian Front achieve breakthrough E of Tarnopol and almost complete circle around Tarnopol.
24 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese try in vain to gain further ground and are decisively defeated during
counterattack. This is the last enemy offensive in the Solomons, although skirmishes continue sporadically during April and May. Beachhead perimeter is subsequently expanded slightly.
LOS NEGROS – 1st Sq, 5th Cav, and 2nd Sq, 12th, begin coordinated westward attack abreast from Hill 260 after brief arty preparation; assisted by concentrated fire on enemy positions, succeed in gaining objective heights. This is the last big action on Los Negros, although considerable time is required to mop up isolated parties.
CBI – In NCAC area, U.S. 5307th Unit attempts to envelop Inkangahtawng but finds it too strongly held. Japanese strongly oppose efforts to block Kamaing Road in this region. Learning that enemy force is moving to outflank them, 2nd Battalion troops withdraw to Manpin area. 3rd Battalion then pulls back to Ngahgahtawng to bivouac.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Maj Gen O. C. Wingate, commander of Special Force (Indian 3rd Div), is killed in plane crash while flying from Imphal to Lalaghat. Brig W. D. A. Lentaigne succeeds him as commander of Chindits. To avert enemy threat on central front, preparations are being made to bring in 33 Corps and commit it in Dimapur–Kohima area, to N of 4 Corps. British 2nd Div starts to this region.
MTO-ETO – It is decided not to mount ANVIL and OVERLORD simultaneously as planned. ANVIL target date is tentatively set at 10 July and is later postponed to 15 August.
25 March
U.S. – JCS approve the liquidation of South Pacific (SOPAC) forces and transfer of units to SWPA and POA. XIV Corps hq and corps troops and 25th, 37th, 40th, 43rd, 93rd, and Americal Divs are transferred to SWPA. I Marine Amphibious Corps and corps troops and 1st and 3rd Mar Divs are given to POA. SWPA receives Thirteenth Air Force as well as Navy and Marine air units and reinforcements for its Seventh Fleet.
MANUS IS. – Organized fighting ends as 2nd Cav Brig completes clearing No. 2 Road to Rossum. Air strikes, arty, bazookas, flame throwers, and tanks are employed during the battle. Small enemy groups remain to be located and eliminated.
NEW GUINEA – Japanese withdraw their air headquarters from Wewak to Hollandia.
USSR – Proskurov falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front.
26 March
NEW BRITAIN – Allied PT base is established at Talasea.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese moving N from Kamaing are harassed by aircraft. 2nd and elements of 3rd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Unit, start from Manpin toward Nhpum Ga to block enemy force moving N. I and R Platoon delays Japanese at points between Manpin and Nhpum Ga. 65th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, having moved forward from reserve positions and been reinforced by elements of 66th and 64th Regiments, continues drive on Shaduzup.
ITALY – AAI: Extensive regrouping is in progress and inter-army boundary is redefined. U.S. Fifth Army retains control of British 10 Corps. British Eighth Army takes over sectors of FEC and NZ Corps. NZ Corps is disbanded and its components pass to command of 13 Corps, which then consists of 2nd NZ, Indian 4th, 3rd Algerian, British 78th, and British 4th Divs. Pol 2 Corps takes responsibility for sector of 2nd Moroccan Div. 5 Corps assumes charge of area from Palena to Adriatic coast.
USSR – Forces of Second Ukrainian Front reach Prut R on 53-mile front. Enemy troops in Kamenets–Podolsk and Tarnopol are enveloped.
ETO – Gen Eisenhower approves plan to isolate invasion area by air attacks on transportation system, particularly rail centers and facilities.
27 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Japanese begin withdrawal from Empress Augusta Bay area.
SWPA – FO 1 of TF RECKLESS specifies Humboldt Bay landing areas for Hollandia operation.
CBI – In NCAC area, main body of 2nd and 3rd Battalions, U.S. 5307th Unit, arrive at Auche. 1st Battalion and Ch 113th Regiment take up positions along Nam Kawng Chaung, night 27-28.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps is strengthened at Imphal by arrival of 2 brigs of Indian 5th Div from Arakan.
USSR – Soviet forces overrun Kamenets–Podolsk.
28 March
BOUGAINVILLE – Elements of 93rd Div – RCT 25 and 1st Battalion of 24th Inf – arrive at Empress Augusta Bay for combat duty. Hill 260 is found to be abandoned by enemy.
ADMIRALTY IS. – 1st Sq, 5th Cav, occupies Loniu Village, Los Negros. Widespread patrolling on both Los Negros and Manus evokes little opposition.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of U.S. 5307th Unit reach Nhpum Ga area and establish defensive positions, 2nd Battalion at Nhpum Ga and 3rd at Hsamshingyang. Crossing river before dawn, 1st Battalion surprises enemy in camp and blocks Kamaing Road below Shaduzup; repels enemy efforts to reduce
the block. Ch 113th Regiment relieves Americans at the block. Japanese in this region are now caught between Ch 22nd Div, disposed 4-5 miles to N, and Ch 38th Div. Japanese counterattack Ch 22nd Div near Shaduzup 5 times.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. IV Corps hq, under Maj Gen Willis D. Crittenberger, arrives in Italy. In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 34th Div arrives at Anzio beachhead and relieves 3rd Div before Cisterna.
USSR – Forces of Third Ukrainian Front overrun Nikolaev.
29 March
CBI – Gen Stilwell, conferring with Chiang Kai-shek on 28th and 29th, asks for reinforcements and is promised Ch 50th Div. A few days later Chiang Kai-shek offers Ch 14th Div.
In NCAC area of Burma, 2nd Battalion of 65th Regiment, Ch 22nd Div, enters Shaduzup. Japanese are exerting pressure against 2nd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Unit, at Nhpum Ga.
11 Army Group: In 4 Corps area of British Fourteenth Army, Japanese cut Imphal–Kohima road near Kohima. Indian 50th Para Brig, which has been delaying enemy at Ukhrul, begins to retire toward Imphal. Kohima garrison is now reinforced by 161st Brig, Indian 5th Div.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 10 Corps is relieved in Garigliano sector by FEC and II Corps, latter on left.
MEDITERRANEAN – AFHQ submits outline plan for ANVIL.
30 March
CAROLINE IS. – TF 58 begins 3-day attack on targets in W Carolines in order to support coming invasion of Hollandia and to destroy enemy air and surface units.
BOUGAINVILLE – 93rd Div troops on island are attached to Americal Div and enter lines to gain experience.
ADMIRALTY IS. – As mopping up on Los Negros and Manus continues, operations are begun against outlying islands. After preparatory bombardment of Pityilu, 3 miles N of Lugos Mission, 1st Sq, reinforced, of 7th Cav lands without opposition and virtually destroys the small Japanese garrison while searching most of the island.
NEW GUINEA – Fifth Air Force bombers, with long-range fighter escort, make first daylight attack on Hollandia.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 2nd Battalion of U.S. 5307th Unit withstands further enemy attacks at Nhpum Ga. 1st Battalion starts to Janpan. 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, makes contact with Ch 22nd Div.
USSR – Cernauti (Bessarabia) falls to Soviet forces of First Ukrainian Front.
GERMANY – RAF BC suffers such heavy losses during night attack on Nuremberg, 30-31, that heavy night penetration is suspended temporarily. Of about 800 bombers dispatched, almost 100 are lost.
31 March
ADMIRALTY IS. – 1st Sq, 7th Cav, completes mopup of Pityilu.
NEW GUINEA – Fifth Air Force again strikes at Hollandia, achieving excellent results.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, 2nd Battalion of U.S. 5307th Unit becomes isolated as Japanese cut trail to Hsamshingyang. Merrill is flown out because of ill health.
11 Army Group: In 4 Corps area of British Fourteenth Army, Japanese are blocking Ukhrul–Imphal road and besieging Imphal garrison, which must be supplied by air. In 15 Corps area, British 36th Div takes tunnels on Maungdaw–Buthidaung road, but Japanese still hold part of the road.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army releases British 10 Corps but retains British 1st and 5th Divs at Anzio.
USSR – Red Army forces pushing toward Odessa take part of Ochakov, SW of Nikolaev.
1 April
CAROLINE IS. – TF 58 concludes 3-day action against W Carolines, having made air attacks on the Palaus, Yap, Ulithi, Ngulu, and Woleai. During the attacks, Japanese lose about 150 aircraft either on the ground or in the air. Enemy shipping also suffers heavily: 2 DD’s, 4 escort vessels, and 104,000 tons of merchant or naval auxiliary shipping are sunk; many other vessels are damaged. Airfields and shore installations are hit. Main channel into Palau fleet anchorage is blocked by mines. The threat of Japanese naval interference from the Palaus to the approaching Hollandia operation is thus removed. TF 58 loses 20 planes.
SWPA – Naval plans for Hollandia operation are issued.
ADMIRALTY IS. – 12th Cav begins operations against small islands off Mokerang. After preliminary bombardment of Koruniat I., 1st Sq moves from Mokerang Pt to the island in canoes. Finding no Japanese there, the force proceeds to Ndrilo I., which is also free of enemy.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell asks that 50th and 14th Ch Divs be flown in over the Hump. ORANGE CT of U.S. 5307th Unit attacks to reopen Hsamshingyang–Nhpum Ga road but is unable to break through to 2nd Battalion.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 509th Para Inf Battalion leaves Anzio beachhead. 504th Para Inf has already left there to rejoin 82nd A/B Div.
2 April
NEW GUINEA – When weather conditions prevent attack on Hollandia, Fifth Air Force bombers strike instead at Hansa Bay.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Nhpum Ga remains under siege despite further efforts of 3rd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Unit, to break through to 2nd Battalion. 2 field pieces are dropped at Hsamshingyang airstrip and soon registered on enemy.
USSR – Red troops cross Prut R east of Cernauti and occupy Gertza.
3 April
U.S. – JCS directive to CBI theater stresses importance of capture of Myitkyina.
ADMIRALTY IS. – 2nd Sq, 12th Cav, lands without opposition on Rambutyo I., after preparatory bombardment and begins search for the few Japanese concealed there.
NEW GUINEA – Fifth Air Force, in its heaviest attack to date, again pounds Hollandia. During period 30 March to date, over 300 Japanese planes have been destroyed or damaged, most of them on the ground. Enemy air opposition from Hollandia is insignificant after this time.
CBI – Gen Stilwell, meeting at Jorhat with Adm Mountbatten and Gen Slim, learns that he may continue his N Burma campaign despite grave situation in Kohima area. It is agreed that 2 brigs of Indian 3rd Div (Chindits) will assist his drive on Mogaung and Myitkyina by harassing enemy lines of communication.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, skeleton staff of 33 Corps (Lt Gen Sir Montagu Stopford) arrives at Jorhat. Corps is to assist in stemming enemy offensive.
In NCAC area of Burma, efforts of 2nd and 3rd Battalions, U.S. 5307th Unit, to open Hsamshingyang–Nhpum Ga road are again futile, although supported by air and arty. 1st Battalion is directed to move as quickly as possible to Hsamshingyang.
4 April
CBI – In NCAC area, 3rd Battalion of U.S. 5307th Unit, making all-out effort to reach Nhpum Ga, gets to within 1,000 yards of objective. Aircraft and arty closely support attack. Feints are made to divert enemy from main battle. 2nd Battalion withstands very strong enemy attack against its Nhpum Ga perimeter. Ch reinforcements – forward elements of 1st Battalion, 112th Regiment, 38th Div – arrive at Hsamshingyang and are disposed to guard trail junction. Ch 114th Regiment is given mission originally assigned to 112th of blocking road below Kamaing. Ch 22nd Div’s 64th Regiment is to envelop left flank of enemy while 65th and 66th Regiments conduct holding action in Shaduzup area.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, air movement of 14th Brig, Indian 3rd Div, to central Burma (ABERDEEN, in Manhton area) is completed. In 4 Corps area, Japanese begin assault on Kohima in force. 161st Inf of Indian 5th Div, which has been withdrawn from Kohima to Dimapur because of threat to latter, is ordered back to Kohima, now garrisoned by a heterogeneous force.
5 April
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, further efforts by 3rd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Unit, to break through to Nhpum Ga are vain; beleaguered 2nd Battalion checks Japanese efforts to reduce perimeter.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 33 Corps is concentrating around Dimapur. Advance elements of British 2nd Div arrive there.
RUMANIA – U.S. Fifteenth Air Force drops 588 tons of bombs on Ploesti rail targets. Although not admitted as such, this is actually the beginning of an oil offensive in which U.S. Eighth Air Force joins, starting on 12 May.
6 April
NEW GUINEA – As a result of Fifth Air Force attacks on Hollandia, Japanese by now have only 25 serviceable planes there.
CBI – In NCAC area, ORANGE CT of 3rd Battalion, U.S. 5307th Unit, continues attack toward Nhpum Ga, gaining 200 yards.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Indian 7th Div begins air movement from Arakan front to Dimapur. Two Indian 7th Div brigs are to join 33 Corps at Dimapur and the third brig will join 4 Corps at Imphal. Leading elements of 161st Brig, Indian 5th Div, enter Kohima, but rest of regiment is unable to break through enemy forces investing the town.
7 April
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, 1st Battalion of U.S. 5307th Unit completes difficult forced march to Hsamshingyang and prepares to join in attack toward Nhpum Ga. Elements of 3rd Battalion continue efforts to reach Nhpum Ga but make little progress.
11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of British Fourteenth Army area, Japanese make deeper inroads at Kohima and seize main water supply. In 4 Corps area, Indian 17th Div completes northward drive along
Tiddim Road to Imphal and subsequently concentrates N of that town. Indian 23rd Div troops have assisted 17th during later stages of drive to Imphal.
8 April
NEW GUINEA – Final rehearsals for Hollandia operation are begun at Taupota Bay by 24th Div and near Lae by 41st Div.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Forward echelon of XIII Bomber Command hq moves to Los Negros.
BURMA – In NCAC area, frontal and flanking attacks by 3rd Battalion and 250 men of 1st Battalion, U.S. 5307th Unit, toward Nhpum Ga make little headway.
USSR – Soviet forces open new offensive in the Crimea.
9 April
ST. MATTHIAS IS. – On Emirau, Island Commander, Maj Gen James Moore, USMC, assumes command.
ADMIRALTY IS. – 1st Sq, 12th Cav, makes unopposed landing on Pak I., and begins search for enemy stragglers. This completes action in the Admiralties of 1st Brig Combat Team. 2nd Brig continues search for enemy remnants on Manus. On Los Negros, radio station and message center are established at Salami Plantation.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, U.S. 5307th Unit finds that Japanese have withdrawn from Nhpum Ga. No effort is made to follow, since forward movement beyond Nhpum Ga is not desirable at this time. During action at Inkangahtawng and siege of Nhpum Ga, 5307th has suffered 59 men killed and 314 wounded. Total of 379 must be evacuated because of wounds or illness.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, envelopment of 4 Corps at Imphal is completed as Japanese cut E-W trail from Bishenpur to Silchar. 4 Corps must now be supplied entirely by air, a difficult task that is to become even harder with arrival of monsoon season.
10 April
NEW GUINEA – Hollandia assault forces (TF RECKLESS) complete rehearsals and being loading for movement to target.
CBI – 11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of British Fourteenth Army area, British 2nd Div begins operations to clear road to Kohima.
ITALY – AAI: In Fifth Army area, Germans abandon plans for attack on Anzio. 85th Div begins moving into Allied line W of Minturno.
USSR – Odessa, important Black Sea port, falls to troops of Third Ukrainian Front.
11 April
ST. MATTHIAS IS. – 147th Inf assumes garrison duties on Emirau.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Gen Kenney establishes Thirteenth Air Task Force (Maj Gen St. Clair Streett) under operational control of ADVON Fifth Air Force pending arrival of Thirteenth Air Force hq in the Admiralties.
USSR – Soviet forces in the Crimea break through enemy defenses on Kerch Peninsula to seize Kerch.
12 April
ADMIRALTY IS. – Pak I. is now free of Japanese. Mop–up of Manus continues.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, 114th Regiment of Ch 38th Div relieves 113th in line. To E, 112th is holding salient about Nhpum Ga.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area air movement of another long-range penetration column, W African 3rd Brig, Indian 3rd Div, to central Burma is completed. 33 Corps, responsible for Kohima area, is being reinforced as rapidly as possible. 23rd Brig, Indian 3rd Div, is relieved of task of guarding Jorhat RR and ordered S to assist British 2nd Div and cut communication lines W of the Chindwin. In 4 Corps area, elements of Indian 20th Div relieve detachment of Indian 23rd Div on Tiddim Road S of Imphal.
13 April
NEW GUINEA – Elements of Australian 15th Brig, under command of Australian 11th Div, enter Bogadjim without opposition.
WESTERN EUROPE – Tactical air forces (U.S. Ninth and British 2nd) begin offensive against Normandy coastal batteries.
14 April
CBI – Chinese agree to undertake offensive across the Salween with Y-Force. Adm Mountbatten recommends to British Chiefs of Staff that N Burma campaign be confined to capture of Myitkyina.
ETO – Gen Eisenhower receives operational control of British and U.S. strategic air forces; CCS have previously had this responsibility.
15 April
U.S. – Northwest Sea Frontier (Oregon and Washington) and Alaska Sector are abolished, former coming under Western Sea Frontier (Vice Adm David W. Bagley) and latter becoming Alaskan Sea Frontier (Adm Fletcher). 17th Naval District (Territory of Alaska and its waters) is established.
CBI – Hq, Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, is transferred from New Delhi, India, to Kandy, Ceylon. Gen Chennault warns Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek to expect an enemy air offensive in China. The Generalissimo urges Gen Stilwell to advance cautiously in Mogaung Valley. Airlift of Ch 50th Div to Maingkwan is almost completed. Ch 14th Div is to follow soon.
MEDITERRANEAN – Gen Wilson (SACMED) learns that Gen Jean de Lattre de Tassigny will command French forces in ANVIL.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army is regrouping for spring offensive. British 10 Corps relieves Pol 2 Corps in N sector.
POLAND – Tarnopol falls to Soviet forces of First Ukrainian Front.
ETO – AEAF issues over-all air plan for Operation NEPTUNE. Major plans are about completed by this time, although planning continues until late in May.
16 April
SWPA – TF RECKLESS begins voyage to Hollandia via Admiralty Is.
USSR – Soviet Independent Maritime Army captures Yalta, in the Crimea.
17 April
ADMIRALTY IS. – 2nd Sq, 7th Cav, having completed mop up of its assigned portion of Manus I., begins movement to Hauwei I.
CBI – Gen Stilwell orders Gen Chennault to defend B-29 bases at Cheng-tu as a primary mission. Japanese open their last major offensive against China, crossing a div over Yellow R in Honan Province at night to assembly areas along the river.
In NCAC area of Burma, Chinese make progress down Mogaung Valley where Japanese have abandoned Warazup.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps is going over to the offensive in Imphal area.
ETO – Directive by Gen Eisenhower to strategic air forces gives German Air Force top priority on target list. Attacks on oil plants will have twofold purpose of getting German Air Force into the air and diminishing oil supply.
18 April
CAROLINE IS. – B-24’s of 5th Bombardment Gp, Thirteenth Air Force, begin series of attacks on Woleai from Momote airfield, Los Negros, in preparation for landings on Hollandia.
NEW GUINEA – TF PERSECUTION begins voyage to Aitape from Finschhafen and joins TF RECKLESS vessels moving toward the Admiralties.
USSR – Red Army continues to gain ground in the Crimea, where Balaklava is overrun.
19 April
CHINA – Two Japanese divs start S along Peiping–Hankow RR in Honan Province.
MEDITERRANEAN – Gen Wilson receives directive from CCS to launch an offensive in Italy in support of OVERLORD.
20 April
SWPA – Hollandia assault forces rendezvous near the Admiralties and begin last leg of journey to target.
ADMIRALTY IS. – Thirteenth Air Force bombardment sq equipped for night attacks completes fly-in to Momote airfield.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten returns 10 of 20 aircraft borrowed from the Hump route; the rest are returned after repairs are made.
In NCAC area, Ch 38th Div, pressing S in Mogaung Valley toward Kamaing, overruns Hill 1725, S of Tingring, which enemy has defended tenaciously in order to cover withdrawal of main forces to line Wala–Malakawng.
11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of British Fourteenth Army area, British 2nd Div, advancing along Dimapur–Kohima road, reaches besieged Kohima garrison, but enemy retains Kohima and is still blocking road from there to Imphal.
ITALY – AAI: French 1st Motorized Div begins landing at Naples and is followed by other French forces in early May.
21 April
ADMIRALTY IS. – Seabees and aviation engineers complete airstrip at Mokerang Plantation, Manus I.
NEW GUINEA – As assault convoys approach Hollandia, carrier planes of TF 58 join land-based planes in smashing attacks on airfields in this region. Air attacks are supplemented by naval gunfire.
BURMA – In NCAC area, TF called END RUN is organized for drive on Myitkyina, combining Ch troops with Americans of depleted GALAHAD Force. Three combat teams are formed: K (89th Regiment, Ch 30th Div, and 3rd Battalion of GALAHAD); H (150th Regiment, Ch 50th Div; 1st Battalion of GALAHAD; 3rd Co; Animal Transport Regiment; battery of Ch 22nd Div arty); M (2nd Battalion of GALAHAD plus 300 Kachins). Surgical units are to accompany the force.
ETO – U.S. Eighth Air Force offensive against German oil targets, scheduled to begin on this date, is canceled because of weather conditions.
22 April
NEW GUINEA – TF’s RECKLESS and PERSECUTION, assisted by aircraft of TF 58 and gunfire of
U.S. and Australian naval vessels, make unopposed landings on N coast. TF RECKLESS begins pincers operation against Hollandia region of Dutch New Guinea with landings at Tanahmerah and Humboldt Bays. 24th Div (-) quickly secures beachhead at Tanahmerah Bay, where 19th Inf (-) and 21st Inf (-) land on N at Beach Red 2 and 1st Battalion, 21st Inf, goes ashore on Red 1, in Dépapré Bay. Red 2, from which principal effort was to have been made, is found to be extremely narrow, backed by swamp, and lacking a road to connect it with Red 1. Supplies must be transshipped to Red 1. 21st Inf units begin movement, Co I advancing overland, from Red 2 to Red 1, leaving 19th Inf to hold Red 2. From Red 1, 1st Battalion of 21st Inf starts along trail to Lake Sentani and airfields; after reaching Jangkena, about 8 miles inland, pulls back to Kantome for night. Enemy efforts to cut the trail, night 22-23, are futile. Meanwhile, 41st Div (-) lands at Humboldt Bay. 162nd Inf goes ashore on N sandspit between Humboldt and Jautefa Bays on Beaches White 1 and 2, former on N. From White 1, 2nd and 3rd Battalions push inland to Hollandia–Pim track and northward to ridge overlooking Hollandia. Reinforced rifle platoon of Co A, 162nd Inf, lands on White 2 and moves S to Cape Pie, securing northern spit for landing of Cos K and L of 186th Inf. Because of mangrove swamp there, 186th Inf force proceeds by water between the sandspits to Beach White 4, on coast of Jautefa Bay N of Pim; takes Leimok Hill, Pim, and Suikerbrood Hill. Co I, 186th Inf, lands on S sandspit (Beach White 3); secures Cape Tjeweri at N tip and moves SE toward Hollekang. TF PERSECUTION, based on RCT 163, 41st Div, begins subsidiary operation to gain base at Aitape, E of Hollandia. Landing at Wapil, the force easily secures beachhead, which includes Tadji airfields; outposts E flank at mouth of Nigia R and extends W flank to Pro Mission, beyond Waitanan Creek. Base development is begun at once.
NEW BRITAIN – 1st Mar Div patrol clashes with enemy for last time.
23 April
ADMIRALTY IS. – 2nd Sq, 12th Cav, turns over responsibility for Rambutyo I. to native police.
NEW GUINEA – In Hollandia area, 21st Inf advances beyond Sabron to small stream, where first organized resistance develops; pulls back to Sabron. Since logistics problem is becoming acute, forward movement of the regiment is halted. Div reserve (2nd Battalion, 19th Inf) and AT and Cannon Cos of 19th and 21st Regiments move to Dépapré to assist in getting supplies inland. Beaches are so congested that D+2 convoy is diverted to Humboldt Bay, where main effort must now be made. In Humboldt Bay sector, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 162nd Inf, 41st Div, take Hollandia without opposition and heights about the town. 186th Inf advances along axis Pim–Lake Sentani; flanking elements on right clash with enemy. In Aitape area, 1st and 2nd Battalions of 163rd Inf push W to Raihu R, 2nd Battalion using coastal route. 1st Battalion overruns uncompleted Tadji West Strip. RCT 127 (less 1st Battalion and Cos F and G), 32nd Div, lands and relieves 3rd Battalion, 163rd Inf, on E flank of beachhead. 3rd Battalion then moves to Tadji Plantation. Cos F and G, RCT 127, land on Tumleo and Seleo Islands and easily secure both.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten’s AXIOM Mission returns to New Delhi without having gained acceptance of CULVERIN.
In NCAC area of Burma, 1st Battalion of 112th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, moves from Tategahtawng to relieve END RUN Force, now within a mile of Manpin. Final attack order calls for Ch 22nd Div to make main effort while 112th Regiment blocks from S. Subsequent efforts of Chinese to change this plan are rejected by Gen Stilwell.
24 April
U.S. – War Department Operations Division’s Strategy Section states, “collapse of Japan can be assured only by invasion of Japan proper.”
NEW GUINEA – U.S. 31st Div arrives at Oro Bay. Australian forces enter Madang, from which enemy has withdrawn. Markham–Ramu trough and Huon Peninsula are now secure. In Hollandia area, Tanahmerah Bay elements of TF RECKLESS continue to be beset with supply problems and confine activities to patrolling and moving supplies forward. 1st Battalion, 19th Inf, moves forward from Red 2 to assist in carrying supplies inland. Scheduled airdrop of supplies is canceled because of weather conditions. In Humboldt Bay sector, 186th Inf advances to shore of Lake Sentani and seizes jetty. TF RECKLESS reserve – 34th Inf, 24th Div – is transferred from Tanahmerah Bay to Humboldt Bay. In Aitape area, 163rd Inf secures Aitape and Rohn Pt. After Australian engineers complete work on Tadji fighter strip, 25 P-40’s of RAAF land there.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 1st and 3rd Marauder Battalions start to Naubum in preparation for drive on Myitkyina. 2nd Battalion is patrolling N of Hsamshingyang.
25 April
NEW BRITAIN – 1st Mar Div turns over responsibility for island to 40th Inf Div.
NEW GUINEA – In Hollandia area, 21st Inf renews attack from Sabron although supply situation is still difficult and weather conditions again prevent airdrop. Additional forces are assigned to supply
carrying. 186th Inf continues W from Humboldt Bay sector to Nefaar, some elements moving overland and others across Lake Sentani. In Aitape area, active patrolling is conducted along coast and inland. Co G, 127th Inf, occupies Ali I. Balance of an RAAF wing arrives at Tadji airfield.
26 April
NEW GUINEA – Elements of Australian 5th Div occupy Alexishafen. In Hollandia area 21st Inf, against negligible opposition, overruns Hollandia airdrome; makes patrol contact with Humboldt Bay force between Weversdorp and the airdrome. Supply situation improves as clearing weather permits airdrops. 186th Inf easily secures Cyclops and Sentani airdromes. Junction of patrols of 21st and 186th Regiments closes pincers on enemy in Hollandia area. In Aitape area, 1st Battalion of 127th Inf arrives.
ETO – 5 naval assault forces for Normandy invasion complete assembly. One, Force U, conducts rehearsal exercise (TIGER), during which it suffers heavy damage from German E-boat attacks. Rehearsals are conducted by the other TF’s in early May.
27 April
NEW GUINEA – Gen MacArthur sets target date for next offensive, Wakde–Sarmi, as 15 May. Plans are being made for invasion of Biak in early June. In Hollandia area, Cyclops airdrome is ready for limited use. Elements of 186th Inf reconnoiter two islands in Lake Sentani as well as N shore of the lake. 162nd Inf seizes Cape Soeadja, at NW limits of Humboldt Bay.
CBI – Final arrangements are made for drive on Myitkyina by Marauders and for offensive across the Salween by Y-Force. Gen Merrill, who has recovered from his illness, will lead the Marauders. Chiang Kai-shek arranges details for assault across the Salween with Gen Wei Li-huang by telephone. Gen Wei has replaced Gen Chen Cheng as Ch commander of Yunnan forces.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps is desperately resisting enemy efforts to break through to Imphal before the monsoon rains begin. Japanese hold 6 miles of trail from Imphal to Silchar. Indian 17th Div has moved S from concentration area N of Imphal and, together with elements of Indian 20th Div, is attempting to halt enemy’s advance.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps takes command of M. Cassino sector from 13 Corps.
FRANCE – U.S. Eighth Air Force joins in air offensive against transportation, striking at Blainville and Châlons-sur-Marne.
28 April
U.S. – Secretary of Navy Frank Knox dies.
NEW GUINEA – First organized resistance in Aitape sector is met by outpost of 3rd Battalion, 163rd Inf, at Kamti village. Some 200 Japanese are estimated to be in this region. TF, known as Nyaparake Force, consisting of Co C of 127th Inf reinforced by elements of Co D, embarks for Nyaparake village, about 17 miles E of Nigia R, to intercept westward movement of enemy from Wewak. Landing near Dandriwad R mouth, about 8 miles E of Nyaparake, the force begins patrolling without detecting many Japanese.
CBI – As Japanese offensive in Honan gathers momentum, U.S. Fourteenth Air Force begins attacks on Yellow R bridges. Chinese-American Composite Wing is disposed to guard B-29 fields at Cheng-tu; besides this task and that of knocking out bridges across Yellow R, the force is to neutralize RR yards at Cheng-hsien and Kaifeng.
In NCAC area of Burma, END RUN Force opens drive on Myitkyina. K Force leads off, moving by indirect route that crosses Kumon Range toward Ritpong. Ch 38th Div, by frontal and flanking moves, is slowly forcing enemy back toward Wala.
29 April
NEW GUINEA – ALAMO Force orders RCT 163, upon relief in Aitape area, to begin staging for Wakde-Sarmi operation.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Brig Gen Frank Dorn establishes Field Hq, Y-FOS, which is to accompany Gen Wei Li-huang’s hq.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 16th LRP Brig of Indian 3rd Div is being flown out of Burma for rest.
MEDITERRANEAN – Ground, naval, and air outline plans for ANVIL are presented to Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater.
30 April
CAROLINE IS. – TF 58, while returning from Hollandia operation, begins 2-day air attack on Truk Atoll.
NEW GUINEA – 163rd Inf withdraws outpost at Kamti village.
CBI – In NCAC area, H Force of TF END RUN starts forward behind K Force toward Myitkyina. Ch 22nd Div, apparently having received permission from Chiang Kai-shek, begins aggressive action.
11 Army Group: In 4 Corps sector of British Fourteenth Army, Indian 5th and 23rd Divs are driving N toward Ukhrul, 5th on W. Indian 30th Div, less elements on Tiddim Road, contains enemy in front of Palel.
1 May
CAROLINE IS. – TF 58 completes 2-day action against Truk, during which some 120 Japanese aircraft are destroyed, about half of them on the ground.
NEW GUINEA – Upon returning to Kamti village, Co I of 163rd Inf finds that Japanese have withdrawn. Little contact is made with enemy on W flank after this. Nyaparake Force moves back to Nyaparake by water and sets up outposts at Charov and Jalup.
BURMA – Air supply situation improves as Air Marshal Sir John Baldwin becomes responsible for coordination of activities of Troop Carrier Command with those of 3rd TAF.
In NCAC area, SOS takes responsibility for Y-FOS.
ITALY – AAI: Final details of plans for drive on Rome are ironed out at meeting at Caserta.
2 May
U.S. – JCS directive orders Gen Stilwell to stockpile supplies in China in order to support Pacific operations. Hump tonnage at this time is inadequate for current U.S. operations in China.
ADMIRALTY IS. – 8th Cav withdraws to Hauwei I., having accounted for 285 enemy dead and sustained losses of 4 killed and 7 wounded.
3 May
BURMA – In NCAC area, as 65th Regiment and elements of 66th Regiment, Ch 22 Div, continue push down Kamaing road toward Inkangahtawng, 64th Regiment, Ch 22 Div, cuts Kamaing road about 500 yards S of Hwelon Stream.
4 May
NEW GUINEA – 32nd Div’s RCT 126 and other div troops arrive at Blue Beach; div CG assumes command of TF PERSECUTION. From 22 April to date, Japanese casualties in Aitape area are estimated at 525 killed and 25 captured as against Allied losses of 19 killed and 40 wounded. Adm Barbey proposes that D Day for Wakde-Sarmi operation be postponed until 21 May in order to take advantage of higher tides and to have more time to complete preparations.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 22nd Div overruns Inkangahtawng, on road to Kamaing, in coordinated effort by air, armor, and arty. Chinese then halt in this region for some time.
5 May
ADMIRALTY IS. – 8th Cav begins final mop up of Manus, which is largely clear of enemy.
BURMA – In NCAC area, K Force of TF END RUN reaches trail junction N of Ritpong; patrol starts cutting trail through jungle so that enemy can be taken by surprise from rear.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Alexander issues Operation Order No. 1, AAI, for drive through Gustav Line to Rome and pursuit of enemy thereafter to line Rimini-Pisa.
6 May
NEW GUINEA – At conference of military leaders to consider Adm Barbey’s proposal that the Wakde-Sarmi operation be postponed, it is agreed that 21 May for D Day is preferable to 15 May and that the operation cannot be undertaken earlier than 16 May. Gen MacArthur, informed of this by Gen Krueger, proposes a major change: Wakde I., from which aircraft can cover future move to Biak, should be taken as planned but the Sarmi part of the operation should be cancelled, since terrain there does not appear to be of a suitable type to support heavy bomber operations. 32nd Div staff becomes Hq, PERSECUTION TF. Aitape defenses are reorganized; E and W sectors, separated by Waitanan Creek, are to be held respectively by RCT 127 and RCT 126.
BURMA – In NCAC area, KHAKI CT, followed closely by ORANGE CT, cuts its way around Ritpong and emerges on trail S of village. 88th Regiment, Ch 30th Div, makes unsuccessful attack on Ritpong from N. Elements of 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, cross Nawngmi Stream.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Alexander sets 11 May as D Day for offensive.
7 May
NEW GUINEA – Nyaparake Force patrol, after clashing with strong enemy patrol across the Dandriwad R, withdraws to W bank.
NEW BRITAIN – Elements of 40th Div occupy Cape Hoskins airdrome without opposition.
BURMA – In NCAC area, TF END RUN blocks exits from Ritpong from S and during night 7-8 frustrates efforts of Japanese to withdraw.
8 May
NEW GUINEA – 126th Inf completes relief of 163rd in W sector of Aitape perimeter. Nyaparake Force is strengthened by arrival of rifle platoon and light MG section from Co A.
BURMA – In NCAC area, TF END RUN provides fire support for another attack by 88th Regiment, Ch 30th Div, on Ritpong, but enemy retains the village. 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, begins general advance on Kamaing, while 112th prepares to attack Warong.
ETO – Gen Eisenhower sets D Day for Normandy invasion as 5 June. This is subsequently postponed to 6 June.
9 May
NEW GUINEA – Planners meeting at ALAMO Force hq decide to undertake the Wakde-Biak operation as proposed by Gen MacArthur with forces originally assigned to the Wakde-Sarmi operation. D Day for Wakde is set for 17 May and Z Day for Biak for 27 May. Japanese withdraw their MLR to line Sorong-Halmahera. Nyaparake Force patrols, using coastal trail and an inland one paralleling it, advance almost 5,000 yards E of the Dandriwad against some resistance and retire to Babiang at dusk.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 198th Div, Y-Force, is ordered to move forward to crossing site over Salween. Salween crossings are to be made night 10 or 11 May. Japanese are driven from Ritpong, and Chinese troops remain there to mop up while Marauders move S to Lazu and block trail. 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, overruns East Wala and Hlagyi and is approaching 112th Regiment’s outposts just N of Manpin.
USSR – Sevastopol falls to Soviet forces.
FRANCE-BELGIUM – U.S. Eighth Air Force begins large-scale attacks on airfields, striking at Laon, Florennes, Thionville, St Dizier, Juvincourt, Orleans, Bourges, and Avord. The offensive against airfields, in which RAF BC, AEAF, and U.S. Eighth Air Force are to participate, is started less than a month before Normandy invasion so the enemy will not have time to recover by D Day.
10 May
U.S. – James V. Forrestal is appointed Secretary of the Navy.
NEW GUINEA – GHQ SWPA issues instructions for Wakde-Biak operation. After air strike by RAAF, Nyaparake Force pushes E from Babiang and takes Marubian without opposition.
CBI – In NCAC area, H and K Forces are now concentrated at Lazu.
On Salween front Y-Force begins crossing the Salween without incident, night 10-11.
ITALY – AAI: On eve of offensive, Allied dispositions are as follows: U.S. Fifth Army, with II Corps on left and FEC on right, holds sector from Tyrrhenian Sea to confluence of Liri and Gari Rivers; 36th Div is in Fifth Army reserve. British Eighth Army has 13 Corps on left and Cdn 1 Corps behind it; Pol 2 Corps and then 10 Corps to right, and 5 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector; S African 6th Armd Div is in Eighth Army reserve.
11 May
CBI – In NCAC area, Chinese Y-Force continues crossing the Salween under cover of darkness. Three regiments of 36th Div and 346th Regiment, 116th Div, cross at Mengta Ferry. K Marauder Force starts toward Ngao Ga.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps regroups. Indian 23rd Div is given responsibility for Palel-Tamu road. Indian 20th Div drives N in 2 columns toward Ukhrul.
ITALY – AAI: AAI opens drive on Rome at 2300 with tremendous arty bombardment of Gustav Line by weapons of U.S. Fifth and British Eighth Armies. While 5 Corps, under direct control of AAI, contains Adriatic coastal sector, U.S. Fifth Army’s II U.S. Corps and FEC and British Eighth Army’s 13 and Pol 2 Corps attack, night 11-12. Tactical surprise is achieved, but enemy rallies quickly.
U.S. Fifth Army jumps off first, moving forward under cover of arty bombardment. U.S. II Corps, in Gulf of Gaeta coastal sector, attacks with 85th Div on left and 88th on right. 85th Div’s 339th Inf makes limited progress above Scauri: elements secure positions on slopes of M. dei Pensieri and part of S. Martino Hill, but others make no progress against S. Domenico Ridge, SW of Tremensuoli. 338th Inf, coordinating its attack for S Ridge – so-called because of its shape – which extends SW from Tamo to Solacciano, with that of 88th Div’s 351st Inf toward S. Maria Infante, is unable to take Solacciano or advance up draw between S Ridge and S. Maria Ridge. Pushing N along S. Maria Ridge from Minturno area, 351st Inf gets forward elements to Hills 146 and 150. 350th Inf, 88th Div, in cooperation with FEC to right, attacks hills SW of Castelforte and clears 3 – 413, 316, and Ceracoli. On left flank of FEC Corps, 4th Moroccan Mtn Div attacks toward Castelforte in conjunction with left flank elements of II Corps. To right, 2nd Moroccan Div overruns M. Faito and Cerasola Hill.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps attacks across the Rapido in force in region between the Liri and Cassino, employing 4th Div on N and Indian 8th Div on S. Enemy vigorously opposes crossings but bridgehead is established. Pol 2 Corps begins attack in Cassino area to right of 13 Corps at 0100, 12th. 10 Corps, on extreme right of Eighth Army, secures right flank of assault forces and demonstrates to mislead enemy.
FRANCE – Ninth Air Force begins program of attacks on selected airfields within range of Caen, hitting those at Beaumont-le-Roger and Cormeillesen-Vexin.
12 May
NEW GUINEA – Charov outpost is withdrawn in order to strengthen base at Nyaparake.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, K Force clashes with enemy near Tingkrukawng and is soon pinned down by superior numbers. Ch 38th Div is now able to maintain communications between its 114th and 112th Regiments; 113th is approaching West Wala and Maran.
On Salween front, 198th Regiment begins clearing Mamien Pass. 36th Div, Ch 53rd Army, which is to clear Tatangtzu Pass, surrounds enemy outposts at E end of it; night counterattack forces 36th Div back to the Salween.
ITALY – AAI: Aircraft join in battle for Rome at dawn.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, enemy is resisting strongly and making determined counterattacks. Elements of 339th Inf, 85th Div, withstand attacks on S. Martino Hill and are passed through by 1st Battalion, 337th, which completes capture of this feature. Co F, 339th, is isolated on M. dei Pensieri during enemy counterattack. 338th Inf makes another vain effort to drive up draw between S Ridge and S. Maria Ridge but takes Solacciano. Stiff opposition slows progress of 351st Inf, 88th Div, toward S. Maria Infante; Co F is isolated and wiped out. 350th Inf takes Ventosa village with ease and halts to await forward movement of French. In FEC area, 4th Moroccan Mtn Div, reinforced by regiment of 3rd Algerian Div, tanks, and TD’s, clears Castelforte on left and assists 2nd Moroccan Div on right. 2nd Moroccan Div is unable to advance. 1st Motorized Div is committed on right flank; 4th Motorized Brig assisted by armor pushes N toward S. Andrea but makes little headway. Mtn Corps, consisting of 1st, 3rd, and 4th Groups of Tabors, 1st Moroccan Inf of 4th Mtn Div, and 2nd Battalion of Algerian Arty Regiment, follows 4th Moroccan Mtn Div into Castelforte. In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div gains firm bridgehead on W bank of the Rapido and puts 2 bridges across the river, but British 4th Div is unable to expand its small bridgehead. Pol 2 Corps, in Cassino area, seizes Phantom Ridge, NW of the Monastery, but is forced back to line of departure, where it remains for several days.
GERMANY – In powerful experimental blow at oil fields in central Germany to test enemy reaction, more than 800 heavy bombers of Eighth Air Force, escorted by U.S. and RAF fighters, attack oil plants at Zwickau, Merseburg-Leuna, Bruex, Leutzkendorf, Boehlen, and other points with 1,718 tons of bombs. Damage at Bruex, Boehlen, and Zeitz is so severe that the plants are temporarily put out of operation. Excellent results are also achieved at Merseburg-Leuna. German Air Force reacts violently and 46 bombers of Eighth Air Force and 10 Allied fighters are lost. Almost 200 enemy aircraft are claimed destroyed.
13 May
NEW GUINEA – Gen Gill decides to abandon Marubian area.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, when frontal and flanking attacks on Tingkrukawng by K Force fail, the village is bypassed.
On Salween front, Japanese almost wipe out a Ch battalion in Mamien Pass but situation is restored after reinforcements arrive. Japanese resistance in this region ends. Regiment of 53rd Army crosses the Salween and attacks Japanese flank, regaining positions in Tatangtzu Pass.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Germans, after offering stiff resistance throughout day, begin withdrawal to next delaying position night 13-14. In II Corps area, efforts of Co F of 339th Inf, 85th Div, to break through enemy encirclement fail. 2nd Battalion, 338th, clears Cave d’Argilla and Hill 60, in region N of S. Martino Hill, while 1st Battalion pushes from Solacciano toward Hill 126, on S Ridge. 351st Inf, 88th Div, continues toward S. Maria Infante. Renewing attack on right flank of II Corps, 350th Inf’s 1st Battalion seizes M. Rotondo. FEC smashes through Gustav Line in spectacular push. 2nd Moroccan Div overruns M. Girofano, M. Feuci, and M. Maio in center of corps zone. Exploiting this success, 1st Mtzd Div speeds forward on right flank to S. Apollinare while 4th Moroccan Mtn Div, on left flank, clears opposition about M. Ceschito, N of road to Coreno, in skillful enveloping attack. Over 1,000 prisoners are taken. Mtn Corps, upon moving forward from Castelforte to positions N of M. Rotondo, halts until opposition can be cleared from Ceschito. Mtn Corps is organized into 3 groups. One pushes northward toward Ausonia and the other 2 drive W toward Spigno, night 13-14.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps expands Rapido bridgehead. Bridge is completed in sector of 4th Div.
14 May
NEW GUINEA – Co C, 127th Inf, withdrawing from Marubian, finds its route cut by enemy. Japanese also harass Co A at Ulau Mission. Since these positions are becoming untenable, it is decided to withdraw.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps makes progress all along line against rearguard opposition. 338th Inf, 85th Div, clears Hill 131 of S Ridge, previously an enemy strongpoint, and outposts Formia-Ausonia road. 2nd Battalion, 337th
Inf, then continues toward next 85th Div objective, Castellonorato, reaching Hill 108, N of Spigno-S. Maria Infante road junction, and patrolling beyond there. 351st Inf, 88th Div, seizes Hill 126, at E end of S Ridge, and S. Maria Infante village, initial objectives. Div, with elements of 3 regiments in assault, begins drive on Spigno. 350th Inf advances W across Ausente Creek to N slopes of M. dei Bracchi; 349th occupies M. dei Bracchi and, in conjunction with 351st, clears M. la Civita. In Mtn Corps area, two groups advance W to positions just E of Ausonia road, where they are stopped by enemy. Third group reaches base of Fammera escarpment, leaving containing force at Ausonia. On left flank of FEC area, 4th Mtn Div and 3rd Algerian Div mop up region W of M. Majo. In center, 2nd Moroccan Div, thrusting toward S. Giorgio, reaches Castellone and Cantalupo Hills; elements are pushing toward Castelnuovo. On right flank, 1st Motorized Div, advancing along the Liri, reaches S. Giorgio.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps continues to expand and strengthen Rapido bridgehead. Preparations are made for next phase of attack, to isolate Cassino in conjunction with Pol 2 Corps, on 15th, but delay of 78th Div in crossing the Rapido forces postponement of assault.
15 May
NEW GUINEA – U.S. outposts at Ulau and Marubian are withdrawn by sea to Nyaparake.
BURMA – In NCAC area, H Force reaches upper Namkwi R, about 15 miles from Myitkyina.
ITALY – In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 337th Inf of 85th Div overruns Castellonorato. To left, 3rd Battalion of 338th reaches junction of Highway 7 and Ausonia road. 88th Div, thrusting to Spigno, finds town undefended and in ruins; is ordered to push on to Itri at once. On left flank in FEC sector, one gp of Mtn Corps pushes steadily W along difficult mountain trails toward M. Revole. Another gp continues northward, scaling Fammera escarpment; 6th Moroccan Inf is relieved of containing role at Ausonia and joins main body. Enemy is driven from Ausonia by noon but retains La Bastia Hill to N in effort to keep control of Esperia road. 3rd Algerian Div relieves holding force at Ausonia; armored elements push on to Castelnuovo, which 2nd Moroccan Div has cleared earlier in day, thereby gaining control of Ausonia Defile. German fire prevents forward movement of 1st Motorized Div from S. Giorgio on right flank of FEC.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps continues working through the Gustav Line, with 78th Div moving forward between 4th Div and Indian 8th Div, in preparation for concerted assault with Poles on Cassino. Cdn 1 Corps begins passing through 13 Corps and relieving Indian 8th Div.
16 May
NEW GUINEA – TF TORNADO – Wakde assault force – begins voyage to target from Hollandia area.
CBI – In NCAC area, H Force crosses the Namkwi after confining inhabitants of Namkwi village in order to assure secrecy.
On Salween front, 593rd Regiment, Ch 190th Div, reaches Shweli valley near Laokai, having moved W over mountains. Rest of 190th Div is clearing strongpoints in Mamien Pass. On S flank, where enemy has thinned out in order to strengthen upper Shweli valley, elements of Ch 76th and 88 Divs are progressing rapidly toward Pingka and have taken 13 villages NE of that objective.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, Kachin guerrillas gain temporary possession of Washang, about 30 miles E of Myitkyina.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps rapidly pursues enemy. In 85th Div sector, 339th Inf, after clearing Scauri and M. Scauri, is pinched out by 338th, which drives along Ausonia road to Highway 7 and to Acquatraversa Creek. 337th Inf, pushing W from Castellonorato, meets opposition from M. Campese and halts in valley below it. 349th Inf, 88th Div, advances in conjunction with 337th Inf. Continuing toward Itri, 351st reaches M. Ruazzo and M. Mesola. In FEC area, one column of Mtn Corps completes difficult trek, almost unopposed, to M. Revole; another reaches positions S of Esperia. Elements of 3rd Algerian Div secure junction of S. Giorgio-Esperia roads and hold it against counterattack. On right flank, 1st Motorized Div silences fire on S. Giorgio and drives W, pinching out 2nd Moroccan Div.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes over sector to left of 13 Corps and relieves Indian 8th Div. In 13 Corps area, 78th Div, assuming burden of assault, pushes NW through last defenses of Gustav Line in effort to isolate Cassino in conjunction with Poles. Pol 2 Corps, which has been reorganizing after its initial defeat, is ordered to renew offensive on 17th.
17 May
NEI – Carrier-based planes of British Eastern Fleet attack Soerabaja naval base, Java. B-24’s of SWPA follow up, night 17-18, with attack on docks.
NEW GUINEA – TF TORNADO begins preliminary phase of Wakde I. operation. 163rd Inf lands without opposition near Arare, on Dutch New Guinea mainland opposite Wakde I., after preparatory naval bombardment; extends flanks W to Tor R and E to Tementoe Creek. Arty is landed and registered on Wakde. Co E and Prov Groupment of shore-based
arty land on Insoemanai I., and find it free of Japanese.
CBI – In surprise attack in NCAC area, H Marauder Force seizes Myitkyina airstrip. While the strip is being taken by 150th Regiment of Ch 50th Div, 1st Marauder Battalion seizes Pamati, site of Irrawaddy ferry. In response to request for reinforcements in order to begin assault on Myitkyina itself, elements of Ch 89th Regiment are flown in from Ledo. M and K Forces are moving toward Myitkyina to assist H Force. Indian 3rd Div (-) is transferred from control of British Fourteenth Army to Gen Stilwell’s command. 23rd Brig remains attached to British forces. 16th Brig has been flown out for rehabilitation. Squadron of American Dakotas is ordered diverted from Troop Carrier Command to Fourteenth Air Force to supply Yunnan Force. Bombers of Strategic Air Force are used to replace the Dakotas temporarily.
On Yunnan front, Ch force securing Huei-jen Bridge area gets forward elements to Hongmoshu village, well behind Japanese and only 24 air miles from Teng-chung, but Japanese later recover the village.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 85th Div continues pursuit of enemy through Formia corridor, 338th Inf entering Formia where enemy is still resisting; 337th Inf, after strong arty concentration on M. Campese, drives to Maranola. 351st Inf, 88th Div, with 3rd Battalion in the lead, attempts to take M. Grande, W of Itri-Pico road, but is halted by heavy fire and tanks. 350th Inf (-), moving forward in 2 convoys to Trivio, advances on foot through Maranola to positions S of 351st Inf. In FEC area, one column of Mtn Corps is clearing region W and NW of M. Revole as far as Itri-Pico road; a second reaches positions S of M. del Lago. 3rd Algerian Div enters Esperia, which is undefended, but meets strong opposition while continuing pursuit toward S. Oliva; elements begin ascent of M. Oro, key position overlooking Hitler Line. 1st Motorized Div, continuing NW along S bank of the Liri, is halted by fire from M. Oro and extensive mine fields.
British Eighth Army begins general offensive. Cdn 1 Corps drives W on left flank of army toward Hitler Line. 13 Corps and Pol 2 Corps, in concerted attacks to isolate Cassino, make substantial progress, but Germans are keeping an escape route open and withdrawing Cassino garrison through it. 13 Corps cuts Highway 6; Pol 2 Corps recovers Phantom Ridge and captures Colle S. Angelo.
18 May
ADMIRALTY IS. – Campaign is officially terminated by CG Sixth Army. Air and naval bases have been developed. Japanese casualties during operation total 3,280 killed and 75 captured as against U.S. casualties of 326 killed, 1,189 wounded, and 4 missing.
NEW GUINEA – After preparatory bombardment, 163rd Inf lands 3 cos of 1st Battalion and Co F of 2nd on S coast of Insoemoar I., main island of Wakde group and site of Wakde airfield; despite opposition from mutually supporting pillboxes and bunkers, clears most of airfield and island. Enemy retains NE end of the island and counterattacks unsuccessfully, night 18-19. On mainland, 3rd Battalion, 163rd Inf, begins westward advance across Tor R, establishing small bridgehead.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Marauders begin assault on town of Myitkyina while elements of 89th Regiment, Ch 30th Div, defend Myitkyina airfield. 1st Battalion overruns Zigyun, S of Myitkyina. 150th Regiment, Ch 50th Div, attacks from N, seizing RR station.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 36th Div begins movement to Anzio beachhead. In II Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div mops up Formia and pushes N to M. di Mola and W to M. Conca against rear-guard resistance, while 337th, swinging SW, reaches Highway 7 between Formia and Itri and thereby protects flank of 338th. 339th Inf moves forward along Highway 7, night 18-19. In 88th Div sector, 351st Inf remains in place under intense fire that abates with arrival of supporting arty; 349th reverts to control of 88th Div. FEC meets strong resistance as it attacks toward Pico. While one Mtn Corps column continues to clear left flank, another reaches heights commanding S. Oliva. 3rd Algerian Div reduces opposition on M. Oro feature in conjunction with 1st Motorized Div to right and drives enemy from Monticello and S. Oliva. 1st Motorized Div continues along S bank of the Liri to Forma Quesa Creek.
British Eighth Army completes reduction of Gustav Line in Liri Valley with capture of Cassino. Cdn 1 Corps continues toward Hitler Line at Pontecorvo. In 13 Corps area, Cassino, now in ruins, falls to 4th Div. Detachment of 78th Div thrusts to outskirts of Aquino, key position in Hitler Line. In Pol 2 Corps area, 3rd Carpathian Div takes Cassino Monastery.
19 May
NEW GUINEA – Organized resistance on Insoemoar I., rapidly disintegrates, and Japanese remnants are compressed into small pocket at NE tip. Engineers begin to repair airdrome. Prov Groupment on Isoemanai is disbanded; its components return to mainland or to Wakde. Cos E and I land on Liki and Niroemoar and find them undefended. Fifth Air Force establishes radar detachments on the
islands. In Aitape sector, 32nd Rcn Tr replaces Cos C and D, 127th Inf, at Nyaparake. Brig Gen Clarence A. Martin, 32nd Div ADC, takes command of East Sector, replacing Col Howe.
CBI – In NCAC area, at Myitkyina, 1st Battalion of Marauders turns over Pamati ferry to Chinese and takes up position on Namkwi R, S of the town. K Force, approaching from N, takes Charpate without difficulty. M Force reaches Namkwi. Japanese garrison of Myitkyina is thus partially encircled. Ch 22nd Div commits 65th Regiment to line. Ch 38th Div, upon receiving permission from Chiang Kai-shek to push toward Kamaing, decides to send 112th Regiment around E flank of enemy to block Kamaing Road S of Seton and move 114th down Kumon Range toward Mogaung.
British Fourteenth Army commander recommends that Gen Stilwell be given command of all operations to open land route to China.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders 509th Para Inf Battalion dropped in Galla di M. Orso area N of M. Romano to speed advance of II Corps. In II Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div finds Gaeta abandoned by enemy. Elements of 339th move toward Itri to assist 88th Div while others clear hills S of Highway 7. 351st Inf, 88th Div, captures M. Grande with ease; patrol clears stragglers from Itri, where 349th Inf soon arrives. 350th Inf takes up positions E of Itri. Germans order withdrawal of troops S of the Liri and E of Pico to line Pico-Pontecorvo. In FEC area, Mtn Corps column takes Campodimele and cuts Highway 82 near M. Vele.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps and British 13 Corps attempt unsuccessfully to breach Hitler Line before its defenses can be organized, former in Pontecorvo area and latter at Aquino.
20 May
MARCUS I. – Carrier planes of Fifth Fleet TF begin 2-day assault on island.
NEW GUINEA – After mopping up NE tip of Insoemoar I., TF TORNADO assault force returns to mainland, turning over control of island to AAF. Japanese casualties on Insoemoar total 759 killed and 4 captured. At least 50 more have been killed on the mainland. Total U.S. casualties during the Wakde operation is 43 killed and 139 wounded; of these, Army losses were 40 killed and 107 wounded. On the mainland, Japanese efforts to recover Tor R crossing site fail. ALAMO Force warns PERSECUTION TF to expect major Japanese effort against Toem-Arare beachhead.
CBI – In NCAC area, Gen Stilwell reminds Adm Mountbatten that his (Stilwell’s) forces will be released upon reaching Kamaing according to Cairo agreement. 112th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, takes Warong.
On Salween front, Ch engineers complete landing strip begun on 12th.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, elements of 349th Inf, 88th Div, clear Fondi and drive on to M. Passignano. FEC closes in on Pico.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps begins battle for Piedimonte and reaches outskirts, where indecisive fighting continues for next few days.
21 May
MARCUS I. – Fifth Fleet carrier planes conclude damaging attacks on the island.
NEW GUINEA – Wakde airstrip becomes operational. RCT 158, ALAMO Force reserve, arrives at Toem.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 3rd Marauder Battalion, moving S from Charpate, is halted near Radhapur and repels enemy attacks down Mogaung road.
ITALY – AAI: In II Corps sector of U.S. Fifth Army area, 85th Div, whose next objective is Terracina, lands 1st Battalion, 338th Inf, at Sperlonga without opposition. 337th Inf drives overland toward Terracina, reaching positions near the town and overrunning M. S. Biagio. 88th Div takes M. Calvo and Cima del Monte. 351st Inf relieves 349th Inf forces on M. Passignano. FEC undergoes determined enemy attacks at various points. On left, one Mtn Corps gp attacks across Itri-Pico road toward Lenola. 1st Motorized Div reaches positions between M. Leucio and M. Morrone. 3rd Algerian Div gains foothold in Pico but withdraws after nightfall to avoid encirclement.
FRANCE-GERMANY – AEAF fighters begin operations, called CHATTANOOGA CHOO-CHOO, against enemy train movements.
22 May
NEW GUINEA – Gen Krueger enlarges mission of TF TORNADO, whose task of securing Wakde airdrome and adjacent strip of mainland is completed. Drive is to continue W toward Sarmi, 16 miles W of the Tor. Since enemy stragglers are interfering with work on Wakde airdrome, Co L of 163rd Inf moves to Insoemoar I., to mop up. In Aitape sector, Nyaparake Force, now consisting of 32nd Rcn Tr and Co A, 127th Inf, continues active patrolling against increasing enemy resistance, which forces it back along beach to Parakovio.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 3rd Marauder Battalion withdraws to Charpate.
ITALY – AAI is preparing for major effort: British Eighth Army against Hitler Line, and U.S. Fifth
Army to effect junction between VI and II Corps. U.S. Fifth Army revokes order to 509th Para Inf Battalion and directs it to be prepared to drop in mountains above Pontine Marshes to facilitate drive of II Corps on Terracina. This does not become necessary. 36th Div closes in Anzio beachhead. In II Corps area, 337th Inf of 85th Div recovers part of M. S. Croce under enemy fire from Terracina. 338th, attacking to block Highway 7 behind Terracina, is diverted by lively action at RR tunnel. 350th Inf, 88th Div, pushes from M. Calvo toward Roccasecca; 349th secures M. Monsicardi; 351st thrusts to M. Chiavino. In FEC area, Hitler Line collapses. One Mtn Corps gp seizes Lenola and links left flank with U.S. II Corps. 7th Inf, 3rd Algerian Div, and another gp of Mtn Corps converge on Pico and clear it.
In British Eighth Army area, as a preliminary to main offensive, Cdn 1st Div of Cdn 1 Corps tries unsuccessfully to outflank enemy from left in limited attack.
23 May
NEW GUINEA – RCT 158 relieves elements of 163rd Inf at Tor R mouth and begins westward drive toward Sarmi. 3rd Battalion is pinned down on coastal track some 400 yards E of Maffin No. 1. 1st Battalion crosses the Tor to assist, but darkness prevents it from joining in battle. In Aitape sector, Nyaparake Force continues to fall back, elements reaching Tadji. TF HURRICANE holds limited rehearsal for Biak.
CBI – In NCAC area, Marauders at Charpate, Burma, withstand strong enemy attack.
On Salween front, Japanese drive Chinese from hill positions on S flank.
ITALY – AAI: Opens general offensive. In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, Operation BUFFALO – attack to break out of Anzio beachhead – begins at 0630 after arty and air preparation. While 45th Div on extreme left conducts holding action, main body of VI Corps attacks enemy’s Cisterna defense line. On left, 1st Armd Div, employing CCA on left and CCB on right, gets forward elements beyond the RR. In center, 3rd Div, with elements of 3 regiments in assault, meets strongest opposition but gets about half way to Cisterna. 1st SSF, followed by elements of 133rd Inf, 34th Div, attacks on right along Mussolini Canal to RR but falls back to Highway 7 under counterattack. Almost 1,500 prisoners are taken during day. On left flank in II Corps area, 85th Div’s 337th Inf pushes slowly down M. S. Croce to outskirts of Terracina; 338th presses steadily toward M. Lenano; 339th seizes Sonnino. In 88th Div sector, 350th Inf reaches Roccasecca. FEC attacks to prevent enemy withdrawal from Liri Valley; makes slow progress since enemy is intent on holding until withdrawal of Hitler Line can be completed. Mtn Corps relieves 88th Div of II Corps on M. Chiavino and seizes M. Pizzuto. 2nd Moroccan Div attacks from S. Oliva area toward Pastena and 3rd Algerian Div from Pico toward Ceprano against determined resistance. 1st Motorized Div guards right flank along the Liri.
British Eighth Army opens general assault against Hitler Line. Cdn 1 Corps, employing Cdn 1st Div, pushes toward Aquino-Pontecorvo road, penetrating enemy’s defense line. Cdn 5th Armd Div is ordered to attack through the gap.
24 May
WAKE – Carrier aircraft of Fifth Fleet attack Wake.
NEW GUINEA – 158th Inf (TF TORNADO), assisted by tanks and flame throwers, drives slowly W along coast to Tirfoam R. In Aitape sector, Nyaparake Force continues withdrawal to defensive positions at mouth of creek about 3,000 yards W of Yakamul.
CBI – In NCAC area, Japanese drive 3rd Marauder Battalion from Charpate, thus recovering N approach to Myitkyina.
On Salween front, Ch 226th and 228th Regiments make unsuccessful frontal attacks against ridge that forms SE end of Pingka valley.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army takes direct control of 36th Engr Combat Regiment, with attachments, from VI Corps; orders it to push S via Littoria to link up with II Corps. VI Corps continues attack toward Cisterna after 30-minute arty preparation. 1st Armd Div drives well beyond Highway 7, CCA thrusting toward Velletri against stiffening resistance and CCB toward Cori against weakening opposition. In center, 3rd Div’s 30th and 7th Regiments close in on Cisterna. 133rd Inf, 34th Div, takes over right flank attack toward M. Arrestino from 1st SSF and advances to RR beyond Highway 7. In II Corps area, elements of 337th Inf, 85th Div, take Terracina – from which enemy has withdrawn – virtually completing current mission of corps. Engineers and rcn elements are opening road to Anzio beachhead. In FEC area, some troops of Mtn Corps are driven from crest of M. Pizzuto but recover it with aid of U.S. 88th Div; others fight seesaw battle for Vallecorsa. Germans continue effective defense of Pastena against 2nd Moroccan Div thrusts. 3rd Algerian Div makes little progress on right flank of FEC.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes Pontecorvo early in day and reduces enemy positions as far N as Aquino, which Germans retain. Attacking through breach made by infantry, Cdn 5th Armd Div reaches Melfa R and establishes bridgehead across it, night 24-25, against heavy fire.
25 May
NEW GUINEA – Command of TF TORNADO (Wakde-Sarmi) passes from Gen Doe, 41st Div ADC, to Brig Gen Edwin D. Patrick. Hq, RCT 158, replaces Hq, RCT 163, as TORNADO hq. Gen Doe is to head assault force for Biak operation. TF HURRICANE leaves Humboldt Bay for Biak in evening. Continuing W toward Sarmi, with 1st Battalion in the lead, 158th Inf takes Maffin No. 1 against scattered opposition. 1st and 2nd Battalions cross Tirfoam and press W toward next objective, Lone Tree Hill, against strong resistance.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, Indian 3rd Div columns begin withdrawal, some elements up Bhamo-Myitkyina road and others toward Mogaung, abandoning roadblock (BLACKPOOL) on railway near Namkwin. This is a matter of some concern to Gen Stilwell, who wants blocking of enemy on S continued. Outflanking enemy, elements of Ch 38th Div block Kamaing road at Seton, evoking strong enemy reaction.
On Salween front, Ch 88th Div is ordered to join 87th and New 28th Divs (71st Army) in drive on Lung-ling, leaving Ch 2nd Army responsible for operations in Pingka-Hsiangta-Mangshih area. 2nd Army orders 76th Div to bypass Pingka, leaving 226th Regiment to besiege the valley. 226th maintains thin line before Pingka until Japanese yield the valley in late September. Japanese are finally forced from defensive positions at E end of Tatangtzu Pass and fall back 8 miles to another line of defense.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army achieves a solid front with junction of VI and II Corps during morning. Brett Force (1st Battalion of 36th Engrs, TD’s, and rcn elements of British 1st Div) makes contact with 91st Cav Rcn Sq of II Corps below Borgo Grappa. Opening of Highway 7 permits supplies to move northward for assault on Rome. VI Corps overruns Cisterna, Cori, and M. Arrestino as enemy opposition collapses. Supporting aircraft take extremely heavy toll of German vehicles fleeing toward Velletri and Valmontone. Over 2,600 prisoners are taken by noon. 1st Armd Div makes little progress toward Velletri but cuts Giulianello-Velletri road just W of Giulianello. 34th Div (-133rd Inf) takes up positions behind 1st Armd Div. In center, 3rd Div seizes Cisterna and Cori; 3rd Regiment, 1st SSF, attacks through 133rd Inf on right flank of VI Corps and secures M. Arrestino. II Corps is informed of impending relief by IV Corps; maintains current positions while waiting for FEC to come up abreast it to right. 339th Inf, 85th Div, crosses Amaseno R into hills W of Priverno. FEC overcomes organized resistance within its sector, at S. Giovanni Incarico on right and Vallecorsa on left. 3rd Algerian Div takes former and Mtn Corps, latter. 1st Motorized Div is withdrawn as FEC reserve.
British Eighth Army also makes rapid progress as enemy begins general withdrawal. Cdn 1 Corps expands bridgehead across the Melfa and passes infantry through armor to exploit toward the Liri. 13 Corps begins forward movement, taking Aquino without opposition and reaching the Melfa, where bridgehead is established. Pol 2 Corps secures rest of Piedimonte as Germans withdraw.
FRANCE – U.S. Eighth Air Force joins in air offensive against coastal batteries, attacking Fecamp and St Valery.
26 May
NEW GUINEA – 1st Battalion, 158th Inf, continues slowly W toward Lone Tree Hill. Preliminary bombardment by naval vessels and arty is poorly timed and permits Japanese to reoccupy positions previously vacated. Enemy is found to be strongly disposed on approaches to Maffin Strip.
CBI – In NCAC area, Japanese further weaken positions of Marauders in Myitkyina area with recovery of Namkwi from 2nd Battalion.
On Salween front, 27th Troop Carrier Sq arrives at Yun-nan-i and within 2 days is dropping badly needed supplies to Y-Force.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps boundary is altered to give the Factory to British. Upon completing extensive regrouping and preparatory bombardment, VI Corps renews attack at 1100. On left flank, 45th and 34th Divs, pushing toward line Campoleone Station-Lanuvio, make average gains of about 1½ miles despite considerable opposition. 1st Armd Div tries in vain to reach Velletri over terrain unsuitable for armor; after nightfall withdraws to reserve, turning over its sector to 36th Div. 143rd Inf, 36th Div, and rcn elements bridge broad gap between 34th and 3rd Divs and apply limited pressure toward Velletri. 3rd Div, assisted by TF Howze of 1st Armd Div, on left, and 1st SSF, on right, drives northward on right flank of corps to positions S and W of Artena; TF Howze cuts Velletri-Valmontone road in push toward Highway 6. In II Corps area, 339th Inf of 85th Div consolidates positions W of Priverno. 88th Div’s 350th and 349th Regiments advance from Roccasecca area across Amaseno Valley, beginning at 2300. In FEC area, 2nd Moroccan Div overruns Pastena and advances into hills E of Castro dei Volsci, pinching out 3rd Algerian Div. Falvaterra falls to 3rd Algerian Div.
British Eighth Army issues orders for regrouping while pursuing retreating enemy. Cdn 1 Corps reaches the Liri, where bridges are down. Patrols find Ceprano clear of enemy. In 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div, driving on Arce, is checked by delaying opposition at Providero Defile. Indian 8th Div takes Roccasecca; later it attempts to outflank Arce in
support of 6th Armd Div. Pol 2 Corps is being pinched out by 13 Corps on left and 10 Corps on right and loses contact with enemy. 10 Corps begins pursuit, with NZ 2nd Div taking axis S. Biagio-Atina-Sora and Italian Liberation Corps directed along Highway 83 toward M. Cavallo.
27 May
NEW GUINEA – TF HURRICANE, consisting largely of 41st Div (-RCT 163), lands on Biak I. in Bosnek area after naval and air preparation. Against token resistance 186th Inf secures initial beachhead and trail over ridges to inland plateau N of Bosnek. 162nd Inf starts W toward airfields, overcoming opposition in Parai Defile to reach Parai. Gen Fuller, commander of 41st Div and of TF HURRICANE, takes command ashore. Japanese air attack causes little damage. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 158th Inf continues drive on Lone Tree Hill and gains positions on it. Japanese begin series of attacks against beachhead – some 200 are committed against Toem, night 27-28.
CBI – In NCAC’s Myitkyina area, 2nd Marauder Battalion, reinforced by 209th Engr Combat Battalion, completely spends its strength in battle just S of Charpate while endeavoring to reach Radhapur.
On Salween front, Ch force securing Huei-jen Bridge area has elements within 5 miles of Hongmoshu. Monsoon rains are restricting activities of both sides.
In China, Japanese begin second phase (TOGO) of ICHI GO operation, moving 2 divs S in region E of Hsiang R.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S, Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 45th and 34th Divs gain ground on left flank of corps against spotty resistance. 1st Armd Div is alerted for breakthrough attempt. 142nd Inf, 36th Div, is to exploit breakthrough if it is achieved by armor. 36th Div commits 141st Inf NE of Velletri to plug gap existing between 143rd Inf and 3rd Div. On right flank of VI Corps, 3rd Div’s 15th Inf clears Artena. TF Howze again fails to reach Highway 6 north of Artena but holds positions dominating it. 1st SSF emplaces arty on crest of hill above Artena on extreme right. 3rd Div organizes Artena area for defense and repels tank-infantry counterattacks. II Corps turns over its sector and troops, except for organic units and 85th Div, to IV Corps, night 27-28. 85th Div troops move into Sezze and hills S of Roccagorga. 350th Inf, 88th Div, seizes Roccagorga. 351st relieves 85th Div on left of 350th. FEC clears Amaseno, M. Siserno, and Castro dei Volsci.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps crosses elements over the Liri in assault boats under fire and occupies Ceprano. In 13 Corps area, elements of 78th Div start toward Ceprano to pursue enemy toward Frosinone from there. 6th Armd Div, assisted by Indian 8th Div, continues efforts to take Arce. In 10 Corps area, Italian Corps of Liberation seizes M. Cavallo from enemy rear guards. NZ 2nd Div gets elements to Atina.
28 May
NEW GUINEA – While 186th Inf expands beachhead on Biak, 162nd continues W toward airfields. Strong opposition develops at road junction W of Mokmer village, but leading elements (3rd Battalion) of 162nd Inf get to within 200 yards of Mokmer airfield. Japanese counterattack strongly, forcing 3rd Battalion back and splitting it. 2nd and 1st Battalions try to clear terrace behind 3rd but make little headway under fire from East Caves on dominating cliff N of Mokmer village. Small craft take ammunition and medical supplies to 3rd Battalion, and platoon of tanks is sent W along coastal road. Deciding that the position is untenable, Gen Fuller recalls 3rd Battalion to positions held night of 27th and requests reinforcements. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 158th Inf continues costly efforts to advance after preparatory arty bombardment. When forward positions become untenable, attack is halted, and assault forces are ordered back to Snaky R line. Gen Patrick requests RCT 163, scheduled for Biak, kept in Wakde area pending arrival of elements of 6th Div.
BURMA – On Salween front, Gen Wei, having decided to commit Ch 71st Army, less 88th Div already over the Salween, across the river below Hwei-tung Bridge to seize Lung-ling while a containing force attacks Japanese on Sung Shan, prepares for ferrying operations at Shihtien, 8 miles S of Hwei-tung Bridge. The Salween is rising sharply because of monsoon rains.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps meets increased resistance on left flank. 180th and 157th Regiments, 45th Div, advance to RR W of Albano road, but 157th is forced back in counterattack. 179th Inf moves forward to fill gap along RR between 45th and 34th Divs. 34th Div, with 133rd Inf on left and 168th on right, battles enemy strongpoints below Lanuvio. 3rd Div patrols actively on right flank of VI Corps. 1st SSF repels enemy thrust down Valmontone road. FEC continues clearing Lepini Mountains. On right, 2nd Moroccan Div is approaching Ceccano.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Germans withdraw from Arce, night 28-29. In 10 Corps area, NZ 2nd Div reaches the Melfa and establishes bridgehead.
29 May
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, first tank battle of SWPA is fought as Japanese attempt to dislodge
2nd Battalion, 162nd Inf, from positions W of Parai. Enemy cuts road E of Parai but counterattack restores situation. Since opposition cannot be neutralized, 162nd Inf withdraws by land and sea, 2nd and 3rd Battalions to Bosnek and Mandom and rest of RCT 162 to small defense perimeter near Ibdi. Japanese move back into Parai Defile, but achieve this success at cost of more than 500 dead. Gen Krueger orders 2 battalions of 163rd Inf to Biak, although Toem-Arare beachhead on the mainland is still threatened. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Patrick directs 158th Inf to send 1 battalion back across Tor R; 1st Battalion is replaced by 3rd and returns to relieve 3rd Battalion, 163rd Inf, at Arare.
CBI – Gen Chennault warns of serious Japanese threat to objectives in E China and asks that Fourteenth Air Force supplies be increased so that enemy can be stopped.
On Salween front, supply situation of Chinese improves as footbridge is repaired. This is later found to be inadequate and air supply is required for Chinese in Mamien Pass.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 1st Armd Div attacks up Albano road with CCB on left and CCA on right, passing through 45th Div; clears Campoleone Station by noon but is slowed beyond there by firm opposition and suffers heavy tank losses. 45th Div’s 180th Inf follows CCB northward while 179th pushes N in region E of Albano road; 157th is withdrawn into reserve. 36th Div continues holding action below Velletri. Enemy continues effective defense of Lanuvio area and inflicts heavy casualties on 34th Div. II Corps takes over sector E of Frascati between VI Corps and British Eighth Army; assumes command of 3rd Div. 337th Inf, 85th Div, closes in Rocca Massima-Giulianello area. In IV Corps area, relief of 88th Div is begun by FEC. 349th Inf is relieved and departs for Anzio beachhead. In FEC area, 2nd Moroccan Div is taking over Siserno hill mass from 4th Mtn Div and repels enemy attack to keep Palombara Pass open until withdrawal is completed.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps begins drive on Frosinone from Ceprano and takes Pofi. 13 Corps finds Arce undefended; establishes bridgehead across upper Liri. 10 Corps takes over inactive zone of Pol 2 Corps, which is to relieve 10 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector and continue drive under AAI control.
30 May
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 186th Inf meets few enemy as it patrols from Parai Defile eastward. 162nd Inf patrols evoke opposition from Japanese in Ibdi pocket, on ridge NW of Ibdi. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 158th Inf organizes new defense line along Tirfoam R. 1st and 3rd Battalions, 163rd Inf, leave for Biak. Japanese attack Arare perimeter after nightfall.
BURMA – Gen Boatner replaces Col John E. McCammon as head of Myitkyina TF.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, enemy continues stubborn defense of Albano, Velletri, and Lanuvio. CCB, 1st Armd Div, reaches Campoleone Creek and is reinforced by 157th Inf. 135th Inf, 34th Div, reduces small enemy position SW of Lanuvio. 36th Div continues holding action below Velletri and at night attacks toward M. Artemisio. 1st British Div is attached to corps at midnight. II Corps continues movement to new zone. During night 30-31, 85th Div relieves elements of 3rd Div. 349th Inf, 88th Div, arrives SW of Cori and is attached to 85th Div. In FEC area, elements of 3rd Moroccan Div move into Palombara Pass.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps continues toward Frosinone and makes contact with French at Ceccano.
U.K. – Loading of assault forces for OVERLORD begins.
31 May
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE continues patrolling and regroups in preparation for renewing attack. 1st and 3rd Battalions of 163rd Inf arrive. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Patrick reduces defense perimeter of TF TORNADO. Main position is between the Tor and Tementoe, but bridgehead is retained across the Tor. In Hollandia-Aitape area, Co G of 127th Inf relieves Nyaparake Force. 1st Battalion, 126th Inf, begins offensive from East Sector to drive enemy back across the Drindarai, advancing against light resistance through Yakamul to Parakovio. Japanese are becoming aggressive in 127th Inf sector along the Driniumor and begin crossing the river.
CBI – On Salween Front, Ch 53rd Army’s supplies are replenished during period 28-31 by 27th Tr Carrier Sq.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders offensive for Colli Laziali by VI and II Corps. In VI Corps area enemy continues stout defense of Albano. 1st Armd Div is withdrawn to reserve. 34th Div is still stalled by stubborn resistance below Lanuvio. Germans thin out between Lanuvio and Velletri after nightfall. 36th Div makes substantial progress on right flank: 142nd Inf takes Maschio d’Ariano and positions commanding Velletri-Nemi road; 143rd moves forward to M. Artemisio; 141st pushes slowly toward Velletri. II Corps attacks toward line of departure for main offensive, 1 June. 85th Div, which takes over left half of II Corps line leaving right half to 3rd Div, attacks with 337th Inf on left and 338th on right, securing positions on M. Artemisio, clearing Lariano, and reaching positions
across Velletri-Artena road. 88th Div is attached to II Corps. IV Corps sector is taken over by 4th Mtn Div, FEC. FEC extends positions northward in Lepini Mountains to Supino and Carpineto.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps finds Frosinone undefended. 10 Corps seizes Sora.
1 June
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE begins offensive to expand perimeter. While 163rd Inf holds beachhead, 186th Inf, with supporting tanks and arty, moves N to surveyed airstrip on inland plateau and repels strong enemy attacks from N and S. 2nd Battalion, 162nd Inf, begins laborious trek northward in effort to make contact with 186th Inf on inland plateau while rest of regiment probes westward from Ibdi. Japanese seize water hole in coastal sector and block main coastal road. Naval and engineer units explore 3 islands of Paidado group – Mios Woendi, Aoeki, and Owi. In Hollandia-Aitape area, ALAMO Force gives Gen Patrick permission to keep rest of 163rd Inf until arrival of 6th Div detachment. In sector of TF PERSECUTION, Japanese force 1st Battalion, 126th Inf, to return to Yakamul, where it will maintain base from which Harech R line can be explored from coast inland.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, Ch 22nd Div force cuts Kamaing Road in Mogaung Valley just SE of Nanyaseik, above Kamaing. With Ch 38th Div holding Seton block below Kamaing, Kamaing garrison is in grave danger, but monsoon rainfall is slowing operations. U.S. reinforcements are being rushed to Myitkyina. 2 engr battalions, GALAHAD replacements, and GALAHAD evacuees have arrived by air between 26 May and 1 June. Supplies are dangerously low, Americans having only food enough for 1 day and Chinese for 2 days. Chinese attack makes little progress. U.S. 236th Engr Battalion pushes toward Namkwi with dual purpose of clearing that region and of gaining combat experience; attack fails, although elements succeed in reaching objective.
On Salween front, elements of Ch 2nd Reserve and 36th Divs (54th Army) reach Shweli Valley from Tatangtzu Pass and join 593rd Regiment, Ch 198th Div, from Mamien Pass. Japanese are drawing off forces from upper Shweli Valley to strengthen Lung-ling area to S. Two regiments of 9th Div, Ch 2nd Army, cross the Salween; 76th Div of same army patrols toward Burma Road.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army opens offensive to destroy German Fourteenth Army. In VI Corps area, British and U.S. troops continue futile efforts to break through to Albano and block escape of enemy to E. British 1st Div, on extreme left, is unable to advance. 45th Div makes limited progress. 34th Div gains a little ground below Lanuvio. 141st Inf, 36th Div, takes Velletri after hard battle. 142nd Inf consolidates positions on M. Artemisio; 143rd, relieved of Maschio d’Ariano by 337th Inf of 85th Div, advances SW along the ridge. II Corps opens final offensive for Rome, aiming first at Highway 6 and Cave road. On left flank, 85th Div, with 337th Inf on left and 338th on right, attacks toward M. Ceraso against strong resistance. 349th Inf, 88th Div, is committed to right, where gap is developing, and drives to heights N of RR. On right flank of II Corps, 3rd Div attacks northward in Valmontone area. 30th Inf and TF Howze, reinforced by elements of 7th, make slow progress on left. On right, 15th Inf pushes to Highway 6, and 1st SSF takes high ground SE of Valmontone. 91st Cav Rcn Sq screens right flank ahead of 3rd Div. IV Corps is officially withdrawn from line at 1400.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps, moving up Route 6 toward Rome, reaches Ferentino.
2 June
U.S. – CCS issue new directive to SEAC, a compromise between British and U.S. positions. British view that air link to China should be developed in order to support operations in the Pacific is accepted. Ground operations are to be pressed only insofar as they are of assistance to build-up of Hump tonnage. Capture of Myitkyina area of N Burma and construction of pipelines to China are to be integral parts of the main operation.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 186th Inf attacks W along inland plateau toward airfields; against sporadic but persistent opposition, reaches positions almost abreast those of 162nd Inf in Ibdi area. 2nd Battalion, 162nd Inf, joins 186th Inf and is attached to it. In coastal sector, 162nd Inf recovers water hole, reduces roadblock, and blocks trail leading inland. Co A, 163rd Inf, occupies Owi and Mios Woendi Islands. In Hollandia-Aitape area, TF PERSECUTION’s 1st Battalion, 126th Inf, is formed into 2 forces: Herrick Force is to hold Yakamul; Bailey Force is to patrol southward from Yakamul along the Harech.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, formal siege of Myitkyina begins, with Chinese tunnelling toward enemy.
On Salween front, Ch 36th Div takes Kaitou village and surrounds Chiaotou in Shweli Valley. In China, Japanese offensive in Honan draws to a close, enemy having secured his objectives there at light cost.
ITALY – AAI: Temporarily alters interarmy boundary to permit U.S. Fifth Army greater freedom of movement.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, the enemy, after stubborn defense through day, withdraws main forces, night 2-3. 45th Div makes little progress
toward Albano. 168th Inf, 34th Div, takes Villa Crocetta and crosses Genaro Hill to reach RR; patrols enter Lanuvio, night 2-3. 142nd and 143rd Regiments of 36th Div advance abreast on right flank of VI Corps, seizing hills just E of M. Cavo and hills E of Tano Hill. 141st Inf reaches Highway 7 before dawn and drives W along it until relieved by 157th Inf of 45th Div, which has moved from left flank of VI Corps to Velletri area to reinforce 36th Div. 157th continues W along the highway to positions 2½ miles W of Velletri. RCT 361, 91st Div, closes at Velletri and is attached to 36th Div, but is not committed to action before fall of Rome. II Corps gains initial objective and enemy begins to withdraw. 85th Div, having regrouped, attacks with 339th Inf on left, 337th in center, and 338th on right. 339th, which is to finish clearing Maschio d’Ariano, takes M. Fiore. 337th seizes M. Ceraso and pushes almost to Highway 6. 1st Battalion, 338th, reaches Highway 6 at S. Cesareo. 88th Div’s 351st Inf overruns S. Cesareo and cuts Highway 6; 349th captures Gardella Hill. On left flank of 3rd Div, TF Howze and 7th Inf drive to Labico; 7th Inf continues toward Palestrina area. 30th Inf pushes through Valmontone, which enemy has abandoned, to positions near Cave. 15th Inf takes over from 1st SSF task of guarding right flank. 1st SSF, under II Corps control, drives down Highway 6 and gains contact with FEC east of Colle Ferro at 1530. In FEC area, Lepini Mts have been cleared of stragglers by 3rd Algerian and 2nd Moroccan Divs.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps seizes Alatri. U.S. Fifteenth Air Force begins shuttle bombing (coded FRANTIC) between Italy and Soviet bases. 130 bombers and 70 fighters, after attacking rail targets at Debrecen (Hungary), continue E and land at the 3 new American bases in USSR – Poltava, Morgorod, and Piryatin.
3 June
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE’s 186th Inf continues W on broad front to positions N of Parai. Japanese do not oppose advance, but terrain makes progress slow. Supply line is tenuous and water must be brought inland from coast. 162nd Inf (-) attempts unsuccessfully to push W through Parai Defile. It is decided that the Ibdi Pocket must be cleared before westward attacks can continue. Engineer, AA, radar, and arty units move to Owi I. In Hollandia-Aitape area, Japanese in TF PERSECUTION zone are still active around Yakamul and bypass Herrick Force to reach positions W of Yakamul.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 42nd and 150th Regiments and 1st Battalion of 89th continue attack on Myitkyina; suffering 320 casualties. Operations are to be temporarily suspended in order to avoid further casualties and to train U.S. troops.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 45th and 34th Divs push toward Albano from S and SE. 45th drives N to RR and is followed by 1st Armd Div, reinforced by 135th Inf of 34th Div, which is to continue attack through 45th Div. In 34th Div sector, 168th Inf takes Lanuvio early in day; 100th Battalion (Nisei) overcomes rear-guard opposition on M. du Torri by 0100 on 4th; 133rd Inf overruns Genzano before dawn of 4th. 157th Inf is attached to 34th Div upon entering its sector; bypassing M. du Torri, seizes road junction on Albano road north of RR, night 3-4. 36th Div’s 141st Inf takes Nemi and road junction E of Lake Albano; 142nd clears crest of M. Cavo; 143rd eliminates strongpoint on Tano Hill. II Corps, having regrouped extensively in order to swing W on Rome, gets into position for final assault. 85th Div pushes toward Frascati, elements reaching hills NE of town. 88th Div column drives through Colonna to final phase line S of Tor Sapienza by 0400 on 4th. 349th Inf, guarding Highway 6 near Zagarolo, is attached to 3rd Div. TF Howze, which is reinforced and attached to 1st SSF, drives up Highway 6 against rear-guard resistance and secures Osteria Finocchio road center. 1st SSF, upon relief on right flank by FEC, moves forward to right of TF Howze. 3rd Div guards right flank while awaiting relief by FEC. 15th Inf, the first unit to be relieved, takes up positions NE of Osteria Finocchio. 7th Inf moves W in region N of Highway 6. FEC moves forward to rear of II Corps. 3rd Algerian Div advances along Highway 6, relieving right flank elements of II Corps. 2nd Moroccan Div takes up positions facing Paliano and Genazzano to defend right rear of FEC.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps takes Anagni.
U.K. – Loading of cross-Channel assault forces is completed.
4 June
SWPA – GHQ begins preparations for seizure of Noemfoor I., between Biak and Manokwari. The island, containing 3 airdromes, can be used as a staging area and also as base from which to cover sea lanes W of Biak.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE halts westward drive because of possible enemy attack and spends rest of day in uneventful patrolling. In Ibdi area, 162nd Inf makes limited progress in clearing trail leading inland and ridge lines extending from it. In Hollandia-Aitape area, Japanese, after preparatory bombardment, counterattack Herrick Force of TF PERSECUTION in Yakamul area, forcing elements on far side of stream to retire. Bailey Force is ordered to relieve
Herrick Force and starts N toward Yakamul, bypassing enemy block on trail.
CBI – On Salween front, Chinese silence enemy fire on heights commanding Huei-jen Bridge. 88th and 87th Divs, Ch 71st Army, are converging on Lung-ling, 88th from Pingka and 87th along Burma Road. Elements of Ch New 28th Div take Lameng; others are containing Sung Shan garrison.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army columns, some motorized, converge on Rome against rear-guard opposition and are enthusiastically welcomed by the populace. Elements of 88th Rcn Tr of II Corps are the first to enter but cannot deepen penetration. Gen Clark designates garrison of the Eternal City: 3rd Div, less one regiment that will remain in the city as Fifth Army reserve; British 1st Battalion, the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment; 1 composite battalion of FEC. 3rd Div is to command the garrison forces. In VI Corps area, 1st Armd Div takes Albano and drives up Highway 7 into Rome while 36th Div, to E, advances into E suburbs. 45th and 34th Div task forces secure crossing sites below Rome. In II Corps area, 1st SSF and 88th Div columns, making main effort, 1st SSF along Highway 6 and 88th Div along Via Prenestina, are delayed W of Centocelle for about 9 hours but push on through to city. 1st SSF fans out within Rome to take Tiber bridges N of Ponte Margherita. 88th Div TF’s, based on 1st Battalions of 351st and 350th Regiments, drive through the city and seize Ponte Milvio and Ponte del Duca d’Aosta. On left flank of II Corps, one 85th Div force drives through Frascati and along Via Tuscolana to Rome, taking Ponte Cavour there; another cuts Highway 7. FEC completes relief of 3rd Div on right flank of II Corps. Forward elements of 3rd Algerian Div reach Aniene R at Lunghezza. 1st Motorized Div is committed to right.
British Eighth Army regroups in order to place 2 fresh armd divs, British 6th and S African 6th, in van of pursuit that 13 Corps is to lead. 13 Corps takes command of S African 6th Armd Div from Cdn 1 Corps. Cdn 1 Corps is withdrawn into reserve.
U.K. – At SHAEF, Gen Eisenhower postpones D Day 24 hours, to 6 June, because of unfavorable weather forecasts.
5 June
SWPA – Gen MacArthur tells Gen Krueger that ALAMO Force will direct the Noemfoor operation.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, Gen Krueger urges TF HURRICANE to intensify efforts to take airfields quickly. 186th Inf resumes westward attack without opposition and reaches main ridge, NE of Mokmer airfield, which 3rd Battalion scales. In Ibdi area, 162nd Inf succeeds in clearing trail inland and making contact with 186th Inf but, despite support of naval vessels offshore, can make little headway in Parai Defile. In Hollandia-Aitape area, initial elements of 6th Div arrive at Toem and begin relief of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO. TF PERSECUTION’s Herrick Force is withdrawn from Yakamul to beachhead by water. Bailey Force completes arduous trek via perimeter of Co G, 127th Inf, 2 miles W of Yakamul, and is sent W along coast to the Driniumor, to which Co G and its supporting arty also retire. During action in Yakamul area, 1st Battalion, 126th Inf, has suffered 18 killed, 75 wounded, and 8 missing and has killed 200-250 Japanese. 1st Battalion of 127th Inf, which has been trying for several days to drive enemy from ridge N of Afua, makes stronger effort and finds that Japanese have abandoned the ridge.
CBI – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, conferring with Gen Stilwell, asks that B-29 tonnage be diverted to meet Japanese threat in E China. Gen Stilwell agrees to request permission if situation grows worse.
On Salween front, 20,000 troops of Ch 71st Army have crossed to W bank of the Salween. Drive on Lung-ling continues.
11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of British Fourteenth Army area, battle of Kohima is successfully concluded as British 2nd Div clears Aradura Spur, S of Kohima, but Kohima-Imphal road must still be opened by 33 Corps working S and 4 Corps pushing N.
THAILAND – B-29’s of U.S. XX Bomber Command, on their first mission, attack Bangkok in force.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Alexander orders vigorous pursuit of enemy to line Rimini-Pisa. Fifth Army, on W, is to seize Viterbo airfield and port of Civitavecchia, then advance on Leghorn. British Eighth Army is to advance astride the Tiber to clear Terni and Rieti.
U.S. Fifth Army gets most of assault forces across the Tiber and pursues enemy as rapidly as possible, VI Corps using Highway 1 and II Corps, Highway 2. Fifth Army takes control of 3rd Div for garrison duty within Rome. In VI Corps area, British 5th and 1st Divs in coastal sector get advance elements to lower Tiber, where bridges must be built. 1st Armd Div’s CCB spearheads advance of 36th Div and CCA, that of 34th Div. II Corps employs 85th Div on left and 88th on right as it speeds northward. 91st and 117th Cav Rcn Sqs provide flank protection. FEC crosses the Aniene and drives to the Tiber, then suspends forward movement until S African 6th Armd Div of British Eighth Army can cross its front.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div concentrates E of Rome in preparation for pursuing enemy northward along Route 3
(Via Flaminia) W of the Tiber. British 6th Armd Div, advancing along Route 4 (Via Salaria) E of the river, makes contact with enemy outposts N of Rome. 10 Corps, which is initially to advance on Rieti, takes command of Indian 8th Div.
6 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group (Gen Montgomery, CG): Allied forces invade France, landing on coast of Normandy. Although OVERLORD is under supreme command of Gen Eisenhower, Gen Montgomery heads all land forces, Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory the air forces, and Adm Ramsay the naval forces. Powerful air and naval bombardment precedes and follows landings. Strategic aircraft join with tactical in pounding assault zone. Surprise as to time and place of invasion is achieved and casualties are extremely light on all beaches except OMAHA. Naval opposition is absent and air reaction is feeble. Seaborne assault – H Hour being 0630 for Americans and a little later for British – is preceded 4-5 hours by the largest airborne operation yet attempted. 3 divs are dropped to facilitate inland movement of seaborne assault forces. Drops are scattered, but paratroopers largely accomplish their mission of securing beach exits, advancing in small groups across hedgerow country.
In Gen Bradley’s U.S. First Army area, VII Corps (Gen Collins), on extreme right, lands W of Vire Estuary on UTAH Beach. Its primary mission is to seize port of Cherbourg as quickly as possible. 101st and 82nd A/B Divs are dropped behind UTAH Beach in region between Ste Mère-Eglise and Carentan. 101st secures beach exits in St Martinde-Varreville-Pouppeville region and makes contact with seaborne 4th Div; blocks roads at Foucarville, which enemy surrenders night 6-7; takes lock at La Barquette, N of Carentan, but is unable to secure crossings of the Douve on either side of Carentan as planned. Enemy is resisting strongly in Carentan-St Côme-du-Mont area. 82nd A/B Div, upon dropping astride the Merderet, takes Ste Mère-Eglise but fails to gain its other objectives – crossings of the Merderet and Douve, and making contact with 101st A/B Div in Beuzeville-au-Plain area – small groups are isolated W of the Merderet. At H-2, 4th Cav Gp detachment makes unopposed landings on Iles St Marcouf. 4th Div, reinforced by 359th Inf of 90th Div, lands at H Hour, 8th Inf leading, and against relatively light opposition secures beachhead; 8th Inf gets some elements to Les Forges crossroads and others to Turqueville area, but enemy retains salient between these and 82nd A/B Div units at Ste Mère-Eglise. Tank-infantry TF (from 325th Gli Inf of 82nd A/B Div and 746th Tank Battalion) arrives in Les Forges area but is unable to break through to 82nd A/B Div. 12th Inf, 4th Div, reaches Beuzeville-au-Plain area to left of first A/B Div, and 22nd advances along coast to general line Hamelde-Cruttes-St-Germain-de-Varreville. V Corps (Maj Gen Leonard T. Gerow) lands to E of VII Corps on OMAHA Beach at H Hour but suffers heavy losses in men and equipment because of adverse surf conditions and raking fire delivered from sharply rising bluffs that command the narrow beach. 1st Div, reinforced by 116th Inf of 29th Div, initially puts 116th and 16th Regiments ashore; rest of 1st Div and 115th Inf of 29th land later in day. 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions are attached to 116th Inf to clear Pointe du Hoe. 3 cos of 2nd Ranger Battalion, supported by fire from naval vessels offshore, scale steep cliff of Pointe du Hoe and take coastal battery, which enemy has abandoned; during next 2 days withstand series of sharp counterattacks against their isolated position. Other Rangers and 116th Inf (-) land between Vierville-sur-Mer and Les Moulins and overrun former. Elements of 116th Inf land E of Les Moulins and make futile effort to reach St Laurent-sur-Mer. On left flank of V Corps, 16th Inf and follow-up regiments (115th, 18th, 26th) make maximum penetration of about 1½ miles between St Laurent-sur-Mer and Colleville; 3rd Battalion of 16th Inf, on extreme left, takes Le Grand Hameau.
British Second Army (Lt Gen Myles C. Dempsey) lands to E of U.S. First Army on 3 beaches (GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD) between Le Hamel and Ouistreham and presses inland toward Bayeux and Caen. In 30 Corps area, 50th Div, reinforced by 8th Armd Brig, elements of 79th Armd Div, and 47th Royal Mar Cdo, lands on GOLD Beach in Le Hamel – La Rivière sector; against strong opposition at Le Hamel, drives inland toward Bayeux, reaching general line Vaux-sur-Aure-St Sulpice-Vaux-sur-Seulles-Brécy-Creuilly; makes contact with Cdn 3rd Div to left. Preparations are made for attack on Bayeux at daylight. 1 Corps puts troops ashore on JUNO and SWORD and drives on Caen from NW and N. Well before the seaborne assault, 6th A/B Div (-) is dropped E of the Orne in Caen area; secures bridges over Orne R and Caen Canal at Bénouville and destroys coastal battery at Merville. Cdn 3rd Div, reinforced, lands on JUNO in Courseulles area and thrusts rapidly inland 3-6 miles; armored patrols reach Bayeux-Caen highway at Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse. British 3rd Div, reinforced, lands to left on SWORD and drives inland to Biéville, within about 2 miles of Caen, but gap exists between it and Cdn 3rd Div. Germans make their only major counterattack of the day through the gap but are forced back almost to starting line.
FRANTIC – 104 B-17’s and 42 P-51’s of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force attack airfield at Galati (Rumania), staging from bases in USSR.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps races northward, CCB of 1st Armd Div reaching positions about 25 miles from Rome where it is passed through at 2200 by 168th Inf, 34th Div.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps progresses rapidly W of the Tiber; S African 6th Armd Div reaches Civita Castellana. Stronger opposition E of the river makes going slower, but British 6th Armd Div reaches Monterotondo. In 10 Corps area, Indian 8th Div pursues enemy to Subiaco.
CBI – Because of Japanese offensive in China, Gen Stilwell increases Hump allocation to Fourteenth Air Force to 8,325 tons. 1,500 more tons from B-29 allocation bring total tonnage for Fourteenth Air Force to the 10,000 Gen Chennault requested.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, upon orders from Gen Fuller to clear Mokmer airfield at once and drive on to coast S of there, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE prepares to drive on the airfield instead of clearing heights commanding it as planned. Attack is postponed until 7th in order to amass sufficient supplies. After receiving supply of water, 3rd Battalion, followed by 1st, moves down W slope of ridge in preparation for attack on airfield. 162nd Inf continues to meet lively opposition in coastal sector.
POA – TF 58 sails from the Marshalls for the Marianas.
U.S. – JWPC issues study, “Operations Against Japan, Subsequent to Formosa,” in which the following schedule for 1945 is suggested for planning purposes: Phase 1 – take Bonins and Ryukyus and attack China coast (1 April-30 June); Phase 2 – consolidate and exploit (30 June-30 September); Phase 3 – invade Japanese home islands, Kyushu on 1 October and Honshu on 31 December.
7 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army continues attack toward D Day objectives. Gen Eisenhower, visiting the front, orders VII and V Corps to make speedy junction through Isigny and Carentan. VII Corps gives 101st A/B Div task of clearing Carentan. V Corps makes 29th Div responsible for seizing Isigny. In VII Corps area, 4th Div, with 22nd Inf on right and 12th on left, drives northward toward line Quinéville-Montebourg until halted by strong opposition from permanent fortifications at Crisbecq and Azeville; 8th Inf columns converge on Ste Mère-Eglise, where they assist elements of 82nd A/B Div in throwing back major enemy counterattack from N. Tanks of 10th and 746th Tank Battalions also give valuable assistance. Other elements of 82nd A/B Div clear E bank of the Merderet but are violently opposed at La Fière bridge across it and are unable to relieve isolated elements W of the river. 82nd A/B Div is strengthened by arrival of 325th Gli Inf Regiment in gliders and by sea. Seaborne elements (1st Battalion) move forward with 8th Inf of 4th Div; the other battalions are committed at La Fière and N of Ste Mère-Eglise. To S, 101st A/B Div units on N bank of the Douve temporarily suspend efforts to establish bridgeheads but receive surrender of enemy detachments from Le Port and La Barquette; 506th Para Inf (-3rd Battalion) moves S from Culoville to reconnoiter in force toward the Douve but is stopped near St Côme-du-Mont. V Corps continues toward initial objectives with 29th Div on right and 1st on left. 116th Inf of 29th Div and Rangers are clearing bluffs on V Corps right flank; relief force pushing toward Rangers on Pointe du Hoe reaches St Pierre-du-Mont area. 175th Inf of 29th Div, upon landing, is given task of taking Isigny; moving between 116th and 115th Regiments, advances quickly along Longueville-Isigny road, taking La Cambe before dawn of 8th; 115th Inf clears St Laurent region and pushes SW toward Louviéres and Montigny. Elements of 26th Inf, 1st Div, on right flank of div, make futile attempt to reach Formigny; 18th Inf, in center, thrusts to Engranville, Mandeville, and Mosles; 16th, on left, takes Huppain. Enemy retains narrow corridor between U.S. and British bridgeheads along Drome R to its junction with Aure R. 2nd Div begins landing in evening.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div overruns Bayeux and gets 2 regiments S of Bayeux-Caen highway. 47th Royal Mar Cdo begins battle for Port-en-Bessin in afternoon. In 1 Corps area, Cdn 3rd Div brig pushes S of Bayeux-Caen highway.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Alexander issues new orders for pursuit of enemy. U.S. Fifth Army is to advance to general area Pisa-Lucca-Pistoia, while Eighth Army is to push toward line Florence-Bibbiena-Arezzo as rapidly as possible. 5 Corps is to remain on the defensive in Adriatic coastal sector. 2 Pol Corps will be committed only if enemy cannot be cleared from Ancona.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div, advancing through night 6-7, seizes Civitavecchia and its port, 40 miles NW of Rome. This port, although damaged, soon becomes valuable in supplying assault forces.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps shifts axis of advance from N to NW. S African 6th Armd Div, followed by 78th Div, turns toward Orvieto, important road center, on Viterbo-Bagnoregio road. E of the Tiber, British 6th Armd Div swings toward Terni instead of Rieti.
CBI – In NCAC area, Chinese commanders call Gen Boatner’s attention to the dangerously reduced strength of Chinese forces in Myitkyina area. Limited operations are continued there while preparations are being made for offensive on 10th.
On Salween front, Ch 88th Div of 71st Army reaches East Gate of Lung-ling. Ch 87th Div, moving along Burma Road, is approaching the city.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 186th Inf, assisted by arty and aircraft, drives quickly across Mokmer airfield to beach without opposition, but Japanese then subject entire area to intense fire. Supply of 186th Inf by sea is begun under fire. 162nd Inf begins movement by sea of bulk of its troops in coastal sector to Mokmer airdrome via Parai in order to exert pressure against Parai Defile from Waswell as E and open it to coastal traffic. Limited effort is being made against Ibdi Pocket area. Enemy’s East Caves position, E of Mokmer airfield, is being neutralized by fire. In Hollandia-Aitape area, 2nd Battalion joins 1st Battalion of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, in Tor R bridgehead. Both patrol uneventfully toward Maffin No. 1. In TF PERSECUTION’s sector, Japanese become active about 1,300 yards W of Afua on Afua-Palauru supply line. Gap exists in outer defense line along the Driniumor, where regrouping is conducted. 1st Battalion, 128th Inf, replaces 1st Battalion, 126th, in N part of line.
U.S. – Gen Marshall rejects request, made by Gen Stilwell at instigation of Chiang Kai-shek and Gen Chennault, that B-29 stocks be used by Fourteenth Air Force in the event of an emergency in China.
8 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Contact is established between U.S. First and British Second Armies near Port-en-Bessin.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps begins all-out drive on Cherbourg with 4 outfits – 505th Para Inf (82nd A/B Div) and 8th Inf (4th Div) on W and 4th Div’s 12th and 22nd Regiments on E. Enemy again halts assault of 22nd Inf at edge of Azeville-Crisbecq fortifications; 12th Inf fights bitterly for Edmondeville. On W, attack reaches general line from Montebourg highway through Magneville to the Merderet. 82nd A/B Div remains under strong enemy pressure along the Merderet. On VII Corps S flank, 101st A/B Div opens battle for Carentan in effort to effect speedy junction with V Corps: 506th Inf (-), strongly reinforced, forces enemy from St. Côme-du-Mont; div then regroups along the Douve with orders to cross in vicinity of Brévands. V Corps secures D Day objectives. 116th Inf of 29th Div and Rangers succeed in relieving hard-pressed units of 2nd Ranger Battalion on Pointe du Hoe and push on to Grandcamp; 175th Inf continues rapid drive on Isigny and takes it with ease, night 8-9; 115th drives S to the Aure through Longueville. In 1st Div sector, Formigny falls to elements of 18th Inf from Engranville; 26th Inf, making main effort to trap enemy between U.S. and British bridgeheads, overruns Tour-en-Bessin and, night 8-9, Ste Anne; 16th attempts to block enemy escape from Port-en-Bessin, but enemy retains escape corridor and withdraws bulk of his forces through it, night 8-9.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Port-en-Bessin falls to 47th Royal Mar Cdo early in day. 50th Div compresses enemy’s escape corridor in conjunction with U.S. V Corps, taking Sully and château at Fosse Soucy, but pulls back under enemy pressure.
ITALY – AAI: British 5 Corps, holding Adriatic coastal sector, finds that enemy is withdrawing and moves forward.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 133rd Inf, leading 34th Div’s pursuit up Highway 1, encounters delaying opposition S of Tarquinia. II Corps, to speed advance, commits 2 TF’s ahead of 85th and 88th Divs – TF Howze on left and TF Ellis (91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinforced) on right. Forward elements get to within 6 miles of Viterbo before corps is halted in order to give S African 6th Armd Div right of way. Shift of interarmy boundary to left greatly narrows zone of 88th Div.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div makes rapid progress toward Orvieto on left flank. E of the Tiber, British 6th Armd Div encounters enemy positions extending W from Monte Maggiore and is held up at Passo Corese; puts infantry in the lead, night 8-9.
CBI – On Salween front, Ch 88th Div of 71st Army penetrates outer defenses of Lung-ling. Ch 87th Div reaches North Gate of the city and blocks Japanese supply route at Manio Bridge, on Teng-chung-Lung-ling road.
NEW GUINEA – Seventh Fleet PT boats begin operating from Mios Woendi. On Biak, 186th Inf of TF HURRICANE improves and consolidates positions in Mokmer airdrome area. 2nd Battalion of 162nd Inf meets heavy fire as it advances E to rejoin parent unit and halts on ridge N of East Caves. 162nd Inf completes movement of bulk of its 1st and 3rd Battalions to Parai. Japanese continue to resist stubbornly in Parai Defile despite pressure from W and E by elements of 163rd, 186th, and 162nd Regiments. Elements of 162nd Inf pushing W from Parai toward Mokmer airfield are strongly opposed but reach positions near Mokmer village. In Hollandia-Aitape area, 1st and 2nd Battalions of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, with tank support, attack W after brief arty preparation. Considerable resistance develops, but attack progresses to within 1,500 yards of the Tirfoam.
9 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 4th Div makes significant progress at some points as it continues drive on Cherbourg:
on right flank, 22nd Inf forces German garrison of Azeville fortifications to surrender and organizes TF BARBER to drive on Quinéville through Azeville gap; 12th Inf thrusts quickly northward from Edmondeville, reducing strongpoint at Joganville; during hard and costly fighting, 8th Inf overruns enemy positions at Magneville and drives to Ecausseville, from which enemy withdraws after nightfall. 505th Para Inf, 82nd A/B Div, reinforced by battalion of 327th Gli Inf, makes limited progress W of Magneville; 82nd A/B Div makes main effort at La Fière, where 2 battalions of 325th Gli Inf, followed by 1st Battalion of 508th Para Inf, cross the Merderet and secure bridgehead of sufficient depth to include all units that had been isolated W of the Merderet. 101st A/B Div prepares for 2-pronged attack on Carentan via causeway and Brévands, but its jump-off is delayed awaiting bridge repairs. V Corps attacks S toward Fôret de Cerisy on 3-div front, committing 2nd Div in narrow zone between 29th and 1st. From Isigny, main body of 175th Inf, 29th Div, thrusts S to its objectives, reaching La Fotelaie, while Co K, reinforced by Rcn Tr and tanks, forces crossing of the Vire R at Auville-sur-le Vey; 115th Inf crosses the Aure S of Canchy and fans out to Bricqueville, La Folie, and Le Carrefour. In center of V Corps, 2nd Div’s 38th Inf pushes into Trévières and begins clearing it while 9th, to E, thrusts to Rubercy. 1st Div, attacking with 18th Inf on right and 26th on left, reaches its left flank objectives, Agy and Dodigny. 2nd Armd Div begins landing.
British Second Army is pushing forward toward Tilly-sur-Seulles in 30 Corps zone and Caen in 1 Corps zone against strong opposition.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 133rd Inf of 34th Div overruns Tarquinia. 361st Inf of 91st Div enters line, taking over coastal sector under command of 36th Div. Viterbo falls without a fight to CCA, 1st Armd Div, early in day. II Corps is being relieved by FEC.
British Eighth Army establishes new boundary between 13 and 10 Corps along Tiber R. Elements of 13 Corps E of the river (British 6th Armd and 4th Inf Divs) pass to command of 10 Corps. In 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div makes contact with U.S. Fifth Army at Viterbo and pushes on toward Orvieto. In 10 Corps area, British 6th Armd Div continues toward Terni. Indian 8th Div reaches Arsoli.
USSR-FINLAND – As prelude to main summer offensive, Soviet troops of Leningrad Front launch attacks to eliminate Finnish threat on Karelian Isthmus, between Lake Ladoga and Gulf of Finland, striking at Finnish Mannerheim Line after 3-hour preparatory bombardment.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten directs Gen Giffard, CG 11 Army Group, to clear Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal road not later than mid-July; to clear Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal Plain-Yuwa-Tamanthi region; to prepare to attack across the Chindwin in Yuwa-Tamanthi area after the monsoon.
On Salween front, Ch 71st Army begins attack on 2 of 3 hills in Lung-ling. 9th Div of Ch 2nd Army blocks Burma Road 4 miles S of Mang-shih; because of disagreement between army and group army commanders, 9th Div later withdraws the block and confines its activities to patrolling.
NEW GUINEA – Engr aviation battalions begin building strip on Owi. On Biak, main body of 162nd Inf, TF HURRICANE continues W along coast toward Mokmer airfield against heavy fire from East Caves; makes contact with 2nd Battalion, which reverts to regiment. Efforts are being made to discover limits of the East Caves position. In Hollandia-Aitape area, 1st and 2nd Battalions of 158th Inf, TF TORNADO, continue to Tirfoam R, overrunning enemy defenses en route. Forward movement from there is halted since 158th Inf is to be prepared to attack Noemfoor I. at short notice. A second RCT of 6th Div is to relieve 158th Inf. In sector of TF PERSECUTION, Japanese are found to have withdrawn from Afua-Palauru trail. Sq of RAAF Beaufighters of Wing 71 arrives at Tadji, where only 110th Rcn Sq of U.S. Fifth Air Force has been stationed from 25 May to date.
10 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII and V Corps establish contact at Auville-sur-le-Vey, but enemy remains in Carentan. In VII Corps area, TF BARBER, on 4th Div right, makes little headway through Azeville gap toward enemy’s MLR on Quinéville ridge, since enemy is disposed in strength on the TF flanks; efforts to reduce Ozeville and Château de Fontenay are futile; 12th Inf reaches positions just below Montebourg-Quinéville highway in region E of Montebourg and is well ahead of rest of 4th Div; 8th Inf gains its objectives along Le Ham-Montebourg highway. 505th Para Inf, 82nd A/B Div, takes one of its objectives, Montebourg Station, but is halted a little short of the other, Le Ham. 60th Div (less 359th Inf, attached to 4th Div) attacks W toward the Douve through 82nd A/B Div’s Merderet bridgehead but makes little headway; 357th Inf crosses at La Fière and pushes toward Les Landes; 358th crosses at Chef-du-Pont and moves on Pont l’Abbé, getting a little beyond Picauville. 101st A/B Div begins envelopment of Carentan: 327th Gli Inf moves in from NE upon crossing the Douve near Brévands and cuts E exits from the town; bitter battle develops on W, where 3rd Battalion, 502nd Para Inf, inches across causeway NW of Carentan under enemy fire, which supporting arty is unable to silence; elements of 401st Gli Inf make contact with V Corps units at Auville-sur-le-Vey.
9th Div arrives and begins to debark. V Corps gains its objectives with little difficulty since German lines above Caumont have given way and gap 10 miles wide is virtually undefended. 29th Div’s 115th Inf reaches Elle R line. 38th and 9th Regiments of 2nd Div speed through Fret de Cerisy to objectives. 18th Inf, 1st Div, reaches St Lô-Bayeux highway.
In British Second Army area, 30 Corps commits 7th Armd Div to action in Tilly-sur-Seulles region, where enemy is resisting strongly. I Corps continues to press toward Caen.
ITALY – AAI: British 5 Corps pursues enemy up Adriatic coast, Indian 4th Div taking Pescara and Chieti.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s VI Corps area, 1st Armd Div, relieved by 36th Div on left and FEC on right, is withdrawn from line. 36th Div is responsible for entire VI Corps zone. In II Corps area, final elements of corps are withdrawn from line. In FEC area, Lt Gen Edgar de Larminat, as head of Pursuit Corps, directs advance of 3rd Algerian Div on W and 1st Motorized Div on E in narrow sector, largely W of Highway 2, on Fifth Army right flank.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, enemy rear guards are slowing S African 6th Armd Div below Bagnoregio. 4th Div reverts to corps from British 10 Corps upon relief E of the Tiber by Indian 8th Div. 10 Corps is meeting considerable resistance below Terni. NZ 2nd Div reaches Avezzano.
CBI – In NCAC area, Allied troops launch coordinated attack on Myitkyina but make little progress. In Mogaung Valley, Ch forces are pushing closer to Kamaing, which is besieged. On Salween front, Ch 87th and 88th Divs are supplied with ammunition by air as they continue to attack hills in Lung-ling. In China, Japanese have 5 divs along the Liu-yang R and are threatening Changsha.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, Gen Krueger again urges Gen Fuller to secure airfields as quickly as possible. Bulk of 162nd Inf, TF HURRICANE, advances cautiously W toward Mokmer airdrome. Enemy continues to resist in Parai Defile. AT Co of 162nd Inf and Co A, 186th, are recalled from ridges extending W from trail inland, which they have been trying in vain to clear since 7th. In Hollandia-Aitape area, hq of TF PERSECUTION orders positions along the Driniumor improved quickly; in the event of attack, enemy is to be delayed first along line X-ray R-Koronal Creek and second at the Nigia. Main line of resistance about the airfields is to be held. Japanese patrol activity is decreasing in Driniumor area but increasing along S branches of Niumen Creek, about 3,000 yards E of the Driniumor.
U.S. – U.S. Eighth Army is activated at Memphis, Tennessee.
11 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 4th Div’s TF BARBER continues futile efforts to break through Azeville gap to Quinéville ridge in coastal sector; 12th Inf gains its objective – W end of Montebourg-Quinéville ridge – but pulls back behind Montebourg-St Floxel road since its flanks are exposed; 8th Inf digs in along Le Ham-Montebourg road when enemy fire prevents forward movement to the RR. 82nd A/B Div’s 505th Para Inf, making main effort with 2nd Battalion of 325th Gli Inf, thrusts into Le Ham under heavy fire and finds Le Ham deserted. 90th Div continues to make slow progress W of the Merderet, but partly surrounds Pont l’Abbé. 101st A/B Div presses in slowly on Carentan against unabated opposition: On right, 3rd Battalion of 502nd Para Inf, after crossing the Madeleine R and clearing enemy strongpoints, is joined by 1st Battalion; determined counterattacks are repelled and 2nd Battalion, 502nd Para Inf, takes over line, night 11-12. While main body of 327th Gli Inf conducts holding action along canal on left, elements move in to outskirts of Carentan along Bassin Flot. Destructive fire is placed on Carentan during night 11-12, and Germans quietly abandon the town. In V Corps area, elements of 2nd Armd Div (3rd Battalion, 41st Armd Inf Regiment) are committed to strengthen bridgehead at Auville-sur-le-Vey, since VII Corps’ 101st A/B is fully occupied with battle for Carentan. V Corps front is quiet except at tip of Fôret de Cerisy, where elements of 2nd Div reduce strongpoint at Haute Littée crossroads.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 7th Armd Div breaks into Tilly-sur-Seulle but is forced out by enemy.
USSR-FINLAND – Continuing offensive against Mannerheim Line, Soviet forces drive wedge 15 miles deep on 30-mile front in Finnish positions.
FRANTIC – U.S. Fifteenth Air Force planes attack Focsani airfield while returning to Italy from their first shuttle bombing mission between there and USSR.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps (Gen Crittenberger) takes command of VI Corps sector and of 36th Div. VI Corps, which is to participate in Operation ANVIL under U.S. Seventh Army, has driven nearly 65 miles N of Rome with little difficulty, but there are indications that rear-guard opposition will soon increase. In FEC area, Montefiascone falls to 1st Motorized Div. 3rd Algerian Inf Div secures Valentano.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div is unable to break through enemy delaying line below Bagnoregio. In 10 Corps area, British 6th Armd Div crosses Galantina R, from which enemy has departed, and takes Cantalupo.
CHINA – Japanese attack in strength across Liuyang R and meet little opposition from Chinese of IX War Area.
NEW GUINEA – U.S. 6th Div commander, Maj Gen Franklin C. Sibert, his hq, 20th Inf, and miscellaneous units of 6th Div arrive at Toem. On Biak, TF HURRICANE opens assault with 2 regiments abreast to clear region N and W of Mokmer airfield. 186th Inf, on left along coast, easily reaches first phase line, about 1,350 yards beyond W end of runway. 162nd Inf gets left flank to first phase line but is halted a little short of line of departure, extending inland from coast at Monoebaboe, on right. Japanese laborers bring news of Japanese West Caves strongpoint, some 1,000 yards NW of 3rd Battalion, 162nd Inf. Elements of TF HURRICANE probing toward East Caves are recalled to Mokmer airdrome. Japanese in Parai Defile finally yield to pressure from E and W.
MARIANAS – As invasion convoy, after rendezvousing off the Marshalls, sails for Saipan, carrier planes of TF 58 begin preinvasion softening of the Marianas, a day ahead of schedule, with fighter sweep in afternoon that gains control of the air. Enemy losses through destruction or serious damage are estimated to be from 147 to 215 planes. Of 225 U.S. aircraft launched, only 12 are lost.
12 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 39th Inf of 9th Div, attached to 4th Div, is given part of 22nd Inf’s sector along coast and takes Crisbecq, from which enemy has withdrawn, as well as Dangueville and Fontenay-sur-Mer, forcing enemy back to his MLR on Quinéville ridge. With strong fire support, including naval, 22nd Inf makes concerted assault on Ozeville and captures it; 12th Inf moves forward again to Les Fieffes Dancel, at W end of Quinéville ridge; 8th Inf makes limited attack on Montebourg, but finds it strongly held and pulls back. W of the Merderet, 90th Div commits 359th Inf, which is returned to it by 4th Div, between 357th and 358th but is still unable to make much headway; night attack, 12-13, on Pont l’Abbé by 358th overruns the town, which has been leveled by arty and aerial bombardment. 508th Para Inf of 82nd A/B Div, reinforced and organized as a TF, crosses the Douve at Beuzeville-la-Bastille, night 12-13, in effort to make contact with 101st A/B Div at Baupte. 101st A/B Div envelops and captures Carentan: Brig Gen Anthony McAuliffe coordinates final assault, which is made by 506th Para Inf, replacing 502nd, on right and 327th Gli and to its E 501st Para Regiments on left; after 501st and 506th Regiments close circle about Carentan, elements of latter and 327th Gli Inf drive rapidly into the town and eliminate stragglers; to secure approaches to Carentan, 506th and 501st Regiments thrust toward Baupte and Priers, respectively, but are soon stopped; 327th Gli Inf pushes SE to Montmartin-en-Graignes region and makes contact with elements of V Corps. In V Corps area, 29th Div TF (2 cos of 115th Inf) crosses the Vire to reconnoiter in Montmartin-en-Graignes area and take bridges over Vire-Taute Canal but is halted by strong opposition in Montmartin-en-Graignes region. To meet expected enemy counterattack in weak sector between VII and V Corps, elements of 2nd Armd Div are ordered to Montmartin-en-Graignes area. V Corps begins attack toward St. Lô and is vigorously opposed on right. 115th Inf, 29th Div, makes futile attempt to cross Elie R SE of Ste Marguerite-d’Elle; 3rd Battalion crosses but is driven back with severe casualties. 116th Inf attacks through 115th in evening and succeeds in crossing. 23rd Inf, 2nd Div, attempts to reach Hill 192, which commands approaches to St. Lô from N and E, but is stopped at Elie R; 9th Inf, on div left, against lighter resistance, advances in conjunction with 1st Div and takes Litteau ridge. On left flank of V Corps, 1st Div, with 18th Inf on right and 26th on left, thrusts to edge of Caumont.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div maintains pressure on enemy near Tilly-sur-Seulles. 7th Armd Div begins flanking attack on right flank of corps and pushes through Livry to positions E of Caumont.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Civitavecchia port is opened to LST traffic. IV Corps continues pursuit of enemy northward, advancing a little less rapidly than VI Corps had, against gradually increasing resistance. 36th Div, reinforced by 361st Inf of 91st Div and tanks and TD units, is in assault, its advance screened by 117th Cav Rcn Sq. TF Ramey, under Brig Gen Rufus S. Ramey, consisting of 91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinforced by 141st Inf of 36th Div and supporting units, is formed to screen right flank of IV Corps and maintain contact with French. Enemy is offering delaying opposition in vicinity of Orbetello.
CBI – On Salween front, Ch 115th Inf recovers Hongmoshu, in Huei-jen Bridge area.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 2nd Battalion of 163rd Inf, 41st Div, arrives; 186th Inf remains on first phase line patrolling actively while awaiting forward movement of 162nd Inf to right. Regimental boundary is extended 300 yards on N; 162nd Inf is still furiously opposed on right, where 3rd Battalion works slowly forward, advance elements gaining but 300 yards; gap of almost 900 yards exists between 3rd and 2nd Battalions at end of day. Engineers begin repairs on Mokmer airdrome. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Sibert takes command of TF TORNADO. Hq, 6th Div, becomes
headquarters of TF TORNADO, replacing Hq, RCT 158.
MARIANAS – Aircraft of TF 58 continue attacks to complete destruction of enemy planes and wreck airfields; attack enemy convoy attempting to escape, sinking 10-14 ships; sink a cargo vessel just off Saipan and severely damage another; sink enemy vessel in Tanapag harbor.
13 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army halts southward attack of V Corps at end of day, ordering it to hold positions while VII Corps makes main effort to cut Cotentin Peninsula and take Cherbourg. XIX Corps (Gen Corlett), which is not yet operational, is given mission of securing and deepening corridor between VII and V Corps in Carentan-Isigny region. In VII Corps’ 4th Div sector, 39th Inf (attached) makes limited progress against coastal strongpoints S of Quinéville; 22nd Inf gets into position for drive down ridge to Quinéville; 12th maintains positions at W end of Quinéville ridge; 8th contains enemy at Montebourg. 90th Div, whose commander is replaced, continues extremely slow advance, reaching general line Gourbesville-Pont l’Abbé. The 508th Para Inf force of 82nd A/B Div reaches Baupte by 0800 as Germans withdraw hastily. Enemy makes strong effort from SW to recover Carentan and gets almost to city limits before 101st A/B Div, assisted by elements of 2nd Armd Div, halts attack. 101st A/B Div then attacks with 502nd Regiment, which passes through 506th, on N and 501st on S and reaches line along road from Baupte to Carentan-Périers highway; 327th Gli Inf, expecting counterattack that does not materialize, pulls back to defense positions along N side of RR between Carentan and the Vire. VII Corps is now securely joined with V Corps. V Corps halts attack toward St Lô at end of day. Isolated elements of 175th Inf, 29th Div, withdraw from Montmartin-en-Graignes area; 116th Inf takes St Clair-sur-Elle and Couvains. 38th Inf, 2nd Div, with strong arty support, pushes about 2 miles beyond Elle R toward St Lô. Caumont falls to 1st Div in morning.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 7th Armd Div reaches Villers-Bocage, important communications center, but withdraws northward to tie in with U.S. V Corps, after enemy counterattack gets almost to road from there to Caumont. 50th Div is still held up near Tilly-sur-Seulles.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div breaks through enemy positions at Bagnoregio and pushes on toward Orvieto. In 10 Corps area, British 6th Armd Div advances through Narni to Terni, arriving just as enemy demolishes bridge.
BURMA – In NCAC sector, hard fighting is in progress in Myitkyina area, where Japanese penetrate positions of Co K, NEW GALAHAD, but are finally halted.
CHINA – CBI theater ships trainload of arms and ammunition from Kweilin to Hengyang for Chinese IX War Area in response to information by U.S. observer group there that Chinese need them.
NEW GUINEA – Acceding to request by Gen Fuller for a fresh regiment, Gen Krueger alerts 34th Inf, 24th Div, for movement to Biak on 18 June. On Biak, Mokmer airfield is repaired sufficiently for fighter planes to use it. 186th Inf, 41st Div, continues to patrol from first phase line; 162nd endeavors in vain to close gap between 3rd and 2nd Battalions; 1st Battalion moves forward to protect right and rear of 162nd Inf. Enemy fire from East Caves position has been neutralized enough for trucks to use coastal road.
MARIANAS – G-2 estimates that 15,000-17,600 enemy troops are on Saipan and 10,150-10,750 on Tinian. TF 58 continues aerial bombardment of the Marianas and begins naval bombardment as well in effort to destroy enemy’s defenses. 7 fast BB’s and 11 DD’s pound W coast of Saipan and Tinian at long range with doubtful results. During further air attacks on enemy shipping, a transport is sunk and other vessels are set on fire. Mine sweepers operate off W coast of Saipan under protection of TF 58. Enemy offers no opposition to air attacks on Saipan.
U.S. – JCS ask Adm Nimitz and Gen MacArthur to comment on the following proposals: (1) advance target dates so that invasion of Formosa, tentatively planned for 15 February 1945, can be advanced; (2) bypass certain objectives, among them S Philippines, also to hasten invasion of Formosa; (3) bypass certain targets, including S Philippines and Formosa, in order to advance directly to Japan. Both men subsequently reply in the negative.
14 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy’s MLR on N crumbles under attacks of 4th Div: 39th Inf (attached) overcomes strong opposition in Quinéville and finishes clearing coastal region to S with capture of Fort St Marcouf; 22nd Inf clears heights W of Quinéville. 90th Div is relieved of task of driving W to the Douve by 9th Inf and 82nd A/B Divs and starts pivoting northward to protect left flank of 9th Div: 357th Inf begins fighting in Gourbesville; 359th starts swing to N; 358th, after pushing about 1,000 yards W of Pont l’Abbé, is relieved by 82nd A/B Div. 60th Inf, 9th Div, attacks toward Ste Colombe on narrow front as 90th Div turns N, reaching
Valognes-Pont l’Abbé highway. 82nd A/B Div thrusts W astride Pont l’Abbé-St Sauveur-le-Vicomte road with 507th Para and 325th Gli Regiments abreast and gains about a mile. 79th Div arrives at UTAH Beach. XIX Corps becomes operational and has under its command 29th Div, transferred from V Corps, and 30th Div, which is concentrating between the Vire and Taute.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, additional enemy pressure from S forces 7th Armd Div to withdraw farther northward to Parfouru-l’Eclin area. U.S. V Corps arty assists in repelling enemy attacks.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Alexander learns that VI Corps hq will be withdrawn for ANVIL at once, 3rd Div on 17 June and 36th on 27 June; 2 French divs are to be withdrawn to Naples area, one on 24th and the other in early July. AAI is still committed to task of clearing Italy S of line Pisa-Rimini. Advanced Hq opens at Frascati.
In U.S. Fifth Army area, Liberty ships are now able to use Civitavecchia port. IV Corps continues to push N and NW, elements taking Magliano. FEC boundary is moved W and TF under Gen Guillaume (1st Gp of Tabors and 1st Moroccan Inf) assumes responsibility for left flank.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Orvieto falls to S African 6th Armd Div without a struggle. 78th Div, to E, overtakes enemy rear guard and inflicts heavy losses in vehicles and guns.
CBI – In NCAC area, battle for Myitkyina continues, with Allied forces making slight progress against stiff resistance. Gaps in Allied positions around Myitkyina are being used by enemy to isolate small units. Gen Boatner orders Morris Force (Indian 3rd Div TF), on E bank of the Irrawaddy opposite Myitkyina, to attack at once and is informed by its leader, Brig G. R. Morris, that Japanese command routes of approach, terrain is flooded, and men are exhausted. In Mogaung Valley, Chinese are tightening ring about Kamaing.
On Salween front, Japanese are reinforcing positions within and near Lung-ling and begin vigorous counterattacks. Of 21 battalions of Ch XI Group Army in Lung-ling area, only 9 are participating in action for this city. Chinese are forced from Manio Bridge, which Japanese at once put into use. Continuing offensive in China, Japanese take Liu-yang, increasing threat to Changsha.
NEW GUINEA – Gen Krueger orders Gen Eichelberger, CG of U.S. I Corps and of TF RECKLESS, to Biak to replace Gen Fuller as CG TF HURRICANE. 1st Battalions of 162nd and 186th Regiments circle northward around 3rd Battalion of 162nd Inf to positions above low ridge that is barring forward movement and then push W abreast, 1st Battalion of 162nd on left coming up against perimeter of Japanese West Caves strongpoint. Japanese efforts to oust 1st Battalion, night 14-15, fail. In Wakde-Sarmi area, rest of 6th Div arrives at Toem; 20th Inf relieves 158th Inf at the Tirfoam. 158th takes up positions on W bank of Tementoe Creek and patrols S and E.
MARIANAS – As Adm Hill’s Western Landing Group, with 2nd and 4th Mar Divs embarked, approaches Saipan, 2 bombardment groups under Rear Adm Jesse B. Oldendorf open fire. These, consisting of 7 old BB’s, 11 cruisers, 26 DD’s, a few APDs, and mine sweepers, get within closer range and achieve better results than did ships of TF 58. Underwater demolition and mine sweeping operations are conducted along coast.
15 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps (Maj Gen Troy H. Middleton) becomes operational and has mission of establishing defensive positions from Carentan W across the Cotentin Peninsula and protecting SW flank of VII Corps, 101st A/B Div is transferred to it from VII Corps in current positions. In VII Corps area, Gen Collins decides that main effort of corps will be to cut off Cotentin Peninsula as soon as possible. 357th Inf of 90th Div completes capture of Gourbesville, but div makes little progress elsewhere; battalion of 358th Inf is committed on right flank. In 9th Div sector, 47th Inf is committed on right and moves quickly to high ground W of Orglandes; 60th Inf is forced back to line of departure by strong counterattack, the last E of the Douve, but recovers about half the lost ground. Against decreasing resistance, 82nd A/B Div’s 505th Para Inf, after relieving 507th, drives to positions S of Reigneville; 325th Gli Inf advances to within 1,000 yards of St Sauveur-le-Vicomte. XIX Corps begins limited attacks to improve defensive positions. 30th Div, which has not yet landed all of its components, attacks with 120th Inf and takes Montmartin-en-Graignes. 29th Div’s 175th Inf – upon relief, night 15-16, N of Elle R by 119th Inf, 30th Div – moves to line of departure S of river.
ITALY – AAI: British 5 Corps continues N along Adriatic coast, 3rd Carpathian Div replacing Indian 4th Div in line.
In U.S. Fifth Army area, VI Corps hq is assigned to U.S. Seventh Army for Operation ANVIL. IV Corps reaches Ombrone R line and sends patrols into Grosseto; begins crossing the river after nightfall.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps overcomes rear-guard opposition at Ficulle and Allerona. In 10 Corps area, pursuit of enemy toward Perugia is continued beyond Todi after bridge is completed at Terni.
CBI – In NCAC area, indecisive fighting for Myitkyina continues. On Salween front, Ch forces containing Sung Shan – triangular hill mass that dominates 36 miles of Burma Road where it crosses the Salween – make limited attack that overruns peak at SE corner; Ch efforts to take another, at SW corner, are unsuccessful.
JAPAN – China-based B-29’s of XX BC make their first attack on Japanese homeland, dropping 221 tons of bombs on Imperial Iron and Steel Works’ Yawata plant, Kyushu I.
SWPA – Planners issue RENO V, the last of the RENO series of plans, calling for establishment of air bases, between July and October, on Vogelkop Peninsula and on Morotai, latter being timed simultaneously with POA’s invasion of the Palaus; invasion of the Philippines at Mindanao on 25 October in order to gain bases from which to support operations in mid-November against Philippine targets farther N; invasion of Luzon in early 1945
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, Gen Eichelberger arrives and takes command of TF HURRICANE. Forward movement is limited by enemy tank attacks from West Caves stronghold. 1st Battalion, 162nd Inf, presses slowly S toward ridge where 3rd Battalion is fighting. Efforts of 162nd Inf to close gap between 3rd and 2nd Battalions are frustrated, but the gap is narrowed to about 500 yards. Air support of the Marianas from Biak is impossible. Enemy is still interdicting use of Mokmer airdrome.
SAIPAN – U.S. VAC marines invade island, beginning at 0840, landing on W coast after saturation naval and aerial bombardment. While reserve elements conduct diversionary demonstration in Tanapag Harbor area, 2nd and 4th Mar Divs make main landings near Charan Kanoa. 2nd Mar Div, employing 26th Marines on N and 8th Marines on S, lands N of Afetna Pt. 4th Mar Div, with RCT 23 on left and RCT 25 on right, goes ashore S of Afetna Pt. Gap between the assault divs at Afetna Pt. is broader than expected since elements of 2nd Mar Div land N of assigned beaches. Against strong opposition, including scattered tank attacks, marines press inland, overrunning town of Charan Kanoa. By end of day beachhead is about 10,000 yards long and over 1,000 yards deep in most places, but flanks are insecure and enemy retains Afetna Pt. Good progress is made in unloading reserves and supporting weapons. CP’s of 2nd and 4th Mar Divs are established ashore. Japanese suffer heavy casualties in determined but abortive attempts to destroy the beachhead, night 15-16. Illumination of naval star shells assists marines in the night action. 27th Inf Div, VAC reserve, is en route to Saipan; RCT 106 is detached for duty with Guam assault force.
BONIN-VOLCANO IS. – U.S. carrier-based planes attack Chichi Jima and Haha Jima in the Bonin group and Iwo Jima in the Volcano Is., concentrating on airfields, barracks, and fuel stores.
16 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps finishes clearing region E of the Douve and establishes bridgehead. Corps objectives are advanced as attack progresses very rapidly against retreating enemy. 90th Div employs 358th Inf in region to right of 9th Div. 9th Div attacks with 4 regiments: 39th, which 4th Div has released; 359th of 90th Div, temporarily attached; 47th; and 60th. Driving rapidly through Ste Colombe, 60th Inf establishes bridgehead across the Douve before Néhou with 2nd Battalion; rest of 9th Div clears region E of the Douve. 82nd A/B Div makes substantial gains: 325th Gli and 505th Para Regiments reach St Sauveur-le-Vicomte before noon and are joined there by 508th Para Inf, which 507th has relieved at Baupte; 505th and 508th then establish bridgehead 2,000-3,000 yards deep. In XIX Corps area, 120th Inf of 30th Div takes heights commanding Vire-Taute Canal and remains there defending canal line while 29th Div, in conjunction with V Corps’ 2nd Div, pushes toward St Lô. 175th Inf drives against Hills 90 and 97, NW of St Lô, while 116th, reinforced by battalion of 115th, attacks toward NE end of Martinville ridge (Hills 147 and 150). Strong opposition halts attack well short of objectives. In V Corps area, 2nd Div, with 3 regiments in assault, attacks for Hill 192; 3rd Battalion of 38th Inf gets to within 700 yards of its crest; div attack is then halted for some time.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps elements meet delaying opposition at Citta della Pieve. In 10 Corps area, Indian 8th Div, driving toward Perugia, overruns Bevagna and Foligno.
CBI – In NCAC area, Ch forces (149th Regiment of 50th Div attached to 22nd Div) in Mogaung Valley overrun Kamaing. 114th Regiment of Ch 38th Div, bypassing Kamaing, effects junction with Chindits of Indian 3rd Div at Gurkhaywa.
On Salween front, continuing counteroffensive in Lung-ling area, Japanese have driven Ch 87th Div back 3 miles from the city. To N, Ch 2nd Reserve and 36th Divs overrun Chiaotou.
In China, Japanese open attacks on Changsha, from which Ch garrison from 4th Army is leaving for Paoching.
NEW GUINEA – Allied commanders meet to consider invasion of Noemfoor. 30 June is tentatively chosen as D Day. On Biak, TF HURRICANE continues attack with 2nd Battalion of 186th Inf making main effort. The battalion closes gap on low ridge and develops W limits of enemy’s West Caves position before withdrawing for night.
MARIANAS – Adm Spruance postpones indefinitely landing on Guam, tentatively scheduled for 18 June, since major naval battle appears to be imminent from enemy fleet movements; issues orders to meet this threat. Naval surface forces begin preinvasion bombardment of Guam. On N flank of Saipan beachhead, 2nd Mar Div consolidates and strengthens present positions, committing 2nd Marines on left; 8th Marines, on 2nd Div right, quickly clears Afetna Pt and Charan Kanoa pier and establishes contact with 4th Mar Div. 4th Mar Div, rearranging its lines before renewing assault, commits reserves, 24th Marines. Jumping off at 1230, 4th Div advances to positions generally along O-1 ridge line against strong resistance particularly on right where terrain is also an obstacle. Advance party of XXIV Corps Arty lands and establishes CP. 27th Div’s 165th Inf lands, night 16-17.
17 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div, against disorganized resistance, breaks through to W coast, sealing off Cotentin Peninsula as attack continues through night 17-18. Coastal road is cut at Barneville-sur-Mer and Grande Huanville. 90th Div reaches assigned defensive line Golleville-Urville and halts. 82nd A/B Div, which is to pass to VIII Corps control, is ordered to establish bridgehead S of the Douve at Pont l’Abbé. In XIX Corps area, efforts of 29th Div to advance are largely contained by enemy strongly established in gap between 175th and 116th Regiments near Villiers-Fossard. 115th Inf is committed in center but is unable to reduce the enemy salient. 175th Inf, employing a single battalion, is stopped on Hill 108.
ITALY – AAI: 2 Pol Corps, under AAI control, takes command of Adriatic coastal sector from British 5 Corps, which by this time has advanced to line Teramo-Giulanova. Poles are to continue pursuit toward Ancona.
In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps commits RCT 517 (Para) on right of Highway 1 to give it battle experience before it joins U.S. Seventh Army for Operation ANVIL. 36th Div continues steadily northward.
In British Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, torrential rains begin, slowing movement. When bridge across the Tiber 3 miles N of Todi is completed, advance on Perugia continues astride the river. Indian 8th Div encounters strong opposition SE of Perugia at Bastia, where Chiasco R is forced.
ELBA – French TF based on 9th Colonial Inf Div, under control of AFHQ, lands on Elba and begins clearing the island. This operation, coded BRASSARD and originally planned for an earlier date, is undertaken to disrupt enemy’s seaborne traffic and assist offensive on mainland.
CBI – On Salween front, Ch 88th and 87th Divs are ordered to fall back in Lung-ling area, and XI Group Army later withdraws to line Mengmao-Hwangtsoapa.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, British casualties during battle of Imphal Plain, 4 March to date, total 2,669 killed and nearly 10,000 wounded and missing. Japanese are estimated to have lost 30,000.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE, attacking with 1st Battalions of 186th and 162nd Regiments, clears heights commanding West Caves strongpoint. P-38’s, unable to reach Wakde I., after attack on Sorong, land successfully at Owi, although the field is not yet completed. Since reinforcement of Aitape sector is being considered to meet imminent threat, Gen MacArthur offers Gen Krueger use of a regiment of 31st Div.
SAIPAN – RCT 105, 27th Div, lands but is not committed to action; 2nd Battalion is attached to 4th Mar Div and 1st to 165th Inf. NTLF commander, Gen Holland Smith, and XXIV Corps Arty commander, Brig Gen Arthur M. Harper, set up CP’s ashore. After intense preparatory bombardment, marines begin attack that gains immediate objectives except in center, where heavy enemy fire is directed from 600-yard gap existing between 2nd and 4th Mar Divs in difficult terrain around Lake Susupe. On N flank of beachhead, 2nd Mar Div’s 2nd and 6th Marines press NE and 8th Marines, reinforced by elements of 29th Marines, advances due E. Enemy holds out stubbornly in coconut grove in 8th Marines sector. In 4th Mar Div zone, enemy soon pins down left flank of 23rd Marines, causing gap to develop between the assault battalions that is filled after dark by 3rd Battalion of 24th Marines. 24th Marines, in 4th Div center, and 25th Marines, on right, reach O-2 line, 24th against strong resistance; 25th Marines, from N part of ridge W of Aslito airfield, penetrates building area N of airfield proper. 165th Inf of 27th Div, attached to 4th Mar Div, is closely supported by arty and naval gunfire as it fights for Aslito airfield and heights commanding it. Because of threat of naval battle, planes of TF 58 are diverted from support duties to conduct searches and neutralize Guam and Rota.
18 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery, CG, issues his first written directive since invasion of France, calling for speed-up of operations to take Caen and Cherbourg.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, plans are completed for drive on Cherbourg, next big objective
of First Army. 9th Div improves blocking positions and frustrates enemy efforts to escape southward from Cotentin Peninsula, inflicting heavy losses. In XIX Corps area, enemy continues stubborn opposition to advance on St Lô. 3rd Battalion of 175th Inf, 29th Div, which 119th Inf of 30th Div has relieved at Meauffe, drives to Le Carillon and from there is sent to aid of 1st Battalion of 175th Inf on Hill 108.
USSR-FINLAND – Soviet forces break through Finnish Mannerheim Line on Karelian Isthmus.
ITALY – AAI: On right flank of U.S. Fifth Army’s FEC, 1st Motorized Div occupies Radicofani, which dominates Rome-Florence road.
British Eighth Army CG decides to confine advance of 10 Corps beyond Perugia to road through Umbertide and Citta di Castello instead of along Route 71 as originally planned. 13 Corps, making main effort, is to use Route 71 and secondary road through Sinalunga. British columns converging on Perugia are meeting delaying opposition near the town. Germans quietly abandon positions at Citta della Pieve, in 13 Corps zone, night 18-19.
CBI – In NCAC area, activity of Myitkyina TF subsides to patrolling and skirmishing.
On Salween front, in Shweli Valley, Ch 36th Div of 54th Army begins assault on Watien, and 116th and 130th Divs reach positions near Chiangtso, 4 miles SE of Watien.
In China, Japanese overrun Changsha, which Chinese have abandoned.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE is regrouping and getting into position for final assault to clear entire region from which enemy can fire on Mokmer airfield. 34th Inf, 24th Div, arrives from Hollandia and takes over positions of 186th Inf W of Mokmer airdrome. Gen Fuller leaves Biak to take new position in SEAC. Gen Doe replaces Gen Fuller as CG of 41st Div. Gen Krueger informs Gen MacArthur that he prefers to use Cav RCT 112 to reinforce Aitape rather than break up 31st Div. Gen Krueger orders Gen Sibert to begin offensive in Wakde-Sarmi area. Sibert plans to attack W from the Tirfoam on 20th with 20th Inf, which 1st Inf is to relieve for this purpose.
SAIPAN – LCI gunboats and Marine arty defeat efforts of Japanese to move reinforcements from Tanapag Harbor to the front early in day. 2nd Mar Div remains in place except on right, where coconut grove in 8th Marines’ sector is cleared. 4th Mar Div drives to E coast of Saipan at Magicienne Bay, cutting island in two. 25th and 24th Marines, on right and in center, respectively, drive to O-3 line, which lies partly along E coast, but 23rd Marines, on div left, fights hard to get 400 yards E of Lake Susupe, short of objective. 27th Div’s 165th Inf takes ridge W and SW of Aslito airfield and the airfield itself during morning against light resistance, enemy having fallen back to Nafutan Pt. The field is renamed Conroy Field for Col Gardiner J. Conroy, commander of 165th Inf, who was killed at Makin; later, it is renamed Isley Field for Comdr Robert H. Isely, naval aviator lost over Saipan, and misspelled “Isley” consistently. Main attack, later in day, is made by RCT 165 on left and RCT 105 on right; RCT 165 gets almost to Magicienne Bay without opposition, but RCT 105 is slowed by terrain. Transports with 106th Inf are detached from Southern Attack Force and ordered to Saipan.
19 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery schedules offensive for British Second Army for 22-23 June. Violent storm, lasting through 22nd, seriously handicaps build-up of troops and supplies.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps begins final drive on Cherbourg with 3 divs abreast. On left, 9th Div, attacking with 60th and 39th Regiments, advances quickly northward to Helleville, St Christophe-du-Foc, and Couville; 4th Cav Sq of 4th Cav Gp, which is attached to div to screen right flank, reaches St Martin-le-Gréard; battalion of 359th Inf, 90th Div, is also committed on div right flank, to hold Rocheville area. In center, 79th Div’s 313th and 315th Regiments attack from line Golleville-Urville, which 60th Div has previously secured; 313th reaches its objective, Bois de la Brique, but 315th, directed to bypass Valognes and cut Cherbourg highway NW of there, is halted SW of Valognes and left in position to contain town from W; 314th moves forward during night to take over div left, and 313th shifts to right flank of div. 4th Div, on VII Corps right, encounters firm opposition from forces deployed for defense of Cherbourg. 8th and 12th Regiments attack on either side of Montebourg, which 3rd Battalion of 22nd Inf finds clear of enemy, well before dawn, 8th reaching positions just SE of Valognes and 12th abreast it to right. 24th Cav Sq, 4th Cav Gp, screens right flank of 4th Div. In VIII Corps area, 82nd A/B and 90th Divs are transferred to VIII Corps from VII Corps. Starting night 18-19, 82nd A/B establishes bridgehead S of the Douve at Pont l’Abbé.
ELBA – French complete occupation of island.
CBI – On Salween front, Ku-tung falls to elements of Ch 2nd Reserve Div pushing S toward Teng-chung. Ch 53rd Army is preparing to attack Chiangtso.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE opens coordinated assault for airfields after preparatory arty fire. 186th Inf, making main effort in region N and W of West Caves, reaches ridges W of Hill 320, cutting road leading S to West Caves and enveloping rear of West Caves position. Enemy opposition is scattered. New orders call for 162nd
Inf to reduce West Caves while 186th continues to clear region to NW and 34th seizes Borokoe and Sorido airdromes.
SAIPAN – New phase opens as marines pivot N, 4th Mar Div moving around 2nd Mar Div, to clear N part of island. 27th Div is to clear Nafutan Pt and S coast, a task presumed to be merely a mop-up mission. 165th Inf reaches S coast of Magicienne Bay without opposition. In 105th Inf sector, 3rd Battalion is virtually unopposed as it moves forward over rugged terrain; 1st Battalion, after frontal assault on the first of a series of ridges of enemy’s Nafutan position fails, moves to outflank enemy. Late in day, 1st Battalion of 165th Inf is sent back to airfield to plug gap that has developed in line of 105th.
BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA – Over the Marianas, carrier planes of TF 58 engage huge force of planes from enemy carriers and inflict crippling losses. Japanese lose over 400 aircraft; there is only superficial damage to a few vessels of TF 58 and only 17 U.S. planes are destroyed. Efforts are made to locate Japanese fleet.
20 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery decides that British offensive cannot begin before 25 June since arrival of VIII Corps units has been delayed.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps continues rapidly toward Cherbourg, 9th and 79th Divs coming up against semicircular belt of fortifications 4-6 miles from the city. 9th Div’s 60th Inf moves quickly N through Vasteville to positions just short of its objective – Hill 170 – E of Haut Biville; 47th follows to Vasteville, then turns E and advances short distance toward Bois du Mont du Roc. 79th Div reaches positions between St Martin-le-Gréard and Bois de Roudou. 4th Div is virtually unopposed as it moves to line from Le Thiel to Bois de Roudou, just short of enemy’s MLR within its sector. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div elements, assisted by tanks and engineers, make limited and futile effort to reduce Villiers-Fossard salient.
USSR-FINLAND – Viipuri falls to Soviet forces of Leningrad Front, insuring safety of Leningrad and opening Gulf of Finland to Soviet fleet.
ITALY – AAI: Period of rapid advance northward comes to a close about this time since enemy has been able to re-form his units and strengthen his positions. Delaying line is disposed across Italy below Gothic Line, where enemy is prepared to make a stand. Pol 2 Corps, across Aso R, seizes Fermo and Pedaso.
U.S. Fifth Army is about half way between the Tiber and the Arno. IV Corps, which has met increased rear-guard opposition during past 10 days, holds line extending E from junction of Highways 1 and 73. FEC gets forward elements to Orcia R, a tributary of the Ombrone, where it is halted. 1st Motorized Div, which is to participate in ANVIL, is replaced in line by 2nd Moroccan Div at midnight, 20-21.
In British Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, 6th Armd Div enters Perugia without opposition. 13 Corps, in center and on right flank, encounters forward positions of enemy delaying line extending from Lake Trasimeno W to Chiusi.
CBI – Gen Stilwell and his force of NCAC are transferred from operational control of Fourteenth Army commander to direct control of Supreme Allied Commander. GALAHAD situation is now critical because of battle exhaustion and disease, and it is apparent that Myitkyina cannot be taken quickly. Personnel from rear area are forced to return to the battle when at all fit for duty.
On Salween front, Ch 36th Div seizes Watien, in Shweli Valley.
Vice President Henry A. Wallace arrives in Chungking, China, for talks with Chiang Kai-shek and Gen Chennault.
SWPA – During planning conference at Gen Krueger’s hq, it is decided that D Day for Noemfoor should be postponed to 2 July.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 1st Battalion of 162nd Inf begins attack on West Caves strongpoint but makes little headway. 163rd Inf establishes outpost on Hill 320. 34th Inf occupies Borokoe and Sorido airdromes and the village of Sorido against negligible resistance; establishes blocking positions to prevent enemy from reinforcing main battle area. On Aitape front, Japanese strengthen positions in Yakamul area and halt patrolling in this region by 128th Inf. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 6th Div begins westward attack from the Tirfoam toward Lone Tree Hill. 20th Inf drives along coast to Snaky R without difficulty but is stopped by heavy fire from defile between Lone Tree Hill and E nose of Mt. Saksin.
SAIPAN – Marines complete pivoting movement for northward drive, 4th Div coming up to right of 2nd, and are on O-4 line, a little below enemy’s MLR, which crosses island from just below Garapan to NW corner of Magicienne Bay. As 4th Div swings around 2nd, 25th Marines encounters and reduces well-organized enemy positions on Hill 500, just W of Tsutsuuran village. 27th Div begins converging drives on Nafutan from N and W. 165th Inf, reinforced by 1st Battalion of 105th, attacks S toward Nafutan Pt at noon after preparatory fire and gains about 1,000 yards. 3rd Battalion, 105th, continues E along S coast for about 600 yards; it is then but 100 yards from 165th Inf force. 106th Inf lands on Saipan and is
placed in corps reserve. 2nd Battalion, 105th Inf, reverts to 27th Div.
BATTLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SEA – In final phase of this major sea action, planes from TF 58 attack strong Japanese naval force well W of Saipan and sink 2 carriers, 2 DD’s, and 1 tanker; severely damage 3 carriers, 1 BB, 3 cruisers, 1 DD, and 3 tankers. 16 U.S. planes are destroyed by enemy; 73 others are lost because they cannot locate carriers in darkness or because they run out of fuel. Subsequent efforts to overtake the enemy fleet are unsuccessful.
21 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, while 9th and 79th Divs patrol and reorganize for final assault on Cherbourg, 4th Div closes along the city’s main defenses to right – Hill 178 – NW edge of Bois du Coudray-Hill 158. 22nd Inf gets battalion on Hill 158, cutting lateral road between Cherbourg and St Pierre-Eglise. At night, Gen Collins issues ultimatum to the German garrison commander, Maj Gen Karl-Wilhelm von Schlieben to surrender by 0900 22nd.
USSR-FINLAND – Soviet forces of Karelian Front begin offensive on both sides of Lake Onega.
FRANTIC – U.S. Eighth Air Force begins shuttle raids between British and Soviet bases. 114 B-17’s and 70 P-51’s, after bombing oil targets at Ruhland, S of Berlin, land at Soviet bases. Enemy discovers the base at Poltava and makes highly destructive attack on it by light of flares, night 21-22, causing heavy damage to aircraft and stores of ammunition and gasoline.
ITALY – AAI: In Pol 2 Corps area, advance elements reach Chienti R line, behind which enemy is prepared to make a stand, and establish small bridgehead.
In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps commits 1st Armd Div, reinforced by 361st Inf of 91st Div, to right of 36th Div in sector previously held by TF Ramey, since IV Corps zone is widening and resistance is increasing. 36th Div continues slowly along Highway 1. FEC is held up by determined opposition along Orcia R line.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps battles outlying positions of enemy’s Trasimeno line. 78th Div takes Sanfatucchio after hard fighting but is unable to progress against hamlet of Vaiano. S African 6th Armd Div reaches heights leading to Chiusi but cannot break into the town. 13 Corps commander decides to commit reserves – 4th Div and Cdn 1st Armd Brig – and continue advance on 3-div front; orders 4th Div to relieve 78th Div of positions below Vaiano on night 22-23 and be prepared to relieve rest of 78th, which is scheduled to leave the theater at end of June.
SWPA – TF CYCLONE is formally organized to take Noemfoor. Gen Patrick sets up temporary CP at Finschhafen.
NEW GUINEA – Owi airfield is put into use by fighters of Fifth Air Force. On Biak, 1st Battalion of 162nd Inf continues attack on West Caves without avail, although tanks and flame throwers are used. Japanese efforts to withdraw from the position through 186th Inf lines to NW are frustrated. 186th Inf probes enemy position, called the Teardrop, just NW of Hill 320. 3rd Battalion, 163rd Inf, which was to have driven into the Teardrop from NW and N in conjunction with 186th Inf’s pressure from S and SW, is too far N to reach it. In Wakde-Sarmi area, after probing to locate strongpoints, 3rd Battalion of 20th Inf renews attack toward Lone Tree Hill but meets such heavy fire from well-organized positions that it pulls back to E bank of Snaky R. Arty and mortar fire are placed on Lone Tree Hill, night 21-22.
SAIPAN – Marine action is confined to patrolling. Gen Holland Smith, preparing to make main attack on N and being informed that only 300-500 Japanese remain on Nafutan Pt, orders most of 27th Div to assemble in corps reserve and places its arty under control of XXIV Corps Arty; directs single infantry battalion and platoon of tanks to continue clearing S Saipan and protect the airfield. Gen Ralph Smith requests use of RCT 105 and Gen Holland Smith agrees, but orders to this effect do not reach 27th Div until 22nd. Meanwhile, 27th Div continues assault on Nafutan Pt, replacing 2nd Battalion of 165th Inf with 2nd Battalion of 105th on left of line. Day’s action gains little ground. 3rd Battalion, 105th, reduces cave strongpoint while continuing E along S coast and at end of day is only a short distance from troops moving down from N. At 2000, before receiving word that 105th Inf may be retained, Gen Ralph Smith orders RCT 105 to conduct holding action facing Nafutan Pt and to relieve RCT 165 units by 0630 22nd; upon reorganization of lines, not later than 1100 22nd, to continue offensive. Gen Holland Smith orders 27th Div to reconnoiter northward toward Marines.
22 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps, receiving no reply to ultimatum begins final assault on Cherbourg fortress. Intense air preparation, beginning at 1240, does more to demoralize enemy than to damage his positions. VII Corps attack opens at 1400. On left flank, 9th Div presses NE toward Cherbourg with 60th Inf on left and 47th on right; 60th quickly takes Acqueville but is halted at edge of Flottemanville fortifications; 47th gets forward elements to slopes of Hill 171, just W of Bois du Mont du Roc. In center, 79th Div attacks with 3 regiments: while 315th is clearing Hardinvast
region and 314th the draws E of Tollevast, 313th makes main effort on div right astride Valognes-Cherbourg highway and thrusts to positions just S of La Mare à Canards, an enemy strongpoint. On right flank of VII Corps, 4th Div also attacks with 3 regiments: on left, 8th Inf makes limited progress toward La Glacerie; 12th, in center, makes main effort toward Tourlaville but is held to small gains; to right, 22nd Inf, with mission of clearing Digosville, becomes surrounded by enemy and is unable to advance.
USSR – German Air Force makes night attack on base at Mirgorod, but U.S. planes escape before the raid. Dumps and supplies are considerably damaged.
ITALY – AAI: Pol 2 Corps is forced to abandon its small bridgehead across the Chienti in Adriatic coastal sector. Activity along the river subsides to patrolling as corps moves troops and supplies forward in preparation for stronger assault.
U.S. Fifth Army continues to advance slowly, particularly in sector of FEC, where it is decided to outflank enemy holding Orcia R line. On right flank in IV Corps area, 1st Armd Div commits TF Howze between CCA on right and CCB on left.
CBI – In NCAC area, Chindits of 77th Brig, Indian 3rd Div, begin assault on Mogaung and are joined by 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div. On Salween front, Japanese fall back hastily from Chiangtso toward Teng-chung, harassed by Allied planes. Ch XX Group Army has firm control of Shweli Valley, and is ready for drive on Teng-chung.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 and 33 Corps troops meet, reopening Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal road. Enemy offensive has failed, and Japanese are obliged to withdraw as best they can under difficult monsoon weather conditions.
NEW GUINEA – PT’s land Allied rcn party on Noemfoor, night 22-23. First big cargo ships arrive at Biak. Fifth Air Force P-40’s begin operations from Mokmer airdrome. 1st Battalion, 162nd Inf, continues to work on West Caves, using TNT charges and flame throwers, and at 1555 reports them clear. However, small groups of Japanese emerge from caves during night 22-23 and have to be eliminated by 1st Battalion and 186th Inf to N. 186th Inf continues to probe the Teardrop; attempts unsuccessfully to seize 3 enemy guns that are firing from new positions NW of perimeter. In Wakde-Sarmi area, RCT 158 is relieved in preparation for Noemfoor I. operation. RCT 158 has had 70 killed, 257 wounded, and 4 missing during Wakde-Sarmi action; has killed an estimated 920 Japanese and captured 11. After air attack by P-47’s from Wakde and intense arty preparation, 3rd Battalion of 20th Inf drives to crest of Lone Tree Hill and establishes defense perimeter. 2nd Battalion also reaches the crest but gap exists between the two battalions. Japanese counterattack 3rd Battalion in evening, isolating both it and 2nd Battalion. Co L, 1st Inf, starts forward with supplies for 3rd Battalion. On Aitape front, 3rd Battalion of 127th Inf replaces 1st Battalion at Afua.
SAIPAN – 2nd and 4th Mar Divs begin northward attack toward O-5 line, extending from W coast below Garapan across Mt. Tapotchau to Laulau village on Kagman Peninsula on E. On W, left flank of 2nd Mar Div, 2nd Marines remains in place since it is already on O-5; in center, 6th Marines gets elements to top of Mt. Tipo Pale, about 1,200 yards SW of top of Mt. Tapotchau, achieving greatest div gain for day; on right, 8th Marines makes slow progress toward Mt. Tapotchau, which commands entire island, over extremely difficult terrain. 4th Mar Div attacks with 25th Marines on left and 24th on right; commits 23rd in center during day. 25th and 23rd Regiments drive almost to objective, while 24th advances rapidly along E coast. 27th Div (less 105th Inf) is ordered to attack between 2nd and 4th Mar Divs, relieving left flank elements of latter to permit 4th Mar Div to shift E to cover Kagman Peninsula. 27th Div regroups units about the Nafutan position. 3rd Battalion of 105th Inf shifts N, relieving 1st Battalion on right flank, while 2nd Battalion replaces 3rd Battalion of 165th on left. No advance is made against the strongpoint and a little ground is lost on left, where relief is accomplished with difficulty. Late in day, 2nd Battalion of 105th Inf is ordered to continue mop up of Nafutan Pt, a task still believed to be an easy one.
23 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Unloading is resumed as storm abates.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps penetrates outer defenses of Cherbourg. On left, 9th Div’s 60th Inf overruns Flottemanville area, and 47th completes capture of Hill 171; 39th overcomes bypassed resistance near Beaudienville. 79th Div makes limited progress in vicinity of La Mare à Canards but is unable to reduce this strongpoint. In 4th Div zone, 12th Inf, assisted by tanks, advances steadily toward Tourlaville, but units flanking it make little progress.
In British Second Army’s 1 Corps area, 51st Div, in limited offensive, takes Ste Honorine, NE of Caen and E of the Orne. 1 Corps subsequently exerts limited pressure against enemy N of Caen without making decisive gains.
USSR – Red Army opens summer offensive on central front, where main attack, on 350-mile front, is made by First Baltic and 3 White Russian Fronts against enemy’s Minsk salient in White Russia. Particularly strong pressure is applied near Vitebsk and Bobruisk. Soviet aircraft and arty lend powerful support to troops. Both German and Soviet forces have by this time completed extensive reorganization,
but enemy is spread thin and lacks adequate reserves.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Alexander, meeting with his commanders, proposes that AAI advance through Ljubljana gap into S Germany.
In British Eighth Army area, elements of 13 Corps break into Chiusi after hard battle, but German counterattack isolates the troops. 4th Div takes command of sector in center of 13 Corps, between Vaiano and Lake Chiusi, relieving elements of 78th Div. In 10 Corps area, King’s Dragoon Gds gain foothold on M. S. Croce.
CHINA – At meeting between Mr. Wallace and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, a proposal is presented that a U.S. observer group be sent to Chinese communists to secure information and assist pilots shot down over N China. When approval is gained, the project (coded DIXIE Mission) is undertaken by 16 officers and enlisted men and 2 civilians.
NEW GUINEA – TF CYCLONE Issues FO 1 for Noemfoor operation. On Biak, 1st Battalion of 162nd Inf continues to probe West Caves area. 3rd Battalion, 163rd, makes patrol contact with 186th Inf at the Teardrop. Photographs of the Teardrop indicate that Japanese are concentrated on W of the position and preparations are made for attack. 186th Inf is still unable to seize weapons firing on it from NW. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 2nd Battalion of 20th Inf repels dawn attack against its perimeter on Lone Tree Hill in costly fighting; after unsuccessful attempt to push N to make contact with 3rd Battalion, moves back down hill and up again, along route used by 3rd Battalion, to positions just NW of 3rd Battalion’s perimeter. Some supplies are obtained from volunteer groups and from Co L, 1st Inf, which arrives after hard fight. Japanese make determined attempt to destroy forces on Lone Tree Hill in evening; attack in small groups through night 23-24. Gen Sibert decides to try to outflank enemy on the hill.
SAIPAN – VAC attacks northward on 3-div front as 27th Div enters center of line. 2nd Mar Div’s left and center regiments remain in place until more progress can be made to right; 8th Marines, on div right, gains cliff commanding most practical route to crest of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div is slow in accomplishing relief of left flank elements of 4th Mar Div and consequently slow in opening attack up valley, called “Death Valley,” which is flanked on left by hill mass of Mt. Tapotchau and on right by ridge, called “Purple Heart Ridge.” Upon attacking, with 106th Inf on left and 165th on right, div meets intense opposition from cave-studded heights; progress is slow and costly, particularly on left. On right flank, 4th Mar Div attacks with 23rd Marines on left and 24th on right: 23rd Marines is slowed by inability of 165th Inf to advance but gets to top of Hill 600; 24th continues to make rapid progress along Magicienne Bay and reaches O-5 line just E of Laulau. Enemy tank-supported counterattacks down Death Valley and against Hill 600 are repelled, night 23-24. On S Saipan, 2nd Battalion of 105th Inf, after reorganizing throughout morning, continues attack on Nafutan position, getting platoon to top of Mt. Nafutan; rest of battalion, after small initial gains, pulls back to starting line.
24 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps closes in on Cherbourg. While 9th Div’s 60th Inf clears N flank, 47th and 39th Regiments move in on the city, 47th toward Equeurdreville fort and Redoute des Fourches and 39th toward Octeville. In 79th Div zone, 314th Inf overruns La Mare à Canards and pushes toward Fort du Roule, while 313th, to right, keeps abreast and takes Hameau Gringer; 315th, on div left, is still clearing Hardinvast region, far to rear. 12th Inf continues to make main effort of 4th Div. Reinforced by battalion of 22nd, the regiment overcomes strong resistance in Digosville area and enters Tourlaville unopposed at night. 8th Inf reduces strong positions E of La Glacerie, on div left. 22nd Inf, on div right, contains enemy in Maupertus area. 3rd Armd Div, XIX Corps, arrives on Continent.
ITALY – AAI: 1st Motorized Div is the first of the French units to leave Italy for Operation ANVIL.
In Fifth Army area, IV Corps continues northward against strong rear-guard opposition, 117th Cav Rcn Sq on coast overrunning Follonica. In FEC area, Guillaume Group, reinforced with light armor, crosses Ombrone R in order to continue advance in contact with 1st Armd Div of IV Corps.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps opens concerted drive northward with 3 divs. 78th Div, on 13 Corps right flank, establishes bridgehead across Pescia R with infantry, but armor is unable to follow. In center, 4th Div battles in vain for Vaiano throughout day; Germans abandon the hamlet, night 24-25. S African 6th Armd Div continues to meet stubborn opposition on left flank of 13 Corps at Chiusi. In 10 Corps area, enemy has shortened his line, which now runs through Magione, in order to shift armor W to oppose 13 Corps. British progress up the Tiber Valley is very slow because of mountainous terrain.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE cuts exits from the Teardrop. 2nd Battalion, 186th Inf, moves N and E to reach NW corner; Co K of 163rd Inf blocks N exits and Co C, 163rd, guards E side. In Wakde-Sarmi area, TF TORNADO begins outflanking attacks on Lone Tree Hill. Cos K and L, 1st Inf, move by sea to coast just W of the hill and establish small beachhead; try in vain to push inland to
clear W side of the hill. 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 20th Inf, assisted by Co L of 1st, make slow progress against numerous enemy defenses on top of the hill and open supply route. Co M, 1st Inf, moves along coast to assist.
SAIPAN – On W flank of V Amph Corps, 2nd Marines of 2nd Mar Div reaches O-6 line at S outskirts of Garapan, where the regiment must remain for some days awaiting units to right. 6th Marines is battling enemy strongpoint N of Mt. Tipo Pale. On div right, 8th Marines, reinforced by battalion of 29th Marines, reaches ridge within MG range of top of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div’s zone is broadened eastward as 165th Inf is given responsibility for clearing valley E of Purple Heart Ridge; 106th Inf alone is thus responsible for clearing Death Valley. Further efforts of 27th Div to move forward are futile. 4th Mar Div veers E to clear Kagman Peninsula, 23rd Marines pivoting about 24th Marines. Gap develops between marines and 27th Div because of turning movement. Against moderate resistance, div overruns Laulau and Chacha villages. Failure of 27th Div to advance, despite urging of Gen Holland Smith, results in replacement of its commander, Gen Ralph Smith. Maj Gen Sanderford Jarman, Island Commander, assumes command temporarily, pending arrival of a permanent commander. Gen Jarman’s chief of staff takes control of 27th Div elements on S Saipan, where no progress is made during day, and the force on Mt. Nafutan is recalled.
25 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, naval gunfire supplements aerial and ground bombardment as battle for Cherbourg nears its end. 9th Div’s 47th Inf drives into W suburbs of Cherbourg, overrunning fort at Equeurdreville, Hameau de Tot, and Redoute des Fourches; elements reach coast but are withdrawn. 39th Inf attacks Octeville, where enemy continues to hold out. 79th Div’s 314th Inf gains upper defenses of Fort du Roule against stubborn resistance; 313th gets advance elements into outskirts of Cherbourg. In 4th Div zone, 12th Inf gains its objective with drive to coast E of Cherbourg; when orders are changed to permit div to participate in capture of Cherbourg, 12th Inf enters the city and clears assigned portion in E part; 22nd Inf is ordered to take Maupertus airfield.
British Second Army opens offensive in 30 Corps zone for commanding ground in Rauray area. 49th Div, reinforced by 8th Armd Brig, attacks S in region E of Tilly-sur-Seulles and makes limited progress against strong resistance. Some elements reach Fontenay; others thrust to Tessel-Bretteville area.
USSR – Soviet forces envelop Vitebsk, trapping 5 enemy divs, and cut Smolensk-Minsk highway.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, port of Piombino falls without opposition to 39th Engineers. This is last day of action in Italy for 36th Div. FEC begins crossing the Orcia in strength as enemy opposition diminishes.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div expands its Pescia bridgehead slowly. 4th Div forces enemy rear guards from Vaiano. Enemy retains Chiusi throughout day but withdraws after nightfall, blocking exits.
CBI – On Salween front, Chinese reluctantly admit to U.S. liaison personnel with 71st Army that Japanese have routed 261st Regiment, 87th Div, and that the 87th Div commander has attempted suicide. Although 8th Army is moving forward from Indochina border to reinforce troops in Lung-ling area, the battle has already been lost to small enemy force of 1,500. Ch effectives in this region have totaled 10,000. Failure at Lung-ling brings orders from Chiang Kai-shek to take Teng-chung and Sung Shan at all costs in preparation for renewing attack on Lung-ling.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 1st Battalion of 162nd Inf makes limited penetration into underground positions of West Caves. Co L, 186th Inf, seizes the enemy guns that have been firing from positions NW of perimeter. Elements of 2nd and 1st Battalions, 186th Inf, overrun the Teardrop, which has been largely evacuated by enemy, killing 38 Japanese. In Wakde-Sarmi area, under combined attacks of 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 20th Inf, and 3rd Battalion of 1st, Japanese begin withdrawing from Lone Tree Hill, having received and inflicted heavy casualties there. 3rd Battalions of 63rd and 1st Regiments are to mop up on N while 1st Battalions of 20th and 1st Regiments conduct holding and mopping up operations to S.
SAIPAN – 6th Marines, 2nd Mar Div, is still held up by strongpoint N of Mt. Tipo Pale. To right, 8th Marines and attached elements of 29th Marines gain crest of Mt. Tapotchau, whose 1,554-foot height commands the island. Some elements of 27th Div’s 106th Inf begin wide outflanking movement eastward while others continue northward pressure on enemy in Death Valley, but progress is slow. 165th Inf makes futile efforts to scale Purple Heart Ridge. On right flank of corps, 4th Mar Div easily secures all of Kagman Peninsula, sharply reducing corps front; elements are now on O-6 line. Turning point in Nafutan battle on S Saipan comes as 2nd Battalion, 105th Inf, succeeds in crushing Japanese MLR on Ridge 300, which controls Nafutan Pt. Enemy’s position on Saipan is by now hopeless, but fanatic resistance continues.
26 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 47th Inf of 9th Div attempts to clear NW section of Cherbourg but cannot gain the arsenal; 39th drives through Octeville and Cherbourg to coast, taking Gen Schlieben, fortress commander, and Rear Adm Walther Hennecke, enemy’s naval commander, prisoner at St Sauveur-le-Vicomte. Schlieben refuses to surrender the entire fortress, however. 79th Div completes capture of Fort du Roule and its assigned portion of Cherbourg. 22nd Inf, 4th Div, begins attack on Maupertus airfield.
British Second Army continues limited offensive within 30 Corps zone while beginning main attack with 8 Corps. In 30 Corps zone 8th Armd Brig, spearheading attack of 49th Div, drives to outskirts of Rauray. 8 Corps attacks to E of 30 Corps with 15th and 43rd Inf and 11th Armd Divs. 15th Div gets elements to Colleville and patrols to Grainvillesur-Odon. 11th Armd Div thrusts to Mouen.
FRANTIC – Eighth Air Force planes leave USSR for Italy, bombing oil plant at Drohobycz, Poland, on the way. Upon reaching Italy, the planes remain long enough to fly one mission with Fifteenth Air Force before returning to England.
USSR – Vitebsk and Zhlobin fall to Red Army as offensive continues on central front. Vitebsk is one of 3 key positions generally E of Minsk, the others being Orsha and Mogilev, which Hitler has ordered to be held at all cost.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div takes control of coastal sector, releasing 36th Div for Operation ANVIL. Para RCT 517 is also withdrawn from line. 34th Div has under its command RCT 442 (Nisei) (-1st Battalion), 100th Battalion, 804th TD Battalion, and other units. FEC completes crossing the Orcia and pushes on toward Siena. The battle along the Orcia has been costly to the French.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div enters Chiusi. 4th Div moves forward to positions almost abreast 78th Div, on 13 Corps right flank, then halts to await 4th Div. 10 Corps is reinforced by Indian 10th Div, which arrives to replace 6th Armd Div. Latter is to shift to 13 Corps front a little later. Indian 8th Div takes M. Pilonica.
CBI – In NCAC area, Brig Gen Theodore F. Wessels, USA, takes command of Myitkyina TF, replacing Gen Boatner who has malaria. Mogaung falls to 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, and 77th Brig, Indian 3rd Div. 77th Brig is withdrawn from action by its commander soon afterward on grounds of exhaustion despite orders from Gen Stilwell, who has operational control of the unit, for it to prevent Japanese from reinforcing Myitkyina. Fall of Mogaung permits Chinese to link up with Myitkyina TF, which thus far has been isolated from other friendly forces in Burma. On Salween front, offensive against Teng-chung is begun with air attacks by B-25’s from Yun-nan-i.
In China, Japanese seize Heng-yang airfield.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, mopping up W of Mokmer begins. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf (less Co C, which is ambushed en route) seizes abandoned positions on ridge extending N from NW corner of the Teardrop. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 3rd Battalion of 63rd Inf replaces battle-worn 2nd and 3rd Battalions, 20th Inf, on Lone Tree Hill.
SAIPAN – In early morning, 2 LCI(G)’s attack enemy barges moving from Tanapag Harbor, sinking 1 and damaging 1. This concludes enemy attempts to counterland. In 2nd Mar Div zone, 6th Marines bypasses and later reduces the stubborn pocket that has been barring advance N of Mt. Tipo Pale; 8th Marines consolidates positions on Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div continues attack in center of corps with 106th Inf and 2nd Battalion of 165th. On div left, 1st Battalion of 106th is held up by strongpoint, called “Hell’s Pocket,” at SW end of Death Valley. On right, 3rd Battalion of 106th and 2nd Battalion of 165th batter at Purple Heart Ridge from W and E slopes, respectively; enemy there is beginning to weaken. CO of 106th Inf is replaced. 4th Mar Div, to which 165th Inf (-2nd Battalion) and 1st Battalion of 105th are attached at night, mops up on right flank of corps. On S Saipan, 2nd Battalion of 105th Inf closes in on enemy in Nafutan Pt area. After nightfall, Japanese make futile breakout attempt.
27 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, organized resistance at Cherbourg ceases during morning when Brig Gen Robert Sattler, deputy commander of the Cherbourg fortress, surrenders the arsenal to 47th Inf, 9th Div, after Allies broadcast an ultimatum. 4th Div takes over garrisoning of Cherbourg; its 22nd Inf overruns Maupertus airfield and quickly clears Cap Lévy. 9th Div prepares to attack to clear Cap de la Hague. Advance engineer units arrive at Cherbourg to restore facilities. In VIII Corps area, newly arrived 83rd Div takes over defensive positions on corps left flank held by 101st A/B Div.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 49th Div gains Rauray and holds it against strong counterattacks. 8 Corps secures small bridgehead across the Odon near Baron, bypassing resistance in Grainvillesur-Odon region.
USSR – Red Army overruns Orsha, NE of Minsk, and envelops Bobruisk.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps continues toward Highway 68. In FEC
area, enemy, after resisting strongly during day, begins retiring after nightfall.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 4th Div drives enemy rear guards from Gioiella. In 10 Corps area, Germans begin general withdrawal in region between Lake Trasimeno and the Tiber and are being pursued by corps. Elements of 6th Armd Div find M. Pacciano and M. Bagnolo free of enemy.
CBI – On Salween front, regiment of Ch Hon 1st Div, 8th Army, relieves New 28th Div, but in the process Japanese are able to recover ground lost during June. Enemy is reinforcing Sung Shan by infiltration through Ch lines.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, Co C rejoins 1st Battalion, 34th Inf. Preparations are made by 34th Inf to clear Japanese from cliffs NW of 1st Battalion area. Gen Eichelberger decides that situation on Biak is now stable enough for him to leave. 1st Battalion of 162nd Inf, accompanied by members of 41st Counter Intelligence Detachment, patrols into innermost depths of West Caves. A hasty count reveals that at least 125 Japanese have been killed there. This is the last enemy position that can threaten Mokmer airdrome. On Aitape front, Maj Gen Charles P. Hall, CG XI Corps, takes command of TF PERSECUTION at midnight, 27-28. Reorganization and regrouping of forces is quickly undertaken. Cav RCT 112 arrives to reinforce TF PERSECUTION, which is threatened with enemy attack. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 3rd Battalion of 63rd Inf encounters fire from few remaining MG positions as it mops up on Lone Tree Hill.
SAIPAN – 6th Marines, 2nd Mar Div, continues to clear div center against heavy resistance; 8th Marines, elements of which are relieved by 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, starts clearing N slope of Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div’s 106th Inf again attacks Hell’s Pocket on div left with 1st Battalion and for first time makes some progress in reducing it. On div right, other elements of 106th and 2nd Battalion, 165th, clear further ground on Purple Heart Ridge; 3rd Battalion of 106th, followed by 2nd Battalion, then drives W across Death Valley under enemy fire. On right flank of corps, 4th Mar Div gets additional elements to line O-6; attached elements of 165th Inf make substantial progress on div left, but gap develops and battalion of 24th Marines is brought forward to fill it. Japanese decide to make their final stand on N Saipan on line across island from Tanapag through Hill 221 to Tarahoha, delaying in current positions as long as possible while the new line is being organized. On S Saipan, 2nd Battalion of 105th Inf concludes operations against Nafutan Pt, which is declared secure at 1840. 550 Japanese dead are counted. Total number estimated to have held the position exceeds 1,000, rather than the 300-500 originally thought to have been there.
28 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 79th Div, upon relief in Cherbourg, moves S to U.S. VIII Corps zone. 9th Div continues preparations for attack to clear Cap de la Hague.
In British Second Army area, 30 Corps secures Brettevillette but later loses it to enemy counterattack. 8 Corps expands its Odon bridgehead near Baron and secures another, near Gavrus; fights to clear enemy from flanks.
USSR – Soviet threat to Minsk increases as Second White Russian forces take Mogilev.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, salvage parties reach Piombino, and the port is made ready for use by Liberty ships in less than a month. In IV Corps area, 117th Cav Rcn Sq is withdrawn from line to participate in Operation ANVIL. IV Corps is pushing steadily northward, with 34th Div on left and 1st Armd Div on right, toward Highway 68, which Cecina R parallels.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div reaches Chianciano without making contact with enemy. In center, 4th Div breaks through enemy positions on Casamaggiore-Frattevecchia ridge. Elements of 78th Div move forward on 13 Corps right flank to conform. In 10 Corps area, Indian 10th Div is relieving Indian 8th Div.
CBI – Vice President Wallace recommends to President Roosevelt that Gen Stilwell be replaced or that he be given a presidential representative with considerable powers as his deputy; suggests that steps be taken to meet Japanese threat in E China.
In NCAC area, 1st Battalion of 42nd Regiment, Ch 14th Div, attacks toward Sitapur in order to cut off Japanese N of Myitkyina.
On Salween front, Japanese planes make their first appearance, dropping supplies to Sung Shan garrison.
In E China, Japanese begin assault on Heng-yang itself and for the first time in E China are being firmly opposed by Chinese.
NEW GUINEA – Amphibian vehicles conduct rehearsal for Noemfoor operation. On Biak, Gen Eichelberger turns over command of TF HURRICANE to Gen Doe and leaves the island. It is learned that 34th Inf must serve as ALAMO Force reserve for pending operation, necessitating regrouping of forces on Biak. 34th Inf continues mopping up. Japanese begin a second withdrawal (first being on 22nd), with orders to prepare for guerrilla warfare; about this time begin withdrawing from East Caves. Large-scale infantry action against Ibdi Pocket ends, but the position is kept under fire from ground and air.
SAIPAN – 2nd Mar Div continues clearing difficult terrain N of Tipo Pale and on crest of Mt. Tapotchau. Maj Gen George W. Griner takes command of
27th Div, which completes reduction of organized resistance at Hell’s Pocket on left but makes little headway and suffers heavy casualties in Death Valley proper and on Purple Heart Ridge. 4th Mar Div maintains and improves positions on right flank of corps, additional elements reaching O-6 line; provides fire support for 27th Div.
29 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div – employing 47th Inf on right, 60th in center, and 4th Cav Gp (-) on left – attacks to clear Cap de la Hague; comes to a halt before enemy line through Gruchy, Gréville, and crossroads SE of Beaumont-Hague. Forts in Cherbourg harbor surrender. In VIII Corps area, 101st A/B Div is detached from corps and starts from St Sauveur-le-Vicomte to Cherbourg. In XIX Corps area, first elements of 3rd Armd Div enter combat: CCA begins limited action to reduce Villiers-Fossard salient in 29th Div’s line NE of St Lô in preparation for renewing drive on St Lô.
In British Second Army area, 8 Corps, as it continues action to expand Odon bridgehead and corridor leading to it, undergoes determined counterattacks by enemy armor against W flank, which temporarily gain some ground but leave the attackers exhausted. In view of the strong concentration of enemy armor in front of 8 Corps, it is decided to break off offensive and consolidate present positions.
USSR – Germans yield Bobruisk to First White Russian troops.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 442nd Inf, which has recently cleared villages of Belvedere and Sassetta, is withdrawn from center of 34th Div line and replaced by 135th Inf; 133rd Inf, driving along Highway 1, is stubbornly opposed but gets to within a mile of Cecina.
British Eighth Army takes command of Pol 2 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector. Germans begin general withdrawal in front of Eighth Army. 13 Corps commander orders 6th Armd Div to relieve 78th Div, night 3-4 July; 9th Armd Brig to move to 10 Corps sector between 30 June and 4 July. S African 6th Armd Div takes Acquaviva and Montepulciano. 4th Div advances to ridge through Petrignano and Valiano, which enemy rear guards are defending. 78th Div takes Castiglione del Lago, former enemy strongpoint N of the Pescia, without opposition.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Col Charles N. Hunter takes command of all U.S. troops at Myitkyina. 1st Battalion of 42nd Regiment, Ch 14th Div, after making considerable progress through enemy territory, is halted by fire. Co F, NEW GALAHAD, attempts to support the battalion but loses its way and is destroyed as a fighting body.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 34th Inf continues mopping up in region N of 186th Inf against little opposition. Mortars and tanks fire on East Caves, from which engineers have recently received fire. On Aitape front, Gen Hall reorganizes TF PERSECUTION into 3 commands – Western Defense Area (Brig Gen Alexander N. Stark, Jr.), Eastern Defense Area (Gen Gill), and Eastern Defense Command (Gen Clarence Martin). Gen Martin’s command, holding outer defense line along Driniumor R, includes 3rd Battalion of 127th Inf, 128th Inf (less 3rd Battalion), and Cav RCT 112.
SAIPAN – 6th and 8th Marines, 2nd Mar Div, continue to clear rugged terrain on left flank of corps. 27th Div’s 106th Inf, after regrouping, drives northward in Death Valley with 1st and 2nd Battalions of 106th Inf and 3rd Battalion of 105th abreast, gaining about 1,000 yards. To right, 2nd Battalion of 165th tries in vain to take northernmost hill of Purple Heart Ridge. 4th Mar Div, with elements of 165th Inf still attached, consolidates and improves positions on right flank of corps, meeting strong opposition on left.
30 June
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery, CG, orders U.S. First Army to make breakout attack while British Second Army continues efforts to take Caen and contains enemy between there and Villers-Bocage.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy’s defense line on Cap de la Hague Peninsula collapses under 9th Div’s attacks. 39th Inf begins exploring tip of the peninsula after nightfall. 101st A/B Div relieves 4th Div at Cherbourg and latter starts S for coming offensive. In XIX Corps area, CCA of 3rd Armd Div gains its limited objectives NE of St Lô and is relieved there by 115th Inf, 29th Div.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div continues battle for Cecina: battalion of 135th Inf establishes bridgehead across the Cecina R and, with assistance of tanks, defends it successfully; 133rd Inf makes main effort against town of Cecina, which is still stoutly defended; to protect right flank, 168th Inf is moved forward to Cecina R by truck, and 3rd Battalion begins crossing without opposition.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 4th Div overruns Petrignano in lively fighting.
NEW GUINEA – Main body of Noemfoor attack forces leaves Toem at 1800. On Biak, 34th Inf finishes mopping up its sector, ending main phase of action on Biak, and withdraws to beach. 162nd and 186th Regiments move into assigned positions on main and reserve lines. In Wakde-Sarmi area, TF TORNADO completes mop up of Lone Tree Hill and surrounding region.
SAIPAN – At commander’s conference on Saipan, it is decided to land on Guam on 21 July and to reinforce Southern Troops and Landing Force (III Amphib Corps) for this purpose with 77th Div. Postponement of Guam invasion allows time for 77th Div to arrive from Hawaii and permits stronger and more prolonged preliminary bombardment. 2nd Mar Div continues to advance its center and right flank over difficult terrain above Tipo Pale and Mt. Tapotchau. 27th Div finishes clearing Death Valley and Purple Heart Ridge; makes contact with Marines on either flank. This successfully concludes battle for central Saipan. 4th Mar Div continues to consolidate on Kagman Peninsula and patrols deeply beyond O-6 line.
1 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army’s Field Order No. 1, as amended, prescribes general offensive to be opened on 3 July by VIII Corps on W flank of army and extended progressively eastward by other corps upon order. In VII Corps area, organized resistance on Cherbourg Peninsula ceases as 9th Div pushes to tip of Cap de la Hague. V Corps improves positions slightly in limited attack by elements of 38th Inf, 2nd Div.
British Second Army repels determined counterattacks against its salient between Tilly-sur-Seulles and Caen. 30 and 8 Corps, supported by massed arty concentrations, throw enemy back and inflict heavy tank losses.
USSR – Third White Russian troops take Borisov by storm.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div’s 133rd Inf gets forward elements to Cecina R and clears Cecina town; 135th maintains its small bridgehead E of Cecina despite enemy efforts to destroy it; 168th crosses 3rd Battalion over the Cecina on div right flank before dawn. 1st Armd Div makes limited progress on right flank of corps: CCA, on E, is near Casole d’Elsa, where enemy is disposed for strong defense. FEC pushes forward toward Siena.
In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, which is virtually out of contact with enemy, replaces 6th Armd Div in line with Indian 10th Div. 9th Armd Brig is arriving.
NEW GUINEA – As TF 77 (Adm Fechteler), consisting of most of combat elements of VII Amphib Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet, plus Australian units, steams toward Noemfoor with TF CYCLONE, Allied aircraft pound the island with over 200 tons of bombs, continuing a program of aerial bombardment of enemy bases there and on Vogelkop Peninsula. On Biak, TF HURRICANE begins aggressive patrolling to prevent enemy remnants from organizing for guerrilla warfare. In Wakde-Sarmi area, to insure safety of Maffin Bay staging sector, TF TORNADO begins clearing inland between the Woske and Tor Rivers. 1st Inf pushes along coast to the Woske.
SAIPAN – VAC drives toward next phase line, O-7, which extends across northern neck of Saipan. On W flank of corps, 2nd Mar Div gains about 800 yards in center and on right. In center, 27th Div gains about 600 yards on left and 400 on right against moderate opposition. 4th Mar Div maintains positions on right flank of corps and patrols uneventfully.
U.S. – Gen Marshall asks Gen Stilwell for his reaction to a possible split of CBI into two theaters, with Gen Sultan commanding in Burma and Gen Stilwell leading Chinese forces in China proper.
2 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Regroups in preparation for renewing offensive.
U.S. First Army commits VII Corps, with 4th, 9th, and 83rd Divs under its command, between VIII and XIX Corps. VIII Corps commands 8th, 79th, 82nd A/B, and 80th Divs. XIX Corps retains 29th and 30th Divs. V Corps has command of 1st and 2nd Inf and 2nd Armd Divs. 3rd Armd and 101st A/B Divs are held in First Army reserve.
USSR – Third and First White Russian forces are enveloping Minsk; latter cuts Minsk-Baranovichi RR.
ITALY – AAI: Chief of Staff, AAI, issues “Appreciation” concerning course of action after the necessary forces for ANVIL have withdrawn from Italy; concludes that offensive in Italy can be continued on a limited scale but recommends that AAI be reinforced if possible in order to secure Ljubljana Gap and invade S Germany.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 133rd Inf of 34th Div closes along the Cecina and takes Cecina Marine at its mouth, concluding bloody action on left flank of corps. 135th consolidates and strengthens bridgehead across the Cecina then moves W, pinching out 133rd. CCA, 1st Armd Div, suffers heavy losses in tanks and personnel during futile attempts to enter Casole d’Elsa. FEC takes Simignano, SW of Siena, and pushes on toward Siena.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, patrols reach junction of Highways 71 and 75 without opposition. S African 6th Armd Div advances through Sinalunga, from which enemy has withdrawn. 4th Div takes Fojano without opposition. 10 Corps is unopposed throughout day but regains contact with enemy after nightfall.
CBI – In NCAC’s Myitkyina area, Gen Wessels withdraws the Chinese forces directed toward Sitapur in order to strengthen N flank, toward which enemy is reported to be moving in strength. Fighting during the past week has resulted in little change in positions, although Ch 150th Regiment and 236th Engrs have gained a few hundred yards.
On Salween front, Chinese troops begin assault on Teng-chung in violent monsoon rainfall. 348th Inf of Ch 116th Div, 53rd Army, reduces 7 pillboxes 4½ miles NW of the city. Previous medium-level and skip-bombing attacks on the city have done little harm to enemy in dugouts.
In E China, Japanese halt attack on Heng-yang to await arrival of arty at front.
NEW GUINEA – At Noemfoor, after extremely heavy and effective naval gunfire and air bombardment of assault zone, which started 80 minutes before H Hour, TF CYCLONE (RCT 158, reinforced) lands at 0800 on N part of island in Kamiri airfield region without opposition. Gen Patrick assumes command ashore, relieving Adm Fechteler, who directed the amphibious phase; after inspecting Kamiri airdrome, requests that reserves – 503rd Para Inf – be dropped there. Light resistance develops as assault battalions of 158th Inf move cautiously inland, mopping up as they go, but beachhead – 800 yards deep and 3,000 yards wide – is secured. Arty is landed and put into use, and work is begun on Kamiri airdrome. TF CYCLONE inflicts over 100 casualties on enemy while suffering only 3 men killed, one of them accidentally. At Aitape, RCT 124 of 31st Div is assigned to TF PERSECUTION as reserve.
SAIPAN – On extreme left of corps, 2nd Marines, 2nd Mar Div, easily seizes Garapan, which has been leveled by bombardment. Gains of 800-1,200 yards are made in div center and on right. In 27th Div zone, 106th Inf advances some 400 yards on left flank and 3rd Battalion of 165th about 1,700 yards on right flank, but 3rd Battalion of 105th is held up by enemy strongpoint in center. 1st Battalion, 105th, released from reserve, bypasses the strongpoint and makes contact with right flank units. Assault elements of 4th Mar Div advance right flank 1,500 yards against negligible resistance. After nightfall, Japanese fall back to their final defense line on N Saipan.
3 July
FRANCE – Field Marshal Guenther von Kluge relieves Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt as German Commander in Chief West.
21 Army Group: U.S. First Army opens general offensive, to become known as the Battle of the Hedgerows, on W flank. VIII Corps, in driving rain that prevents air support and hampers movement, attacks southward down W coast of Cotentin Peninsula toward La Haye-du-Puits with 79th, 82nd A/B, and 90th Divs, from W to E, abreast. Progress is limited by firm opposition in hedgerow country, but 82nd A/B Div gains Hill 131, NE of La Haye-du-Puits.
USSR – Minsk falls to Third and First White Russian Fronts.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div begins drive on Leghorn, employing 135th Inf on left, 442nd in center, and 168th on right, and meets strong resistance. 3rd Battalion, 135th Inf, pushes into S edge of Rosignano, beginning bitter battle for this enemy stronghold SE of Leghorn. In zone of CCA, 1st Armd Div, Cos K and L of attached 361st Inf take over attack on Casole d’Elsa but are unable to enter the town. In FEC area, Siena falls to 3rd Algerian Div during morning.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, 78th Div finds Cortona undefended and is passed through by 6th Armd Div.
CBI – Gen Stilwell, replying to Gen Marshall’s inquiry of 1st, expresses no eagerness for a field assignment in China and comments on situation in China.
11 Army Group: In 33 Corps sector of British Fourteenth Army area, Ukhrul falls to troops of Indian 7th Div and 23rd LRP Brig, but enemy remains near this important communications center.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, moving E along N coast, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 158th Inf extend beachhead perimeter some 1,800 yards toward Kornasoren airfield. 1st Battalion of 158th Inf patrols S of Kamiri R, eliminating some stragglers. 1st Battalion, 503rd Para Inf, moving from Hollandia in C-47’s, drops on Kamiri airfield and takes responsibility for central sector of the airfield defenses. Casualties during the airdrop are extremely high, almost 10%, although enemy offers no opposition. On Biak, elements of Co E, 542nd Engr Boat & Shore Regiment, and Co E of 163rd Inf push into East Caves with unexpected ease. Patrolling throughout the caves is continued during next few days. Japanese 18th Army issues plan for attack in force across Driniumor R on the mainland, beginning night 10-11. RCT 124, 31st Div, begins landing at Aitape, final elements going ashore on 6 July.
SAIPAN – VAC pushes quickly toward O-7 line. On left flank, 2nd Mar Div is being pinched out as 27th Div, making main effort, veers NW toward Tanapag Harbor. Attacking with 106th Inf on left, 1st Battalion of 105th in center, and 3rd Battalion of 165th on right, 27th Div gains positions commanding Tanapag, although enemy strongpoint is delaying elements of 106th Inf near boundary of 2nd Mar Div. 4th Mar Div encounters heavy fire from Hill 721 and nose jutting S from it, which holds up 3rd Battalion
of 23rd Marines on div right. Heavy fire is placed on this position, night 3-4.
VOLCANO-BONIN IS. – TF 58 makes destructive attacks on ground installations and shipping at Iwo Jima in Volcano Is., and Haha Jima and Chichi Jima in Bonin Is., employing naval gunfire as well as carrier aircraft.
4 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps continues to make slow progress southward on W flank of army. 82nd A/B Div takes Hill 95, overlooking La Haye-du-Puits from NE, where it remains until pinched out by 79th and 90th Divs on its flanks. VII Corps opens attack to E of VIII Corps on narrow front between swamps of Prairies Marcagéuses and Taute R. 83rd Div, in action for first time, leads off toward Priers but meets firm resistance that makes progress negligible.
In British Second Army’s 1 Corps area, in preparation for all-out assault on Caen, Cdn 3rd Div seizes Carpiquet but is held up short of its airfield for some time by enemy defenders. In 8 Corps area, 43rd Div is attacking NE astride the Odon to ease pressure on 1 Corps.
USSR – Troops of First Baltic Front overrun Polotsk.
ITALY – U.S. Seventh Army moves to Naples in preparation for invasion of S France.
AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf, on 34th Div’s W flank, clears about a third of Rosignano; 442nd Inf slightly improves positions in center; to right, 168th attempts in vain to reach Castellina, key enemy position, but overruns Hill 675 (M. Vitalba); 363rd Inf is committed to right of 168th and gains ground on heights E of Hill 675. CCA, 1st Armd Div, gets elements of 361st Inf into Casole d’Elsa before dawn after most of the enemy garrison has withdrawn. After this action 361st Inf is detached from 1st Armd Div and reverts to 91st Div. Subsequent action of 1st Armd Div on right flank of IV Corps is limited until time of its relief. In FEC area, 3rd Algerian Div completes withdrawal from corps zone to Naples and is replaced by 4th Mtn Div.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps, with S African 6th Armd Div on left, British 4th Div in center, and British 6th Armd Div on right, moves forward to M. Lignano hill mass below Arezzo against sporadic resistance. 6th Armd Div, using Highway 71, most direct route to Arezzo, quickly reaches Castiglion Fiorentino but is slowed soon afterward by demolitions.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, 3rd Battalion of 158th Inf, continuing along N coast unopposed, takes Kornasoren airfield. 1st Battalion (-) crosses Kamiri R and seizes Kamiri village without enemy interference; continues SE against scattered fire to large Japanese garden area, some 1,700 yards distant, where defensive perimeter is established for night on Hill 201. 3rd Battalion, 503rd Para Inf, drops on Kamiri airfield, suffering casualties exceeding 8%, and relieves elements of 3rd Battalion, 158th Inf. Because of high casualty rate during airdrops, it is decided to fly rest of 503rd Para Inf to Kamiri airfield when the field can receive C-47’s safely. In Wakde-Sarmi area, Hill 225 falls to elements of 63rd Inf.
POA – CINCPOA, in radio message to COMINCH, rejects suggestion of 13 June that target dates for operations in the Pacific be advanced; states that air forces should be established on Mindanao before Formosa is invaded; expresses doubt that Gen MacArthur can reach Mindanao by 25 October as hoped.
SAIPAN – VAC completes drive to northern neck of Saipan and prepares for final phase of battle in which 2 divs will advance NE on Marpi Pt and its airfield. 2nd Mar Div’s 2nd Marines completes mop up of Garapan and forces enemy remnants into tip of Mutcho Pt, but 6th Marines is checked on ridge about 1,000 yards from coast. 27th Div, after fire fight with large group of retreating enemy, completes drive to Tanapag Plain. 106th Inf reaches seaplane base at Flores Pt and is joined by 8th Marines; eliminates the cave strongpoint to rear; in center, 1st Battalion of 105th Inf reaches beach; on right, 1st Battalion of 165th Inf quickly gains last ridge overlooking Flores Pt seaplane base. 4th Mar Div drives forward to Hill 767 area, taking Hill 721 and the nose from it with ease. In preparation for 2-div assault on 5th, 2 battalions of 165th Inf, 27th Div, relieve 2 left flank battalions of 4th Mar Div in late afternoon; during the relief, gap develops in line through which almost a hundred Japanese infiltrate, but the hole is later filled and Japanese are driven back or killed.
U.S. – JCS, in memorandum to President Roosevelt, recommend that Gen Stilwell be promoted from rank of lt gen to general; that Chiang Kai-shek be urged to place Gen Stilwell in command of all Chinese forces; that Gen Sultan be given command of Chinese Corps in Burma; and that Gen Wheeler replace Stilwell as Deputy to Adm Mountbatten.
5 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, 35th Div begins landing on the Continent. VIII Corps overruns RR stations of La Haye-du-Puits. VII Corps continues to make slow progress toward Priers.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Wilson, as result of decision to undertake ANVIL, issues new directive calling for AAI to advance to Po R line and from there to line Venice-Padua-Verona-Brescia; promises that U.S.
92nd Div and a Brazilian div may be expected as reinforcements, former about 15 September and latter by end of October.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div gains about half of Rosignano as stubborn fighting continues; 442nd secures positions on ridge some 2 miles E and 1 mile N of Rosignano; 168th and 363rd Regiments maintain and consolidate positions to right.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps meets stiffening resistance all along line. Efforts to break through to cut Highway 69 W of Arezzo fail. 4th Div takes Tuori. In 10 Corps area, Indian 10th Div reaches Umbertide. Germans are again withdrawing in front of corps. In Pol 2 Corps area, Badia falls to 3rd Carpathian Div.
CBI – On Salween front, Ch 8th Army (82nd, 103rd, and Hon 1st Divs), which has assembled E and S of Sung Shan, begins assault on that enemy stronghold after night-long arty preparation. 2 Ch regiments attack at dawn and make limited gains, which they lose to Japanese counterattack.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, 1st Battalion (-) of 158th Inf, on Hill 201, repels the only major counterattack offered by Japanese during the Noemfoor operation early in morning and virtually annihilates the enemy force of 350-400. 2nd Battalion, 158th, prepares to land at Namber airdrome, on SW coast, while other elements of TF CYCLONE continue search for enemy. In Wakde-Sarmi area, elements of 63rd Inf take crest of Mt. Saksin.
SAIPAN – VAC begins final phase of assault on island with 27th Div on left and 4th Mar Div on right. 27th Div’s 105th Inf pushes slowly forward along coast and in coconut grove to E, but is stopped on right by deep canyon, called Harakiri Gulch, ideally suited for defense. 165th Inf tries in vain to enter the canyon on left but has little action on right. 4th Mar Div advances with 24th Regiment on left and 25th on right, after 23rd clears to line of departure in morning; is almost unopposed as it drives about 1,200 yards from line of departure to its objective for day, since enemy has been unable to establish line in this region.
6 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. Third Army establishes hq in France at Nehou. Corps assigned to it are: VIII (now with U.S. First Army), XII, XV, and XX.
In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps continues to close in on La Haye-du-Puits, which is nearly enveloped, but enemy is putting up a staunch defense. VII Corps commits 4th Div to W of 83rd as attack toward Priers continues against unabated opposition.
USSR – Elements of First White Russian Front occupy Kovel, from which Germans have withdrawn.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div continues clearing Rosignano; 168th breaks into Castellina and takes it; cuts road from there to Chianni; 363rd overruns Hill 634 (M. Vase) NE of Castellina.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps is still meeting strong opposition below Arezzo, but 4th Div takes Poggio all’Olmo. 10 Corps advances rapidly until halted by new enemy delaying line. In Pol 2 Corps area, 3rd Carpathian Div seizes Osima.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, after naval and air preparation, 2nd Battalion of 158th Inf makes amphibious assault on Namber airfield and takes it without opposition by 1240. Arty liaison plane lands there soon afterward. Australian P-40 sq arrives at Kamiri airdrome for operations. Vigorous patrolling of Noemfoor discloses few enemy. On Biak, loudspeakers are moved into East Caves in effort to induce Japanese to surrender. The few remaining alive are found to have abandoned their positions there. RCT 124 of 31st Div completes movement to Aitape from Oro Bay.
MARIANAS – In preparation for invasion of Guam, Gen Holland Smith attaches 77th Div to III Amphib Corps.
SAIPAN – After futile attempt by 27th Div to draw abreast 4th Mar Div, new orders are issued at 0900. 27th Div zone is limited in W coastal area to point just beyond Makunsha village; extends inland to include valley running S of it, dubbed Paradise Valley, and Harakiri Gulch. Marines are given responsibility for rest of island to NE. Some progress is made toward Makunsha on left, but efforts to overrun Harakiri Gulch and push to coast via Paradise Valley are largely futile. 4th Mar Div attacks with 23rd, 24th, and 25th Regiments abreast, from left to right, in expanded zone, making rapid progress against sporadic resistance except on left, where 23rd Marines is strongly opposed while attempting to push into Paradise Valley from W and is out of contact with 24th Marines. 24th Marines gains 1,400-1,800 yards. 25th Marines moves quickly up E coast, assisted by naval gunfire, to Mt. Petosukara; accepts surrender of 700-800 civilians.
U.S. – President Roosevelt, accepting recommendations of JCS of 4th, radios Chiang Kai-shek as suggested.
7 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In preparation for all-out assault on Caen by British Second Army, heavy bombers of RAF BC attack in force, night 7-8, dropping 2,662 tons of bombs on military targets.
In U.S. First Army’s VIII Corps area, 79th and 90th Divs continue efforts to break through enemy positions in La Haye-du-Puits-Mont Castre Forest area and repel several counterattacks. VII Corps inches forward down Carentan-Périers road against steadily increasing resistance. XIX Corps, to E of VII Corps, opens attack with 30th Div that establishes bridgehead in St Jean-de-Day area and takes that town: after preparatory bombardment, 117th Inf forces the Vire on div left at 0430 and 120th attacks across Vire-Taute Canal to W at 1345. After nightfall, CCB, 3rd Armd Div, crosses into bridgehead at Airel with mission of expanding it toward St Gilles; 113th Cav Gp moves forward on 30th Div’s right flank.
ITALY – AAF: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div completes clearing Rosignano, but enemy is holding out just beyond the town; after heavy concentrations of fire on M. Vase, enemy counterattacks and recovers it from 3rd Battalion, 363rd Inf. FEC gets forward elements beyond Highway 68. 4th Mtn Div takes Colle di Val d’Elsa, SW of Poggibonsi. Offensive operations of FEC later subside as preparations are made for its movement to Naples area upon relief by British 13 Corps.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div retains foothold on slopes of M. Lignano against strong counterthrusts. In 10 Corps area, Indian 4th Div, which has been trained recently in mountain warfare, is concentrating S of Umbertide to reinforce corps as it continues advance on Sansepolcro.
CBI – British 36 Div, which has moved forward to replace 77th LRP Brig, Indian 3rd Div, is transferred to command of Gen Stilwell.
In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF begins training on program for forces in reserve and those in contact with enemy.
On Salween front, Ch 8th Army continues operations to clear Sung Shan with night attack, 7-8, by 246th Regiment of 82nd Div. Although peak is seized, Japanese counterattack and drive Chinese off, causing 200 casualties.
JAPAN – Small force of B-29’s attacks Kyushu I., night 7-8, most of planes concentrating on Sasebo naval targets. This is the third B-29 mission and the second against Japanese homeland.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, co of 163rd Inf attempts to move into Ibdi Pocket but finds enemy repairing old fortifications and building new ones. Bombardment of the position is resumed.
POA – Adm Nimitz orders his commanders to prepare for invasion of S Palaus (Angaur, Peleliu, Ngesebus) on 15 September and of Yap and Ulithi, NE of the Palaus, on 5 October.
SAIPAN – Japanese remnants, estimated to number about 3,000, make a last desperate counterattack, which overwhelms most of 105th Inf, on 27th Div left flank, as well as guns of 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, before it is stemmed at 105th Inf CP. 106th Inf is committed to relieve 105th and recovers most of the lost ground, but stops a little short of 105th, isolated remnants of which are withdrawn by water. Meanwhile, 165th Inf clears Harakiri Gulch without serious opposition. 4th Mar Div continues to make rapid progress on right.
U.S. – Gen Marshall informs Gen Stilwell of action taken by President Roosevelt and urges Stilwell to maintain friendly relations with Chiang Kai-shek.
8 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps overruns La Haye-du-Puits during attack from W by 79th Div. Newly arrived 8th Div enters line between 79th and 90th Divs. VII Corps continues efforts to advance down Carentan-Priers road against strong opposition. In XIX Corps area, 113th Cav GP, 30th Div, and 3rd Armd Div expand bridgehead despite difficulty in coordinating movement of infantry and armor within limited sector. On W, 113th Cav Gp overruns villages of Goucherie and Le Mesnil-Veneron; late in day the group is attached to CCA, 3rd Armd Div, which has crossed into bridgehead and is pushing toward Le Désert. 30th Div, with 120th Inf on right, 117th in center, and 119th on left, advances toward Le Désert and Cavigny. CCB, 3rd Armd Div, gets almost to La Bernardrie; is attached to 30th Div late in day. 35th Div, which has completed landing on the Continent, is attached to XIX Corps.
In British Second Army area, 1 Corps opens assault Caen at 0420, employing Cdn 3rd Div on right, 59th Div in center, and 3rd Div on left. British troops penetrate into the city at NE corner. U.S. heavy bombers provide close support for the attack.
USSR – Units of First White Russian Front overrun Baranovichi.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div continues drive on Leghorn and makes some headway. 88th Div takes command of zone previously held by 1st Armd Div and attacks with 350th Inf on left and 349th on right: bypassing Volterra, div gains heights N and E of the town; 350th presses toward Laiatico, commanding strongpoint, and 349th overruns Roncalla. In FEC area, 4th Gp of Tabors attacks toward S. Gimignano, W of Poggibonsi, and takes Hill 380, 2 miles N of Highway 68.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps undergoes further enemy counterattacks. In 10 Corps area, Indian 4th Div takes command of sector W of the Tiber.
CBI – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees in principle to President Roosevelt’s request that Gen Stilwell be permitted to command Ch forces,
but asks that an influential personal representative of the President’s be sent to China.
On Salween front, 5 Ch divs have encircled Teng-chung.
NEW GUINEA – During conference at Gen Krueger’s CP, plans are made for operations in Sansapor-Mar region of the Vogelkop but on a tentative basis since terrain information is lacking. In Aitape area, Gen Krueger orders Gen Hall to reconnoiter in force across the Driniumor. The 3 commands of TF PERSECUTION are renamed to avoid confusion, Western Defense Area becoming Western Sector, Eastern Defense Area becoming Eastern Sector, and Eastern Defense Command becoming PERSECUTION Covering Force.
SAIPAN – 2nd Mar Div (-), with 165th Inf attached, attacks through 27th Div to clear remaining enemy from Saipan. 6th Marines reaches beach by 1830 against little opposition; 8th Marines, to E, mops up in hills and ravines. 165th Inf attacks on right from positions above Harakiri Gulch, driving through Paradise Valley. 4th Mar Div attacks toward N tip of Saipan. 23rd Marines drives through Karaberra Pass to the sea by 1205. To right, 2nd and 24th Marines reach assigned positions in afternoon. 25th Marines is unopposed as it continues up E coast about 600 yards.
GUAM – Warships of Southern Attack Force begin naval bombardment of Guam coastal defenses.
9 July
FRANCE – U.S. 5th Div arrives on Continent.
21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps attempts to push beyond La Haye-du-Puits but makes little headway against dual handicaps of stubborn enemy and hedgerow terrain. In VII Corps area, 4th and 83rd Divs gain several hundred yards toward Périers in violent fighting, 83rd overrunning St Eny. 9th Div arrives from Cherbourg and is given sector E of the Taute, previously right flank of 30th Div’s zone. Boundary between VII and XIX Corps is adjusted accordingly. In XIX Corps area, while 113th Cav Gp and CCA of 3rd Armd Div hold on right flank of corps, 30th Div and attached CCB continue offensive toward Hauts-Vents, immediate objective. Strong enemy counterattack in region W of main road to St Lô is checked, largely by arty fire. CCB, attacking between assault regiments of 30th Div, thrusts rapidly toward Hauts-Vents along main highway until stopped short of objective by div order. Late in day CCA, 3rd Armd Div, is attached to 9th Div, VII Corps.
In British Second Army’s 1 Corps area, Caen falls as 3rd Div, driving S into the city, meets Cdn 3rd Div, which enters from W. Elements of Cdn 3rd Div at last take Carpiquet airfield, which enemy has defended stubbornly, and Bretteville-sur-Odon.
USSR – Lida falls to Third White Russian Front.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div’s 135th and attached 442nd Regiments make slow progress above Rosignano; with recapture of Hill 634 (M. Vase) by 363rd Inf on div right, 363rd and 168th are able to continue northward; 168th thrusts into Casale and clears it before dawn of 10th. On right flank of IV Corps, 88th Div’s progress is also limited by strong opposition. TF Ramey is given mission of protecting right flank of corps along Highway 68 and maintaining contact with FEC. The TF, consisting entirely of armd units, begins slow advance on road net E of Villamagna. In FEC area, enemy forces 4th Gp of Tabors from Hill 380 after seesaw battle. 1st and 6th Moroccan Inf relieve goumiers and start toward Hill 380, regaining it before dawn of 10th. Germans apply pressure against other units, forcing back French salient on Highway 2.
In British Eighth Army area, plans are made for attack by 13 Corps on Arezzo on 15th, by which time NZ 2nd Div of Cdn 1 Corps will have moved forward to strengthen the assault. 13 Corps will meantime maintain pressure on limited scale against enemy below Arezzo. In Pol 2 Corps area, Italians take Filottrano after about a week of hard fighting.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, AAF joins in bombardment of Ibdi Pocket. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 1st Battalions of 1st and 63rd Regiments complete battle for crest of Hill 265, SW of Hill 225. This is the last enemy strongpoint in Maffin Bay region.
SAIPAN – 2nd Mar Div mops up additional enemy on W flank of corps; attached 165th Inf reaches coast except for company that remains behind to mop up Paradise Valley. 4th Mar Div attacks with 2nd Marines of 2nd Mar Div and 24th and 25th Marines and quickly reaches Marpi Pt, final objective. Saipan is declared secure by Adm Turner at 1615. Final mop up of stragglers is assigned to 2nd and 4th Mar Divs, with 165th Inf still attached to latter. During the Saipan operation, Northern Troops and Landing Force suffers 14,111 casualties, about 20% of its total strength of 71,034. Of the 14,000 casualties, 3,674 are Army and 10,437 are Marine Corps. Japanese garrison of about 30,000 is virtually destroyed. Saipan is within bombing range of Japan and is to become base for B-29’s.
10 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery issues orders for offensive, calling for strong southward drive (COBRA) by U.S. First Army, which will
be assisted by British Second Army attack E and S of Caen.
In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps advances some 3,000 yards beyond La Haye-du-Puits, 90th Div overrunning Mont Castre Forest. VII Corps continues attack with 3 divs – 4th, 83rd, and 9th, from W to E – and reaches general vicinity of St Eny, Tribehou, and Le Désert. In XIX Corps area, CCB of 3rd Armd Div renews efforts to reach Hauts-Vents but is stopped a little short. 120th Inf, 30th Div, pulls up almost abreast CCB, forward elements reaching village of Le Rocher; 119th Inf, on 30th Div left flank, reaches positions just short of Belle-Lande.
In British Second Army area, 1 Corps mops up within Caen. 8 Corps begins drive toward Thury Harcourt, attacking between the Odon and the Orne. 43rd Div takes Eterville and Hill 112, between Eterville and Evrecy, but is unable to secure Maltot.
USSR – Field Marshal Walter Model, who has replaced Field Marshal Ernst Busch as commander of German Army Group Center, proposes that Army Group North be withdrawn behind the Dvina in order to employ elements on central front, but Hitler refuses. By this time, German 9th and 4th Armies have been virtually destroyed on central front. Troops of Third White Russian Front encircle Vilno.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th and 442nd Regiments, on 34th Div left flank, make slow progress toward Leghorn; on right, 133rd Inf attacks through Casale and 363rd moves forward abreast it. Progress on right flank of IV Corps is negligible.
CBI – On Salween front, 307th Regiment of 103rd Div, Ch 8th Army, is continuing costly efforts to clear enemy from Sung Shan.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Japanese have been cleared from immediate vicinity of Ukhrul.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, Cos K and L of 163rd Inf push into Ibdi Pocket. In Aitape area, TF PERSECUTION begins rcn in force E of the Driniumor. 1st Battalion, 128th Inf, crosses at mouth of river and drives along coast almost to Yakamul, dispersing 2 enemy groups en route. 2nd Sq, 112th Cav, crosses to S and moves cautiously through jungle about a mile, making no contact with enemy. Rest of TF PERSECUTION forces in Driniumor area regroup. During night 10-11, enemy attacks W across the Driniumor in force, breaking through line of PERSECUTION Covering Force on 1,300-yard front and threatening Paup villages along coast. Co E, 128th Inf, is overwhelmed and suffers heavy casualties. Co G is also heavily hit but checks enemy onslaughts. Rcn forces E of the river are ordered to withdraw to river line.
11 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army attacks with 4 corps abreast as V Corps joins in offensive on extreme E. VIII Corps makes further progress below La Haye-du-Puits. VII Corps bears brunt of strong German counterattack on its left flank and on right flank of XIX Corps. Enemy tanks penetrate 9th Div lines in Le Désert area, but positions are restored by combined efforts of infantry, tanks, TD’s, arty, and aircraft. Germans lose a number of tanks in this action. To W, 83rd and 4th Divs continue forward slowly. XIX Corps opens attack on St Lô with 30th Div W of the Vire and 35th and 29th Divs E of the river. 30th Div, with less difficulty than 9th, checks enemy counterattack NW of Pont Hébert; attached CCB, 3rd Armd Div, secures Hauts-Vents crossroads; 119th Inf meets increasingly strong opposition in Pont Hébert area. 35th Div attacks with 137th Inf along the Vire and 320th on left from La Méauffe-Villiers-Fossard region, but makes little headway; strongpoint at St Gilles stops 137th Inf well above Pont Hébert. 29th Div attacks on left flank of XIX Corps in conjunction with V Corps: 115th Inf progresses slowly toward La Luzerne against stubborn resistance; 116th, penetrating enemy positions, drives S through St André-de-l’Epine and then W along Martinville ridge toward St Lô. V Corps renews attack on Hill 192, NE of St Lô. 2nd Div, employing 38th and 23rd Regiments, makes the final assault and with tremendous arty support overcomes opposition on this important feature that has withstood vigorous attacks during June; crushes enemy defense in St Georges-d’Elle area; cuts Bayeux-St Lô highway at La Calvaire.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 50th Div improves positions near Hottot against lively resistance. In 8 Corps area, 43rd Div holds Hill 112 against counterattack. In 1 Corps area, 51st Div tries in vain to advance on Colombelles, E of the Orne.
ITALY – AAI: Orders MALLORY MAJOR, air offensive against Po R bridges, to go forward.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 442nd Inf, in 34th Div sector, gets almost to Pastina; 133rd Inf bypasses Pastina to E but is stopped short of Hill 529; limited progress is made in other sectors of div front. 351st Inf, 88th Div, is released from reserve to continue attack on Laiatico but is pinned down short of objective.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2nd Div begins concentrating within corps zone to assist in drive on Arezzo.
CHINA – Japanese, having completed preparations for stronger assault on Heng-yang, renew attack, and are stoutly opposed by Chinese garrison, which is assisted by aircraft.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, TF CYCLONE starts regrouping for systematic mopping up operations.
158th Inf is given N sector and 503rd Para Inf the S. 2nd Battalion of 503rd arrives, having moved by air from Hollandia to Biak and thence by sea to Namber airdrome. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force begins general withdrawal from Driniumor R line to next delaying positions, along line of X-ray R and Koronal Creek, after futile attempt by 1st Battalion, 128th Inf, to reopen Anamo-Afua trail. Gen Krueger orders positions along the Driniumor restored. On Biak, 3rd Battalion of 163rd Inf begins steadily compressing Japanese in Ibdi Pocket.
12 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army relinquishes command of 101st A/B Div, which is to return to England for rest and training. VIII Corps makes substantial progress southward toward the Ay and Sèves Rivers as enemy opposition diminishes. 8th Div, in center, overruns Hill 92. VII Corps makes limited gains toward Raids, on Carentan-Périers road, and toward Les Champs-de-Losque crossroads against strong resistance. XIX Corps continues attack on St Lô, moving in slowly. 30th Div is still held up in Pont Hébert area. 35th makes negligible progress N of St Lô. 29th advances its right flank (115th Inf) to villages of La Luzerne and Belle-Fontaine, NE of St Lô, but 116th is practically halted on ridge leading W to St Lô. In V Corps area, 2nd Div, against light resistance, finishes clearing all assigned objectives in Hill 192 area and gains firm control of highway to St Lô from Bérigny to La Calvaire.
British Second Army is largely engaged in regrouping.
USSR – Soviet offensive is broadening. Moscow announces opening of attacks in region between Nevel and Ostrov by Second Baltic Front, which overruns Idritsa, on rail line to Riga.
ITALY – Air offensive against Po R bridges, MALLORY MAJOR, is begun by TAF medium bombers under ideal weather conditions.
AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, U.S. armored units driving on Leghorn along Highway 1 in coastal sector get beyond Castiglioncello. 34th Div makes limited progress to right: 442nd Inf pushes into outskirts of Pastina, but 133rd battles in vain for Hill 529, from which enemy begins withdrawing after nightfall. 363rd Inf reverts to 91st Div as that div prepares to enter action. 88th Div’s 351st Inf, with strong arty and mortar support, overruns Laiatico. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div drives forward almost to S. Gimignano.
CBI – In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF, with air support, makes major effort against Myitkyina, but the attack fails. As result of poor air-ground liaison some bombs hit friendly forces.
On Salween front, Japanese continue to repel Chinese efforts to clear Sung Shan, although 2 Ch regiments are committed to this task. 2-week lull ensues and Ch 8th Army breaks off attacks.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Gen Gill, CG of 32nd Div and of Eastern Sector, takes control of PERSECUTION Covering Force, relieving Gen Martin, who becomes commander of Eastern Sector. Gen Gill sets up hq at Tiber and prepares for attack to recover positions along the Driniumor, dividing covering force into 2 groups: North Force, consisting of 124th Inf (less 2nd Battalion) reinforced by 1st Battalion of 128th Inf; South Force, consisting of 112th Cav and 3rd Battalion of 127th Inf. 2nd Battalion of 128th Inf, holding Tiber while reorganizing, is held in reserve. Co B, 128th Inf, moves from Tiber to Anamo in preparation for general attack. After dark, Japanese attack 2nd Battalion, 128th Inf, but are forced to withdraw. On Biak, about 200 Japanese escape from Ibdi Pocket.
13 July
FRANCE – 4th Armd Div arrives on Continent.
21 Army Group: U.S. First Army commander approves Outline Plan for COBRA – breakout attack in St. Lô area. Minor amendments altering boundaries are subsequently made. VIII Corps continues steadily southward all along line. VII Corps makes progress on left flank, where 9th Div gets almost to crossroads at Les Champs-de-Losque. Offensive on rest of VII Corps front is virtually suspended. XIX Corps continues costly battle for St Lô. On E, 29th Div passes 175th Inf through 116th in vain attempt to drive W along highway ridge toward the city. In V Corps area, 5th Div replaces 1st Div in line. 1st Div withdraws to Colombières area in preparation for movement to VII Corps zone.
In British Second Army area, Cdn 2 Corps becomes operational with Cdn 2nd and 3rd Divs under its command. 12 Corps takes command of 8 Corps sector and of 43rd, 15th, and 53rd Inf Divs; 11th Armd Div; 4th Armd Brig; and 31st Tank Brig.
USSR – After several days of street fighting, Vilna falls to troops of Third White Russian Front.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div gains about 3 miles toward Leghorn and to E overruns Pastina and Hill 529. 91st Div is committed in center of corps front and attacks toward the Arno with 363rd Inf on left and 362nd on right; presses close to Chianni and heights to E despite strong opposition. 88th Div, on IV Corps right flank, makes substantial progress against decreasing resistance. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div overruns S Gimignano and commanding ground nearby as enemy begins withdrawal in that region. Against diminishing resistance, 2nd Moroccan Div drives
almost to Poggibonsi on W and to outskirts of Castellina in Chianti on E.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ 2nd Div pursues enemy northward toward Arezzo, taking crest of M. Castiglione Maggiore without opposition. Corps is directed to press NW to Alpe di Poti with Indian 4th Div while Indian 10th Div protects right flank.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, 1st Battalion of 503rd Para Inf encounters main enemy forces remaining on Noemfoor at Hill 670, some 3 miles NE of Namber airdrome. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force attacks to restore positions along the Driniumor. North and South Forces succeed in reaching the river, but broad gap exists between them. 1st Battalion of 128th Inf, while clearing coastal sector from Anamo to the Driniumor, on N flank of North Force, decisively defeats enemy’s Coastal Attack Force and destroys most of its arty. In region W of the Driniumor, Japanese make a number of small attacks on 2nd Battalion of 128th Inf, in Tiber area, and are driven off.
SAIPAN – 3rd Battalion of 6th Marines, 2nd Mar Div, occupies Maniagassa I., in Tanapag Harbor without serious opposition. This concludes Marine activities on Saipan.
U.S. – President Roosevelt, preparing to depart for Hawaii to discuss Pacific strategy with Gen MacArthur and Adm Nimitz, replies to Chiang Kai-shek’s letter of 8th, agreeing to choose a political representative and urging that the way be quickly cleared for Gen Stilwell to take command of Ch forces.
14 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps closes along Ay and Sèves Rivers, where forward movement is stopped by army order. In VII Corps area, 9th Div continues to clear Les Champs-de-Losque-Le Désert area against tenacious resistance. In XIX Corps area, 119th Inf of 30th Div captures Pont Hébert, concluding bitter struggle for this objective. Just across the Vire, 35th Div breaks through to Pont Hébert-St Lô highway. 29th Div maintains positions NE and E of St Lô. In V Corps area, commander of 5th Div assumes responsibility for former zone of 1st Div on left flank of corps.
USSR – Broadening offensive southward, troops of First Ukrainian Front attack above and below Brody, in region E of Lwow. Pinsk falls to First White Russian forces.
ITALY – AAI: Directs British Eighth Army to take Ancona and Florence and U.S. Fifth Army, Leghorn; later, attack is to carry through the Gothic Line between Dicomano and Pistoia to the Po R line, where bridgeheads are to be established.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div meets little opposition as it continues toward Leghorn; 442nd takes S. Pieve di Luce; 133rd is approaching Usigliano. Elements of 91st Div’s 363rd Inf take Chianni without opposition early in day; patrols of 362nd find that enemy has abandoned Terricciola. 88th Div gains about 4 miles on right flank of IV Corps, overrunning key positions at Belvedere and Villamagna. In FEC area, as enemy resistance collapses, French take Poggibonsi and continue toward Certaldo.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, NZ troops gain summit of M. Carmucino, but German opposition then stiffens all along line.
CBI – In NCAC area, request by Maj Gen Lentaigne for withdrawal of Morris Force (of Indian 3rd Div) from positions across the Irrawaddy from Myitkyina is denied. By this time the force has only 3 platoons left.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 33 Corps completes envelopment and elimination of Japanese force on Ukhrul-Imphal road, completely clearing Ukhrul area. 4 Corps, pressing down Tiddim road, has been stubbornly opposed thus far, but Japanese are beginning to weaken under attacks of Indian 5th and 17th Divs and aircraft.
POA – CINCPAC-CINCPOA issue Joint Staff Study for STALEMATE (invasion of the Palaus).
NEW GUINEA – Gen MacArthur orders TF CYCLONE to have Kornasoren airdrome ready to receive 50 P-38’s by 25 July in preparation for invasion of Vogelkop Peninsula. Rcn party moves by PT boat from Noemfoor to Cape Opmarai, N coast of the Vogelkop, where it stays for 3 days gathering information upon which final plans for the operation are made. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 31st Div (less RCT 124) begins unloading at Maffin Bay to relieve 6th Div. In Aitape area, South Force narrows gap between it and North Force along the Driniumor by moving 3rd Battalion of 127th Inf northward, but the 2 forces are still out of contact with each other. 3rd Battalion of 124th Inf, North Force, kills about 135 Japanese in the gap, night 14-15.
15 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army halts offensive W of Taute R while regrouping extensively in preparation for COBRA. 4th Armd Div is temporarily held in reserve. VIII Corps, now holding initial objectives along Ay R except for town of Lessay, maintains current positions while regrouping to include 8th, 79th, 90th, 4th, and 83rd Divs. VII Corps continues offensive with 9th Div while regrouping on rest of front to include 30th and 1st Inf Divs and 2nd and 3rd Armd Divs. Zone is extended E to Vire R when 30th Div is transferred to corps
in place at 2400. 9th Div secures crossroads at Les Champs-de-Losque. In XIX Corps area, 30th Div, before its transfer to VII Corps, attacks with 117th Inf to outskirts of Le Mesnil-Durand, forcing salient into enemy positions. 35th and 29th Divs, with close air and arty support, continue battle for St Lô. 134th Inf, on left flank of 35th Div, gains N slopes of Hill 122, where it is within 2,000 yards of St Lô, but rest of div is held up well to rear in Le Carillon-Pont Hébert area. 29th Div makes main effort on left flank of XIX Corps with 116th Inf along Martinville Ridge: 2nd Battalion of 116th Inf succeeds in breaking through to Bayeux-St Lô highway near La Madeleine but is isolated there; 175th Inf holds its positions on left flank of div; 115th, on right flank, makes slow progress SW from La Luzerne. V Corps, upon regrouping, contains 2nd and 5th Divs on inactive left flank of army.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps begins attack toward line Bougy-Evrecy-Maizet, between the Odon and the Orne, night 15-16, 15th Div moving forward with illumination from searchlights.
USSR – Troops of Second Baltic Front overrun Opochka.
ITALY – Allied air attacks on Po bridges between Piacenza and the Adriatic (MALLORY MAJOR) are successfully concluded, but tactical bombers subsequently continue interdiction program on an expanded scale, hitting bridges W of Piacenza and throughout Po Valley.
AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div continues rapidly toward Leghorn until hit in evening by counterattack on left flank near heights overlooking the town; enemy is driven off with aid of arty. 442nd Inf advances to left rear of 168th as latter begins attack in right half of 442d’s zone. 168th and 133rd Regiments push toward Pisa with 100th Battalion filling gap between them; bypassing Lorenzana, 133rd gets nearly 2 miles beyond the town. In center of IV Corps, 91st Div’s 363rd Inf takes Bagni di Casciana without opposition, then withdraws in preparation for assisting attack of 34th Div on Leghorn; 361st Inf replaces 362nd on div right and takes Morrona, NW of Terricciola. 88th Div continues northward on right flank of corps. In FEC area, 8th Moroccan Inf takes Castellina in Chianti while 4th Moroccan mops up E of Poggibonsi. By nightfall FEC is up against enemy delaying line in Certaldo-Tavernelle area.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps opens attack on Arezzo at 0100 after strong arty preparation, employing 6th Armd Div on left and NZ 2nd on right. Air support begins at dawn. 6th Armd Div drives salient into center of enemy line, and NZ 2nd Div takes M. Lignano. After nightfall, Germans begin general withdrawal.
BURMA – Thus far in the siege of Myitkyina, Japanese garrison has suffered 790 dead and 1,180 wounded, and its commander is contemplating withdrawal. No coordinated attacks have been attempted by Myitkyina TF since 12th, but daily attacks on a limited scale have gradually constricted Japanese positions.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force is still endangered along the Driniumor by gap, now 1,500 yards wide, between North and South Forces. 124th Inf, North Force, is ordered to extend southward to left flank of South Force. Japanese are becoming active in vicinity of Afua. On Biak, Americans move back into Ibdi Pocket, where Japanese are continuing to resist. Arty bombardment of the enemy position is resumed.
16 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps continues S toward Périers-St Lô road with 9th Div on right and 30th on left. 9th Div is slowed by enemy below Les Champs-de-Losque. 30th Div deepens its salient between Terrette and Vire Rivers beyond Le Mesnil-Durand. CCB reverts to 3rd Armd Div from attachment to 30th Div. In XIX Corps area, 35th Div makes little headway on right flank of corps. 29th tries in vain to relieve isolated 2nd Battalion, 116th Inf, astride Bayeux-St Lô road and repels tank-infantry counterattacks.
In British Second Army area, 30 Corps attacks with 59th Div toward Noyers and partially envelops this objective. 50th Div, to W, improves positions near Hottot. In 12 Corps area, while 53rd Div overruns Cahier, 15th takes Gavrus, Bougy, and Esquay, in region above Evrecy.
USSR – Converging columns of Third and Second White Russian Fronts overrun Grodno, rail and road junction on route to East Prussia.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div, jumping off at 0100, seizes Hill 232 and M. Maggiore (Hills 449 and 413), SE of Leghorn. 168th Inf takes Lorenzana and pushes on to vicinity of Fauglia. 2nd Battalion of 133rd Inf seizes Usigliano and drives to within 3 miles of the Arno Valley. 91st Div continues attack in IV Corps center with 361st Inf on left and 362nd on right: 361st gets within sight of Arno Valley floor against diminished resistance and holds its gains against armored counterattacks; 362nd gets almost to Capannoli. 88th Div continues steadily northward on right flank of corps, accelerating advance as opposition weakens suddenly during day. Plan for relief of FEC by British is completed. FEC goes on the defensive until relief can be accomplished.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, British 6th Armd Div captures Arezzo, where enemy’s delaying action
has gained time for him to improve the Gothic Line; elements thrust to the Arno, take bridge intact, and establish bridgehead. Next objective of corps is Florence. In 10 Corps area, fall of Arezzo menaces German positions on the Alpe di Poti. Corps is now able to concentrate on drive toward Bibbiena. On right flank, enemy forces at Scheggia, on Route 3, are threatened.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, 3rd Battalion of 124th Inf, North Force, guided by Tr E of 112th Cav, advances S to close gap in Driniumor line. Elements succeed in breaking through to South Force lines, killing about 40 Japanese. Japanese are seen crossing the Driniumor about 2,500 yards S of Afua. 1st and 2nd Battalions, 127th Inf, which have been released from MLR, begin mopping up W of the Driniumor. On Noemfoor, 503rd Para Inf finds that enemy has withdrawn from Hill 670 and contact is again lost for a time. Kamiri airdrome is ready to accommodate an entire fighter group.
17 July
FRANCE – Rommel’s participation in the war ends. Severely wounded when his car is strafed by aircraft, he is unable to continue his duties as commander of Army Group B and von Kluge takes over this post in addition to his other duties.
21 Army Group: U.S. First Army places 4th Armd Div under command of VIII Corps. In VII Corps area, 9th Div breaks through enemy’s MLR on right flank of corps and drives quickly toward St Lô highway, while 30th Div deepens salient on left flank to La Houcharderie. In XIX Corps area, 35th Div penetrates enemy positions on right flank of corps; 137th Inf, along the Vire, reaches objective near Rampan. Enemy withdraws salient at Le Carillon, 29th Div makes further vain attempts to relieve isolated 2nd Battalion, 116th Inf, and push on into St Lô from W; 3rd Battalion, 116th Inf, reaches 2nd Battalion but cannot move forward from there and it too becomes isolated; 115th Inf gets elements to Martinville Ridge.
In British Second Army area, 30 Corps makes limited progress near Noyers. In 12 Corps area, 15th Div tries unsuccessfully to break into Evrecy. 53rd clears most of right flank of corps N of the Odon and begins relief of 15th Div. 8 Corps completes preparations for attack in new zone E of the Orne.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div makes little progress toward Leghorn; armored units on coast cover its flank; 442nd Inf takes Luciana; 168th and 133rd Regiments reach S edge of Arno R Valley, 168th after stiff battle for Fauglia. 361st Inf, 91st Div, drives through Ponsacco toward Pontedera; 362nd advances through Capannoli and across Era R toward the Arno. Enemy resistance to 88th Div stiffens, but 3rd Battalion, 349th Inf, seizes Palaia. On extreme right of IV Corps, TF Ramey, consisting so far of armored units, is reinforced by battalion of 351st Inf and takes Montaione.
British Eighth Army commander concludes that the Gothic Line must be assaulted by two corps up axes Florence-Firenzuola and Florence-Bologna. 13 Corps pursues enemy toward Florence. In 10 Corps area, Indian 4th Div reaches the Alpe di Poti and begins clearing that hill mass. Pol 2 Corps, with close air support, begins assault on Ancona.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force closes gap in line along the Driniumor, but enemy forces another in it, night 17-18. Japanese are getting into position for attack on Afua.
18 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. 6th Armd Div begins landing at UTAH Beach. U.S. First Army, with capture of St Lô by XIX Corps, successfully concludes Battle of the Hedgerows, during which it has gained suitable positions from which to launch breakout attack (COBRA). In VII Corps area, 9th and 30th Divs continue steadily toward Périers-St Lô road, which patrols reach. XIX Corps completes costly struggle for St Lô. On right flank of corps, 35th Div advances rapidly southward all along line, left flank elements reaching N edge of St Lô. After 115th Inf, 29th Div, closes in on the city from NE, TF C (special force of 29th Div) attacks into the city from E and clears it by 1900. St Lô remains under enemy fire that adds to wreckage already wrought by Allied air and arty bombardment. 113th Cav Gp is attached to 29th Div to reconnoiter southward and determine extent of enemy’s withdrawal.
British Second Army begins offensive in Caen area that, despite its limited-objective nature, receives the strongest air support (7,700 tons of bombs) ever provided for ground forces in Normandy. Purpose of the offensive is to draw off German armor from U.S. First Army’s breakout attack (COBRA), scheduled for 24 July. Cdn 2 Corps crosses the Orne to open exits from Caen. Cdn 2nd Div is heavily engaged near Louvigny. Cdn 3rd Div takes Colombelles and Giberville. 8 Corps, making main effort, attacks through bridgehead of 1 Corps with 3 armd divs, 11th, 7th, and Gds, from W to E. Although resistance stiffens considerably in afternoon, attack reaches general line Hubert-Folie-Tilly-la-Campagne-La Hogue-Frenouville-Cagny. 1 Corps, in supporting role, clears 3 villages W of Troarn.
USSR – Troops of First Ukrainian Front overrun Brody. To N, First White Russian forces begin westward drive from Kowel. Troops of Third Baltic Front go on the offensive S of Lake Peipus, threatening
Ostrov and Pskov. Soviet forces on East Prussian border are brought to a halt at Augustow by German counterattack.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div begins final assault on Leghorn with 135th Inf and attached RCT 363 of 91st Div, latter organized as TF Williamson under Brig Gen Raymond Williamson. Attack reaches outskirts of the city, but enemy is able to extricate most of its garrison. Along coast, 804th TD Battalion reaches Montenero. Elements of 361st Inf, 91st Div, reach the Arno at Pontedera by 0800; 362nd arrives at last ridge commanding the river, where it is ordered to halt. 88th Div comes to a halt on last heights overlooking the Arno above Palaia. FEC renews pursuit of enemy upon finding that he is withdrawing all along front.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div on left flank of corps overruns Radda in Chianti. In Arno Valley, 4th Div and British 6th Armd Div are almost halted by the first of a series of enemy delaying lines above Arezzo, but 4th Div takes Montevarchi, on Highway 69. Indian 8th Div passes to command of corps. 10 Corps begins regrouping and shifting westward for drive on Bibbiena while conducting limited attacks. Indian 4th Div is slowly extending its hold on Alpe di Poti. Enemy is stubbornly defending heights on either side of Citta di Castello but is forced back from M. Arnato. Pol 2 Corps breaks through to Ancona on Adriatic coast.
JAPAN – Cabinet of Premier Tojo falls. A new one is subsequently formed under Kuniaki Koiso.
NEW GUINEA – Gen Sibert, 6th Div commander, relinquishes command of TF TORNADO to Maj Gen John C. Persons, 31st Div commander, in order to take charge of TF TYPHOON, comprising reinforced 6th Div (less RCT 20, attached to 31st Div), for Sansapor-Mar operation in the Vogelkop, scheduled for 30 July. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force closes gap in Driniumor R line and holds W bank of the river from the coast to Afua. Japanese withdraw both E and W under attack by 124th Inf. 127th Inf finishes clearing region between Koronal Creek and the Driniumor and is moving forward to establish patrol base on East Branch, Koronal Creek. In evening Japanese attack 1st Sq of 112th Cav, South Force, from right and rear in Afua area and force it to fall back 250 yards.
19 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps mops up within St Lô. 113th Cav Gp finds that enemy withdrawal southward has been a limited one. 35th Div is ordered to take over entire corps sector, relieving 29th Div. It is to be reinforced by 29th Div Arty and 113th Cav Gp.
In British Second Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, 2nd Div takes Louvigny, on N bank of the Orne, and Fleury and Ifs, on S bank. 3rd Div clears Faubourg de Vaucelles and Cormelles. In 8 Corps area, Cagny falls to Gds Armd Div. 1 Corps continues to fight for Troarn.
USSR – Moscow announces encirclement of some 4 or 5 German divs W of Brody.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, Leghorn falls to 34th Div without serious opposition, but retreating Germans have carried out a thorough demolition program within the city and on harbor facilities. 3rd Battalion of 135th Inf enters first, at 0200, and is followed by 363rd Inf. 100th Battalion is given responsibility for policing Leghorn and 363rd Inf for left flank of 34th Div while 135th Inf assembles to SW. Patrols of 363rd Inf moving N of Leghorn toward the Arno meet little opposition. To E, zone of 168th Inf is expanded to include that previously held by 133rd Inf. 91st and 88th Divs patrol actively in center and on right flank of corps. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div seizes Certaldo; 2nd Moroccan Div takes S. Donato, NW of Castellina.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div begins clearing main ridge of the Chianti hills on left flank of corps, but stubborn enemy opposition limits progress elsewhere. Elements of British 6th Armd Div secure new crossing site over the Arno at Laterina.
SWPA – GHQ issues Outline Plan for Occupation of Southwest Morotai.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, South Force of PERSECUTION Covering Force attacks S on right flank and recovers ground lost on 18th in Afua area, but in afternoon Japanese attempt to encircle Tr A, 112th Cav, necessitating another attack. Tr A drives enemy back 600 yards SW of its original positions astride Afua-Palauru trail.
20 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army continues to prepare for COBRA, shifting 4th Div from command of VIII to that of VII Corps. In XIX Corps area, 134th Inf of 35th Div relieves TF C, 29th Div, in St Lô.
In British Second Army’s Cdn 2 Corps area, 2nd Div takes St André-sur-Orne against strong opposition. In 8 Corps area, Bourguebus falls to 7th Armd Div and Frenouville to Gds Armd Div. This ends action to expand Orne bridgehead and threaten Falaise.
GERMANY – In East Prussia, near Rastenburg, attempted assassination of Adolf Hitler fails.
USSR – Soviet forces driving W from Kowel reach Bug R on 40-mile front.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 442nd Inf, in 34th Div sector, establishes outpost line along Highway 67 SE of Pisa. 91st Div zone is expanded westward to include part of that previously held by 34th Div and eastward into 88th Div sector. On right flank of IV Corps, TF Ramey, moving forward with 88th Div, gains heights along Orlo R, 6 miles E of Palaia, where it halts during relief of FEC by British. In FEC area, 4th Mtn Div gains line S. Stefano-Castelfiorentino-Certaldo on left flank of corps.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps commander changes plan of attack. Since corps is soon to extend W to relieve FEC and since region between the Chianti hills and Route 2 is lightly defended by enemy, main effort is to be made on left flank, where NZ 2nd and Indian 8th Divs are to attack up Route 2. S African 6th Armd Div takes M. S. Michele and M. Querciabella, permitting 4th Div and British 6th Armd Div in Arno Valley to move forward again.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, TF HURRICANE completes reduction of enemy positions in East Caves. Bombardment of the Ibdi Pocket continues. In Aitape area, 43rd Div begins arriving. 1st and 2nd Battalions of 127th Inf, now at patrol base site on East Branch, Koronal Creek, where they are supplied chiefly by air, are ordered to prepare to move SE toward Afua.
MARIANAS – Volume of aerial attacks on Guam by carrier-based planes reaches peak. The island continues to be pounded by naval gunfire as well. Tinian is also under preinvasion air and naval bombardment, but on a smaller scale.
21 July
USSR-POLAND – Ostrov falls to troops of Third Baltic Front. Upon crossing the Bug W of Kowel, some elements of First White Russian Front drive toward Brest Litovsk while others advance toward Lublin.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues orders for next phase, drive to the Gothic Line. While British Eighth Army is clearing heights N and NW of Florence, Fifth Army is to cross the Arno in vicinity of Montelupo, tentatively between 5 and 10 August, and take M. Albano, Pistoia, and Lucca. II Corps is to take over entire Fifth Army front while preparations are being made for attack. 34th Div, upon reaching the Arno, is to be detached from IV Corps and pass to army control. In IV Corps area, 91st Div begins clearing enemy from S bank of the Arno without meeting serious opposition. TF Ramey releases 1st Armd Div elements under its command. Relief of FEC in current positions is begun by British, night 21-22.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, elements of NZ 2nd and Indian 8th Divs move forward to relieve FEC. S African 6th Armd Div battles enemy on heights near Greve. 10 Corps finishes regrouping. After nightfall enemy begins withdrawing salient at Citta di Castello.
BURMA – In NCAC area, withdrawal of exhausted Morris Force of Indian 3rd Div from Myitkyrna area is authorized.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Gen Hall strengthens line along the Driniumor. 2nd Battalion of 169th Inf, 43rd Div, moves forward to Anamo. 2nd Battalion of 124th, released from reserve, advances to Palauru village. Tr A, 112th Cav, is replaced by Tr C. Renewing attacks in Afua area, Japanese isolate Tr C from rest of South Force in battle that continues through night 21-22. Platoon of Co I, 127th Inf, succeeds in reaching the isolated unit.
TINIAN – Preinvasion bombardment is intensified.
GUAM – After preparatory bombardment by naval vessels and carrier aircraft, U.S. marines of III Amphib Corps (Southern Landing Force) land on W coast of Guam about 0830. 3rd Mar Div, with 3 regiments abreast, goes ashore at Asan; 1st Prov Mar Brig, with 22nd Marines on left and 4th on right, lands to S at Agat. Against moderate opposition, marines push inland and by nightfall hold 2 beachheads near the ends of final beachhead line, each of them extending about a mile inland on a 2-mile front. RCT 305, 77th Inf Div, lands on S beaches to help hold the beachhead.
22 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VIII Corps area, 90th Div elements move to area of St Germain-sur-Sèves but are later forced to withdraw. In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 43rd Div, in limited attack, takes Maltot.
FRANTIC – Renewing shuttle bombing after lapse of about a month, 76 P-38’s and 58 P-51’s of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force attack airfields in Rumania, claiming destruction of 56 enemy planes, and land at Soviet bases. At the same time, heavy bombers of same air force attack Ploesti oil targets in force.
USSR-FINLAND – Russians on Finnish front are now at 1940 Soviet-Finnish border.
POLAND – Soviet forces driving on Lublin overwhelm Chelm.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div begins clearing region below the Arno on left flank of corps at 2200. 91st Div finishes cleaning out its zone below the Arno.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps extends westward to take over sector previously held by FEC, including Highway 2. Indian 8th Div now holds positions on extreme left with NZ 2nd Div to its right. In 10 Corps area, Indian 10th Div takes Citta di Castello and continues N.
CBI – Gen Stilwell, in radio message to Gen Hearn, his chief of staff, establishes CBI policy on support of Chinese forces in E China. Stilwell says that Gen Chennault should admit his failure to stop Japanese by air alone to Chiang Kai-shek, who could then decide what revision should be made in allocation of Hump tonnage.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, 2nd Battalion of 169th Inf, 43rd Div, moves to right of 124th Inf, North Force, along the Driniumor. Japanese make unsuccessful attacks against North Force in effort to regain crossing of the Driniumor. Enemy continues active in Afua area. Efforts to relieve isolated Tr C, 112th Cav, are futile, and South Force is obliged to refuse its right flank, leaving Afua to enemy and Tr C isolated. On Biak, after air and arty preparation, 2 cos of 163rd Inf attack Ibdi Pocket and clear it without serious opposition.
TINIAN – Softening up of island continues.
GUAM – Marines repel counterattacks on both beachheads and then expand them toward final beachhead line. 3rd Mar Div thrusts salient 1,000 yards inland toward Mt. Chachao and seizes Piti Navy Yard; in shore-to-shore operation, elements begin clearing Cabras I. 1st Prov Mar Brig, reinforced by RCT 305, gains Mt. Alifan and final beachhead line on S flank of corps. Gen Geiger orders 1st Prov Mar Brig to clear Orote Peninsula upon relief by 77th Div. Advance party of 306th Inf, which is to accomplish the relief, arrives to prepare for landing of rest of the regiment.
23 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Cdn First Army (Gen Henry D. G. Crerar) takes control of British 1 Corps on extreme E flank.
USSR – Pskov, last prewar Soviet city held by Germans, falls to forces of Third Baltic Front.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 34th Div finishes clearing to the Arno with little difficulty; 363rd Inf takes Marina di Pisa by 0330 and reaches S Pisa below the Arno by 1330. All bridges over the Arno have been destroyed. Enemy is placing heavy fire on S Pisa and on port of Leghorn. 88th Div begins clearing right flank of IV Corps below the Arno and is briskly engaged at some points.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Tavernelle falls to NZ troops. S African 6th Armd Div makes progress on heights near Greve, taking crests of M. Domini and M. Fili. 4th Div reaches S. Giovanni.
CBI – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, in message to President Roosevelt, reaffirms his willingness to place Gen Stilwell in command of Ch forces but specifies 3 conditions that must be met: (1) Chinese communists, before coming under authority of Gen Stilwell, must agree to obey orders of Chinese Government; (2) Stilwell’s role must be clearly defined; (3) Chinese must have full authority for lend-lease distribution.
Adm Mountbatten outlines 2 plans of attack: CAPITAL, an attack across the Chindwin; and DRACULA, an attack on Rangoon area by seaborne and airborne forces.
On Salween front, Ch 8th Army, renewing attack on Sung Shan with 3 regiments supported by direct fire of howitzers, makes substantial progress.
SWPA – Gen MacArthur radios his proposed schedule of operations to Washington: invasion of Morotai on 15 September, Talauds on 15 October, and Mindanao on 15 November.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Trs A and B of 112th Cav, upon relief by 1st Battalion of 127th Inf N of Afua, attack W toward isolated Tr C while 2nd Battalion, 127th Inf, moves in from SE. Cavalrymen recapture Afua with little difficulty; 2nd Battalion reaches perimeter of Tr C. North Force frustrates further enemy efforts to secure crossing of the Driniumor, night 23-24. On Biak, final mop up of Ibdi Pocket is begun. On Noemfoor, patrols of 503rd Para Inf regain contact with enemy about 4 miles NW of Inasi village, on E coast.
TINIAN – Surface vessels, arty, and aircraft successfully execute final preinvasion bombardment.
GUAM – 3rd Mar Div fights stubbornly to expand N beachhead; completes occupation of Cabras I., where guns are emplaced to support future operations. 306th Inf, 77th Div, lands at Agat and begins relief of 1st Prov Mar Brig in S beachhead.
24 July
FRANCE – U.S. 28th Div arrives on Continent.
21 Army Group: Air preparation for Operation COBRA is begun, but weather conditions are so unfavorable that the attack is postponed. Minor alteration of interarmy boundary becomes effective as British 30 Corps extends W to take command of part of U.S. 5th Div zone on left flank of U.S. V Corps. 15th Scottish Div makes the relief.
POLAND – Troops of First White Russian Front overrun Lublin. Right flank elements of First Ukrainian Front cross San R NW of Lwow.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army begins regrouping along the Arno. Army sets new boundary between IV and II Corps, IV on W, but II Corps troops within current IV Corps zone are to remain under operational control of IV Corps until new
boundary becomes effective, on or about 25 July; directs relief of infantry divs of IV Corps.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 50th Div is joined by 149th Regiment, which relieves portions of 42nd and 150th Regiments in line in Myitkyina area.
CHINA – Ch garrison of besieged Heng-yang has been without air support since 17th because of weather conditions but continues to resist strongly and has forced enemy to halt briefly to reorganize.
NEW GUINEA – TF TYPHOON embarks at Maffin Bay for Sansapor-Mar operation. In Aitape area, North Force of PERSECUTION Covering Force repels the last enemy attempts, in limited strength, to secure crossing of the Driniumor, night 24-25. The region then becomes relatively quiet. Japanese, at least 2,000 strong, are disposed on South Force’s right flank and rear in Afua area and prevent 2nd Battalion, 127th Inf, and Tr C, 112th Cav, from breaking out.
TINIAN – Following strong preparatory bombardment, U.S. 4th Mar Div lands on NW coast, beginning at 0830, against light opposition. While landing is in progress, 2nd Mar Div conducts diversionary demonstration to S and then returns to landing site and puts 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, ashore to operate under control of 4th Mar Div. 4th Mar Div pushes inland and secures beachhead, which includes part of the old Ushi Pt airfield on the N.
GUAM – Gen Geiger orders attack to link the beachheads and secure Orote Peninsula on 26th. 77th Div completes relief of 1st Prov Mar Brig in S beachhead and holds it with 305th and 306th Regiments abreast, 305th on N. 3rd Mar Div continues to meet bitter opposition while endeavoring to take heights commanding N beachhead.
25 July
SHAEF – Gen Eisenhower directs that U.S. forces in Normandy be regrouped under a new U.S. army group, 12th. Gen Bradley will head the new command and set the time of its activation.
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army launches breakout assault (COBRA) in VII Corps zone as weather conditions improve. Saturation bombing by Eighth and Ninth Air Forces precedes the ground assault and stuns enemy. More than 4,000 tons of bombs are concentrated in a small area, some falling short and inflicting casualties on U.S. forces. Gen McNair, who has recently replaced Gen Bradley as commander of U.S. 1st Army Group, an organization confined to paper to deceive enemy, is killed by a bomb while watching the attack. Gen DeWitt later replaces Gen McNair. VII Corps attacks across Périers-St Lô road on narrow front at 1100 to force passage through enemy positions in Marigny-St Gilles region. 9th Div on right, 4th in center, and 30th on left advance steadily and force enemy back about 2 miles to line La Butte-La Chapelle-en-Juger-Hébécrevon. VIII Corps is reinforced by attachment of 6th Armd Div, now assembled at Le Mesnil.
In British Second Army area, Cdn 2 Corps attacks at 0330 with 2nd Div on right and 3rd on left, pushing a short distance along Falaise road against stubborn opposition and then breaking off attack. This action helps to divert enemy from COBRA.
FRANTIC – U.S. Fifteenth Air Force fighter bombers from Soviet bases attack Mielec airdrome (Poland), near Lwow, with good effect.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Second Baltic Front cut Dvinsk-Riga road. Lwow is enveloped by forces of First Ukrainian Front. Four Soviet columns are converging on Brest Litovsk.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps takes over sector of 88th Div on right flank of army, previously right flank of IV Corps. 88th Div finishes clearing its zone below the Arno and releases TF Ramey.
In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps continues drive on Florence, reaching next delaying line, extending through S. Casciano, in zones of NZ 2nd Inf and S African 6th Armd Divs.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Myitkyina TF is further strengthened by arrival of 1st Battalion, 90th Regiment, Ch 30th Div. By now it is evident that Japanese are preparing to abandon Myitkyina.
NEI – Warships of British Eastern Fleet bombard Sabang naval base, off N tip of Sumatra, causing extensive damage. Carrier-based aircraft attack airdromes near Sabang.
NEW GUINEA – TF TYPHOON conducts practice landing near Toem in preparation for invasion of the Vogelkop. In Aitape area, relief of Tr C of 112th Cav is finally accomplished after 4 days of strenuous efforts as Cos B and E, 127th Inf, make contact and open escape route. To exploit this success, 1st and 2nd Battalions, 127th Inf, attack S to Afua-Palauru trail, but enemy remains in considerable strength in this region. On Noemfoor, 503rd Para Inf loses contact with Japanese, who withdraw from Inasi area. Kornasoren airfield is ready to accommodate one fighter group.
TINIAN – After repelling determined Japanese counterattack with heavy losses to enemy, 4th Mar Div continues attack and, against light opposition, considerably expands beachhead, which now includes about half of the new airfield. Additional elements of 2nd Mar Div land; rest of 8th Marines is placed under operational control of 4th Mar Div.
GUAM – While 77th Div defends S beachhead, 3rd Mar Div continues attacks against heights commanding N beachhead and efforts to close the 4-mile gap between it and 77th Div, but progress is still limited.
26 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps joins in Operation COBRA, attacking at 0530 on W flank of army with 8th, 90th, and 83rd Divs, from W to E. 8th Div cuts Lessay-Périers road about midway between the 2 towns. 90th establishes bridgehead across Sèves R. 83rd makes minor gains. At night 79th Div begins crossing Ay R behind 8th Div. VII Corps commits additional units to exploit breakthrough. Passing through 9th Div, 1st Div seizes Marigny. CCB, 3rd Armd Div, then drives through to positions W and SW of Marigny. 4th Div speeds S to La Conviniere. 2nd Armd Div attacks through 30th Div on left flank of corps and takes St Gilles and Canisy. Meanwhile, 9th and 30th Divs broaden and deepen positions on flanks of the penetration. In XIX Corps area, 28th Div is attached to corps. V Corps attacks E of St Lô at 0600 after arty preparation by both British and U.S. guns. 5th Div on right and 2nd on left push forward to Vidouville-Rouxeville road.
FRANTIC – U.S. Fifteenth Air Force fighter bombers, while returning to Italy from USSR, make successful sweep over Ploesti-Bucharest area of Rumania.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet forces of Leningrad Front take Narva, Estonia. Elements of First White Russian Front reach the Vistula E of Radom.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps relieves infantry units as ordered. TF 45 – consisting of 91st AAA Gp, 107th AAA Gp, and 2nd Armd Gp – is organized under hq of 45th AAA Brig and replaces 34th Div on W flank. 34th Div releases 363rd Inf to parent unit, 91st Div, and assembles near Rosignano.
CBI – On Salween front, Japanese defending Sung Shan request and receive air support that damages Ch batteries and brings attack to a halt temporarily. After preparatory aerial bombardment, Chinese attack Teng-chung in force with mortar and arty support and seize Lai-feng, fortified peak dominating approaches to the town. At the same time, other Ch forces attack SE wall of the town but cannot get over it.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, since enemy appears to be preparing for further attacks in Afua sector, U.S. forces in this region are rearranged for defense. No large-scale attacks are forthcoming, each side being in the dark as to strength and disposition of the other’s forces.
TINIAN – 2nd Mar Div completes landing, resumes command of 8th Marines, and is committed to action. 4th and 2nd Mar Divs, with close air, naval gunfire, and arty support, make coordinated attack that progresses rapidly against light resistance, securing N quarter of the island. Front line extends roughly across island from points S of Faibus San Hilo Pt on W coast to Asiga on E coast and embraces Ushi Pt airfield and Mt. Lasso.
GUAM – Attack to clear Orote Peninsula opens after heavy preparatory bombardment during which 7 battalions of arty are employed. 1st Prov Mar Brig, with 4th Marines on left and 22nd on right, begins to clear narrow neck of the peninsula and gains 1,500 yards despite difficult jungle terrain. 3rd Mar Div repels strong enemy counterattack against N beachhead and, in close combat, eliminates enemy infiltrators who have succeeded in penetrating lines.
HAWAII – President Roosevelt, Gen MacArthur, Adm Nimitz, and Adm Leahy meet at Pearl Harbor to consider strategy for the Pacific. The feasibility of bypassing the Philippines in favor of Formosa is discussed. This question remains the subject of heated debate for some time to come.
27 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps is hampered more by delaying obstacles than by enemy opposition as it moves forward on W flank of army. 79th Div overruns Lessay, and 8th pushes southward between there and Périers. 90th Div occupies Priers and crosses the Taute just E of there. 83rd Div gets patrols across the Taute on left flank of corps. First elements of 6th Armd Div (Tr A of 86th Cav Rcn Sq, mechanized) are committed through 8th Div and clear heights near Le Bingard. 13th Inf, 8th Div, is attached to 4th Armd Div. In VII Corps area, 1st Inf and 2nd and 3rd Armd Divs make main effort southward while other elements of corps facilitate their movement and expand positions on flanks of salient. 1st Div and CCB, 3rd Armd Div, drive SW toward Coutances, reaching Camprond. 2nd Armd Div thrusts spearheads to Notre Dame de Cenilly and Fervaches. XIX Corps commits 28th Div to line in preparation for attack. V Corps extends W during day to include 35th Div, which is now attacking in St Lô area, and takes high ground just W and S of St Lô. 5th and 2nd Divs make limited progress against strong opposition, overrunning Notre Dame d’Elle.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Second Baltic Front seize Dvinsk, on Dvina R. Bialystok falls to forces of Second White Russian Front after hard battle of about a week. Columns of First Ukrainian Front take Lwow and Stanislawow.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, enemy falls back toward Florence as NZ 2nd Div takes S Casciano.
CBI – In NCAC area of Burma, 3rd Battalion of NEW GALAHAD succeeds in taking northern airstrip at Myitkyina and turns it over to 209th and 236th Engr Battalions to defend. Japanese garrison of Myitkyina is
becoming less aggressive. On Salween front, after mopping up on Mt. Lai-feng, Chinese count some 400 Japanese dead for their loss of 1,200.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, 2nd Battalion of 127th Inf, South Force, drives S beyond Afua-Palauru trail, but returns to starting line when enemy threatens its communications. 1st Battalion, 127th Inf, and part of 1st Sq, 112th Cav, clear enemy from heights near South Force’s supply base. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 6th Div, less RCT 20, begins to leave for the Vogelkop operation.
TINIAN – After preparatory bombardment, marines continue attack and advance rapidly, clearing northern third of island by 1600. Ushi Pt airfield is under repair.
GUAM – 1st Prov Mar Brig continues to clear Orote Peninsula: 22nd Marines advances steadily against light resistance on right, but 4th Marines is soon pinned down by fire from prepared enemy positions. In N beachhead, 3rd Mar Div extends its right flank 1,500 yards and its left 200 yards across Chonito cliff but is still unable to make much progress in center toward Mt. Chachao. To accelerate link up of the 2 beachheads, 77th Div is ordered to extend its positions northward beyond Mt. Tenjo, decreasing ground to be covered by 3rd Mar Div.
28 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: U.S. First Army orders exploitation of breakthrough and rapid pursuit of disorganized enemy. VII Corps, instead of continuing SW to coast, is to drive S to left of VIII Corps. VIII Corps commits 6th and 4th Armd Divs through infantry to spearhead pursuit, 6th on W. CCA, 6th Armd Div, speeds S through 79th Div to positions SW of Coutances. CCB, 4th Armd Div, races down Périers-Coutances road and takes Coutances by 1700. With fall of Coutances, COBRA has largely accomplished its purpose. Infantrymen of VIII Corps move forward behind armor. 106th Cav Gp protects W flank of corps, advancing along coast to mouth of Sienne R W of Coutances. Many of the enemy are trapped as junction is made with VII Corps on E flank. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd and 1st Inf Divs make contact with VIII Corps near Coutances. CCB of 2nd Armd Div reaches St Denisle-Gast. XIX Corps, attacking to exploit breakthrough, extends W to include 30th Div and CCA, 2nd Armd Div, in current positions. CCA thrusts S through Villebaudon to vicinity of Moyen. 30th Div drives S along W side of Vire R toward Tessy-sur-Vire. In V Corps area, 35th Div continues S along E bank of the Vire to Ste Suzanne-sur-Vire. 2nd Div, whose 9th Inf has been relieved by 10th Inf of 5th Div, takes St Jean-de-Baisants. 5th Div straightens line in limited advance.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of First White Russian Front overrun Brest Litovsk. Jaroslaw and Przemysl, on W bank of the San, fall to forces of First Ukrainian Front.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, organized resistance ends as mopping up of Ibdi Pocket draws to a close, but general mopping up continues for some time. The Ibdi Pocket had been held by some 800 Japanese; of these, 300 are estimated to have been killed during period 22-28 July and 154 are dead by actual count. In Aitape area, South Force of PERSECUTION Covering Force shortens lines to improve defensive positions and insure safety of its supply base, pulling back again from Afua.
TINIAN – Marines continue to advance rapidly against light resistance from retreating enemy and clear Gurguan Pt airfield.
GUAM – On Orote Peninsula, Marine and Army tank reinforcements are supplied to 4th Marines of 1st Prov Mar Brig and spearhead attack during afternoon that brings 4th Marines abreast 22nd Marines at E end of the airstrip. Final beachhead line is gained as 3rd Mar and 77th Inf Divs join the N and S beachheads. 3rd Mar Div, reinforced by 3rd Battalion of 307th Inf, clears Mt. Chachao and Mt. Alutom, opening road from Adelup Pt to Mt. Tenjo. Co A of 305th Inf, 77th Div, moves to top of Mt. Tenjo with little difficulty and is relieved there by 2nd Battalion, 307th Inf.
29 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps continues pursuit with 6th and 4th Armd Divs abreast spearheading and motorized combat teams of infantry following. CCA, 6th Armd Div, secures crossing of Sienne R near Pont de la Roche on W flank of corps. CCA, 4th Armd Div, drives to Cerences. VII Corps’ attack swerves from SW to S and reaches general line Cerences-Hambye-Percy. Enemy tank columns withdrawing along highway from Roney to St Denis-le-Gast suffer extremely heavy losses under air, arty, and tank attacks. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div is committed on right flank of corps, relieving elements of CCA, 2nd Armd Div, and drives to positions E of Percy, where it is in contact with VII Corps. 30th Div meets strong opposition as it continues S along W bank of the Vire toward Tessy-sur-Vire. V Corps pushes quickly toward Torigny-sur-Vire.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div, on W flank of corps, reaches the Arno near Empoli. 4th Div takes M. Scalari after hard battle.
BURMA – Gen Giffard, CG 11 Army Group, orders Gen Slim, CG British Fourteenth Army, to draw up detailed plans for CAPITAL.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Gen Hall decides to counterattack with 124th Inf, reinforced by 2nd Battalion of 169th. 1st Battalion, 169th, relieves 2nd Battalion, 124th, of task of patrolling Palauru-Chinapelli region. 1st Sq, 112th Cav, and 2nd Battalion, 127th Inf, attack to improve positions of South Force in Afua area but make little progress. Co G, 127th Inf, holding exposed outpost, is forced E under enemy attack to heights about 300 yards W of Afua.
TINIAN – 2nd and 4th Mar Divs continue to clear Tinian, 2nd gaining ground rapidly on W but 4th slowed by considerable resistance on heights to E.
GUAM – 1st Prov Mar Brig clears tenacious enemy defenders from Orote airstrip and completes capture of the peninsula by 1700. 3rd Mar and 77th Inf Divs are patrolling actively from beachhead perimeter in preparation for next phase of attack.
30 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th and 4th Armd Divs speed toward Granville and Avranches. CCB, 6th Armd Div, attacks through bridgehead of CCA and drives some 3 miles beyond Bréhal along road to Granville. CCB, 4th Armd Div, pushes into Avranches, where bridges over Sée R are captured. In VII Corps area, 1st Inf and 3rd Armd Divs continue S on right flank of corps, while units to E mop up. CCA forces crossing of the Sienne at Gavray, and bridge construction is begun; CCB drives quickly toward Villedieu-lès-Poëles. XIX Corps repels strong counterattack on right flank near Percy but makes little forward movement because of strong opposition. V Corps runs into stout resistance as it continues southward. 5th Div succeeds in crossing Torigny-sur-Vire-Caumont road on left flank, but progress elsewhere is negligible.
British Second Army, having regrouped, renews offensive with powerful air support. RAF BC and AEAF bombers drop 2,227 tons of bombs. 8 Corps, on W flank of army, attacks astride Caumont-Le Bény-Bocage road with 11th Armd Div on W and 75th Div on E, pushing beyond La Fouquerie and Les Loges. 30 Corps attacks with 43rd Div on W and 50th on E to left of 8 Corps. Progress is slow, particularly on E.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, NZ 2nd Div begins attack on Pian dei Cerri ridge in region W of Route 2.
BURMA – In NCAC area, commander of Japanese forces at Myitkyina issues withdrawal order and commits suicide.
NEW GUINEA – On Vogelkop Peninsula, TF TYPHOON lands on N coast near Mar, omitting preparatory bombardment in order to attain surprise. 1st Inf of 6th Div, with 2nd Battalion on left, 1st in center, and 3rd on right, lands without opposition, first wave going ashore at 0701, one minute late. Left flank advances 800 yards inland to low hills and right flank 2,500 yards W along coast to mouth of Wewe R. Amphibious force (6th Cav Rcn Tr with a mortar section and riflemen of 1st Battalion, 63rd Inf) lands on Middleburg I., at 0730 and then moves to Amsterdam I. Neither of these small islands is defended. TF TYPHOON has no battle casualties. Gen Sibert takes command ashore at 1020. Air assistance is not required. In Aitape area, 2nd Battalion of 124th Inf joins its regiment on the Driniumor in preparation for counterattack in sector of North Force. South Force patrols actively. Co G, 127th Inf, is surrounded by enemy on high ground W of Afua.
TINIAN – Marines push steadily southward against increasingly stiff resistance, capturing town of Tinian and compressing Japanese into about 5 square miles at S tip of island. Island Commander takes command of Garrison Forces.
GUAM – Gen Geiger issues orders for pursuit of enemy northward on 31st.
31 July
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Armd Div’s CCR, attacking in coastal sector, overruns Granville and entire div moves SE to Avranches area. At 2100 6th Armd is ordered to relieve 4th Armd Div at Avranches and secure bridges in that area. 4th Armd Div probes southward from Avranches and secures crossing of the Selune near Pontaubault. In VII Corps area, 1st Inf Div and CCA of 3rd Armd Div drive rapidly to Brécey on right flank of corps and secure crossing of Sée R. 4th Div and CCB, 3rd Armd Div, drive forward beyond Villedieu-lès-Poëles. XIX Corps continues attacks toward Tessy against heavy resistance. 30th Div overruns Troisgots, N of Tessy. V Corps drives S toward the Vire, 35th Div taking Torigny-sur-Vire.
In British Second Army area, 8th Corps gets forward elements across the Soulevre R near Le Bény-Bocage. Gds Armd Div reaches Le Tourneur. 30 Corps takes Cahagnes and is approaching Jurques. Cdn First Army takes command of Cdn 2 Corps.
EASTERN EUROPE – In Latvia, troops of First Baltic Front seize Jelgava, near Gulf of Riga, threatening to isolate German Army Group North. Third White Russian forces press forward toward East Prussia, elements entering Kaunas (Kovno), former capital of Lithuania, where street fighting is in progress. Troops of Second White Russian Front also continue toward East Prussia. Closing in on Warsaw (Poland), First White Russian Front takes Siedlce.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF Ramey, consisting of elements of 1st Armd Div with tanks and TD’s, relieves 91st Div on right flank of corps. 91st Div is transferred to II Corps to relieve 88th Div in place. II Corps now has command of 3 of the army’s 4 infantry divs – 88th, 91st, and 85th.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps hq is withdrawn to India and its components on Tiddim road are transferred to command of Hq, 33 Corps, which now has full responsibility for forcing enemy back across the Chindwin. Japanese are in full retreat down Tiddim road. 15 Corps, on Arakan front, has engaged in patrolling throughout June and July despite heavy monsoon rainfall.
NEW GUINEA – In Vogelkop area, 3rd Battalion of 1st Inf, 6th Div, moves by sea to Cape Sansapor and makes unopposed landing at 0844. Sansapor Plantation and Village are quickly secured and defensive positions established. Cape Sansapor is found to be unsuitable for PT base but is to become site of radar warning installation. In Aitape area, 124th Inf, reinforced by 2nd Battalion of 169th and dubbed TED Force, begins counterattack in North Force sector at 0800 under direction of Col Edward M. Starr. The 4 battalions cross the Driniumor and advance in separate columns toward Niumen Creek, which 3 of the 4 reach, the other being halted 800 yards short by enemy rear guards. 128th Inf protects sector previously held by North Force. In sector of South Force, Co G of 127th Inf breaks out of encirclement near Afua and returns to main body. From 13 July to date, South Force has suffered almost 1,000 casualties; 260 of them within 112th Cav; over 700 Japanese are estimated to have been killed by South Force.
TINIAN – Marines continue S over rugged terrain against moderate resistance. Unusually heavy bombardment by naval vessels, aircraft, and arty precedes attack.
GUAM – 3rd Mar and 77th Inf Divs begin pursuit of enemy northward, 3rd Mar on left, and reach first phase line, extending generally from Agana on W to Yona on E, without trouble except for skirmish at Yona, where 77th Div meets some enemy troops.
HAWAII – 81st Div begins preliminary rehearsals for Palaus operation.
1 August
FRANCE – 12th Army Group: U.S. 12th Army Group (Gen Bradley) becomes operational and takes command of U.S. divs engaged in France, these being divided between U.S. First and Third Armies. Gen Montgomery, however, is to retain command of all ground forces through month of August. XIX TAC of U.S. Ninth Air Force becomes operational with mission of supporting Third Army. IX TAC continues to assist First Army.
U.S. Third Army (Gen Patton) becomes operational with 4 corps under its command (VIII, XII, XX, XV) as well as Forces Françaises de l’Interieur (FFI). Operating on right of First Army and on extreme right of Allied forces, Third Army is to secure Brittany Peninsula and its valuable ports. VIII Corps, consisting of 4th and 6th Armd Divs and 8th and 79th Inf Divs, passes from First to Third Army command; with 4th and 6th Armd Divs spearheading, pours through the narrow Avranches corridor and fans out to S, SW, and W. Crossing La Selune R at Pontaubault, 6th Armd Div swings W into Brittany in 2 columns and reaches Pontorson-Antrain area. 4th Armd Div drives southward to cut off the peninsula and reaches positions near Rennes. XV Corps (Maj Gen Wade H. Haislip), consisting of 83rd and 80th Inf and 5th Armd Divs, is concentrating between Sée and Selune Rivers to block enemy movement toward Avranches.
U.S. First Army, command of which passes from Gen Bradley to Lt Gen Courtney H. Hodges, directs all but V Corps to drive SE. V Corps is to take heights N of Vire and remain there until pinched out. VII Corps expands Brécey bridgehead on right flank with 1st Div reinforced by CAA of 3rd Armd Div. 4th Div, reinforced with CCB of 3rd Armd Div, pushes forward toward St Pois. 9th Div moves southward on left flank of corps. XIX Corps overruns Percy and Tessy, Percy falling to 28th Div and Tessy to CCA, 2nd Armd Div. V Corps continues southward toward Vire on 2-div front after 5th Div is pinched out on right flank by British. 5th Div assembles in rear in Army reserve.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 11th Armd Div overruns Le Bény-Bocage. To left, Gds Armd Div is driving on Estry. 30 Corps works forward toward Mont Pincon on right and Villers-Bocage on left. 7th Armd Div is committed to drive on Aunay-sur-Odon.
In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps evokes strong opposition as it attacks below Caen in Tilly-la-Campagne-La Hogue area. In British 1 Corps area, 49th Div takes control of Sannerville-Troarn sector.
MEDITERRANEAN – AFHQ changes code word for invasion of S France from ANVIL to DRAGOON. Plans for the operation are largely completed by this time. Hq of 6th Army Group (Gen Devers) is formed at Bastia, Corsica, and will eventually take control of the U.S. and French forces in S France.
EASTERN EUROPE – Pol underground forces revolt as Soviet offensive nears Warsaw; fighting continues throughout the next two months. First Baltic Front pushes to Gulf of Riga at point 25 miles W of Riga. Kaunas (Kovno), Lithuania, falls to Third
White Russian Front, which is headed toward Konigsberg.
CBI – Gen Stilwell, who is promoted to rank of full general, arrives in Kandy, Ceylon, and Adm Mountbatten leaves there for London to discuss future strategy in SEAC.
In China, siege of Heng-yang continues despite efforts of Chinese to break through enemy lines. U.S. Fourteenth Air Force, during period 26 May to date, has flown 4,454 sorties in support of Chinese in E China.
NEW GUINEA – PT sq begins operations from Amsterdam. LCTs are shuttling aviation engineers and equipment to Middleburg, a more suitable airfield site than the mainland of the Vogelkop. On Biak, engineers complete 4,000-foot runway at Borokoe airdrome. Mokmer airfield has been extended to 7,000 feet. In Aitape area, TED Force gets last of its 4 columns to Niumen Creek and consolidates perimeters along the creek. Japanese attack right flank of South Force in strength just as South Force is preparing a rcn in force. About 2 enemy cos make suicidal onslaughts against Tr C, 112th Cav, N of Afua, but are repulsed with heavy casualties. Tr G and elements of Co K, 127th Inf, then reconnoiter well beyond South Force’s perimeter against scattered opposition.
POA – U.S. Army Forces, Pacific Ocean Areas, under command of Gen Richardson, supersedes U.S. Army Forces in Central Pacific Area and contains all Army forces of South Pacific area as well. AAF POA is activated under Lt Gen Millard F. Harmon. Adm Halsey issues outline plan for invasion of W Carolines.
TINIAN – Organized resistance comes to an end, and marines begin to mop up.
GUAM – III Amphib Corps continues to pursue enemy northward, reaching O-2 phase line beyond Agana-Pago Bay road.
2 August
FRANCE – Gen Eisenhower urges Gen Montgomery to press the attack.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps is meeting stronger opposition above Vire. 11th Armd Div pushes to N outskirts of the town and patrols cross Vire-Vassy road. Gds Armd Div is brought to a halt short of Estry. Corps is reinforced by 3rd Div. In 30 Corps area, on right flank of corps, 43rd Div continues southward toward Mont Pincon, while 7th Armd Div continues toward Aunay. On corps left flank, 50th Div takes Amaye-sur-Seulles, W of Villers-Bocage.
12th Army Group: To exploit success of VIII Corps, orders Third Army to secure line St Hilairedu-Harcourt-Fougères-Rennes and then clear Brittany Peninsula, bypassing St Malo if it cannot be taken easily.
In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, continuing W along Brittany Peninsula, 6th Armd Div bypasses Dinan to S when strong opposition develops there. 83rd Div is attached to corps to follow 6th Armd Div, replacing 79th Div. 79th Div is transferred to XV Corps for drive on Fougères. TF A (TD’s, cavalry, and engrs), under Brig Gen Herbert L. Earnest, is formed to clear bypassed resistance along N coast of Brittany Peninsula. 4th Armd Div gains additional ground near Rennes. 13th Inf of 8th Div, motorized, moves forward to Rennes area.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 1st Div and attached elements of 3rd Armd Div speed southward toward Mortain. 4th Div continues toward St Pois. 9th Div cuts road NE of Villedieu. Corps releases 2nd Armd Div to XIX Corps. XIX corps advances steadily SE from Percy-Tessy area against moderate opposition from retreating enemy. In V Corps area, continuing S toward Vire with 35th Div on W and 2nd on E, corps crosses the Vire and Soulevre Rivers.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, enemy begins limited withdrawal behind the Arno as NZ 2nd Div maintains pressure on ridge below Florence.
GERMANY – Hitler orders counterattack between Mortain and Avranches to isolate U.S. forces in Brittany.
CBI – On Salween front, aircraft supporting Ch assault on Teng-chung succeed in breaching the thick wall at 5 places.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 2nd Battalion of 163rd Inf lands at Korim Bay. In Aitape area, South Force of PERSECUTION Covering Force remains on the defensive, repelling determined enemy attacks that probably cost Japanese some 300 killed. TED Force prepares to attack S in region E of the Driniumor.
GUAM – Garrison Force takes responsibility for Orote Peninsula and Cabras I., to release additional units for movement northward. Gen Geiger orders the attack pressed toward Yigo area, where Japanese are reportedly concentrating. On right flank of corps, 77th Div, with 305th Inf on right and 307th on left, attempts to reach O-3 line, beyond Mt. Barrigada, but finds Japanese controlling the road junction at Barrigada village, below the mountain, from well-concealed positions in jungle and halts over 2 miles short of objective. On left flank of corps, 3rd Mar Div moves steadily northward, taking Tiyan airfield.
3 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps makes little progress in vicinity of Vire and Estry. 30 Corps is firmly opposed as it continues toward Mont Pincon, Aunay, and Villers-Bocage.
12 Corps, with 50th Div on right and 53rd on left, gains positions along Villers-Bocage-Caen highway. 53rd Div overruns Noyers and Missy.
12th Army Group: Directs Third Army to complete capture of Brittany Peninsula with minimum forces, clear region W of Mayenne R and N of Loire R, and secure crossings of the Mayenne; First Army is to extend its operations to Mayenne-Domfront area.
In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, forward elements of 6th Armd Div get to within a few miles of Loudeac when attack is halted upon order to return and reduce Dinan. TF A moves forward to clear bypassed resistance in St Maio area. 13th Inf reverts to 8th Div from attachment to 4th Armd Div and begins assault on Rennes, while 4th Armd Div continues S, passing W of Rennes. In XV Corps area, 79th Div reach Fougères.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps overruns Mortain. 4th Div continues to close in on St Pois. 9th Div reaches positions just NW of Fort de St Sever. XIX Corps, continuing steadily SE, reaches St Sever-Calvados on right and is about half way to Vire on left. V Corps meets stiffening resistance as it approaches Vire.
USSR – Troops of First Ukrainian Front cross the upper Vistula at Baranow and within the next few days expand the bridgehead.
CBI – In NCAC area, Myitkyina falls to Myitkyina TF at 1545. Raiding force of Ch 50th Div leads final assault, which begins before dawn. Of 187 Japanese prisoners taken, most are patients. During the battle for Myitkyina, Allied forces have sustained the following losses: 972 Chinese and 272 Americans killed; 3,184 Chinese and 955 Americans wounded; 188 Chinese and 980 Americans sick. Capture of Myitkyina is a major victory and permits support of the Pacific offensive from bases in China.
On Salween front, elements of Ch 107th and 348th Regiments, from 36th and 116th Divs, respectively, reach top of wall around Teng-chung just E of S corner by 1500. One platoon clings there throughout night 3-4. Ch 8th Army renews operations against Sung Shan, 308th Regiment of 103rd Div, armed with flame throwers, takes one of its peaks, Kung Lung-po, and, since Japanese are short of ammunition, is not counterattacked.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, TED Force attacks S along Niumen Creek toward Torricelli Mts to cut E-W trails and destroy enemy. 3rd Battalion of 124th Inf and 2nd Battalion of 169th advance abreast, spearheading attack, but are soon halted. 1st Battalion, 124th Inf, then bypasses enemy to W. Japanese activity against South Force in Afua area subsides after small attack early in morning fails. 1st Battalion, 169th Inf, moves into perimeter of South Force from Palauru.
GUAM – Renewing attack toward Mt. Barrigada after regrouping, 77th Div finds that enemy has withdrawn northward and takes Barrigada village and its much-needed reservoir with ease. Progress beyond the village is slowed by difficult jungle terrain and small-scale opposition. 3rd Mar Div continues to make steady progress on left flank of corps, taking Finegayan and driving beyond Tumon Bay area. Warships begin shelling Mt. Santa Rosa (870 ft), which dominates N part of Guam, day and night.
4 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery orders British Second Army to continue pivoting eastward about 12 Corps and Cdn First Army to attack toward Falaise as soon as possible.
In British Second Army area, 8 Corps is still held up by stiff resistance in Vire and Estry areas. In 30 Corps area, 43rd Div seizes Hermilly, NW of Aunay. Villers-Bocage falls to 50th Div. 12 Corps, swinging eastward toward Orne R SW of Caen, is beyond line Le Locheur-Evrecy-Esquay-Notre-Dame-Feugerolles-sur-Orne.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, planned attack on Dinan is canceled and 6th Armd Div continues toward Brest instead. Advancing through night 4-5, 6th Armd Div reaches vicinity of Carhaix, which supporting FFI forces report strongly held. TF A and elements of 83rd Div reach enemy stronghold of St Maio, where prolonged struggle ensues. Rennes falls to 13th Inf, 8th Div. 4th Armd Div is driving toward Vannes.
U.S. First Army releases 5th Div to XX Corps, Third Army. In VII Corps area, 1st Div, to which 39th Inf of 9th Div and CCB of 3rd Armd Div are attached, improves positions in Mortain area on right flank of corps; patrols probe southward toward Mayenne. 4th Div, which releases CCB of 3rd Armd Div to 1st Div, battles vigorously but indecisively for St Pois and heights about the town. 9th Div pushes into Forêt de St Sever against strong opposition. XIX Corps is almost halted by stiffening resistance and mine fields. V Corps reaches its objectives above Vire, 2nd Div continuing advance through night 4-5, and halts to permit XIX Corps to cross its front to take Vire. 30th Div is transferred to corps from XIX Corps.
FRANTIC – In response to the first direct Soviet request for air support, group of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force fighter bombers attacks airfields in Rumania and then lands at Soviet bases.
ITALY – AAI: Alters plan of attack on Gothic Line. New plan, OLIVE, calls for main effort by right flank of British Eighth Army, which will be quietly strengthened, rather than attack against center of enemy’s line as previously planned. U.S.
Fifth Army, which is to be strengthened by attaching British 13 Corps, is to make a subsidiary attack up road from Florence to Bologna after enemy has thinned out in center.
British Eighth Army successfully concludes campaign for central Italy as 13 Corps reaches the Arno at Florence and drives into S part of the city. Enemy has destroyed all bridges except the Ponte Vecchio. Period of extensive regrouping is begun by Eighth Army in preparation for coming assault on the Gothic Line in N Apennines.
CBI – On Salween front, Chinese break into Teng-chung, where prolonged battle for the city ensues. In 33 Corps sector of 11 Army Group’s British Fourteenth Army area, Tamu falls to British 2nd Div.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Japanese, suffering from casualties, logistic problems, and disease, withdraw southward from front of South Force in Afua area after a last desperate attack that costs them over 200 dead. South Force patrols move forward in pursuit against scattered fire and make contact with TED Force. Both the main assault force and the enveloping column of TED Force continue S in region between the Driniumor and Niumen Creek to E-W trail. Coordinated attack by TED Force and South Force scheduled for this date must be postponed until TED Force reaches the Driniumor.
GUAM – 77th Div succeeds in reaching O-3 line, overrunning Mt. Barrigada, and makes contact with 3rd Mar Div to left, closing dangerous gap. Progress during day is slowed more by terrain than by skirmishes with enemy. 3rd Mar Div is obliged to hold up its advance on left flank of corps in order to tie in with 77th Div. Gen Geiger prepares to commit 306th Inf, which is comparatively fresh, in pursuit toward Mt. Santa Rosa. 1st Prov Mar Brig (-) is relieved of defense duties on S flank and held in reserve.
5 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps is clearing enemy pockets. In 30 Corps area, Aunay falls to 7th Armd Div, which pushes on toward Thury-Harcourt. 12 Corps closes along the Orne on 7-mile front between Grimbosq and Caen.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps is attacking W, SW, S, and E simultaneously. 6th Armd Div continues W toward Brest, bypassing Carhaix and reaching Huelgoat area. 83rd Div attacks outer defenses of St Maio; TF A continues W along N coast of Brittany. Brittany Peninsula is cut off as CCA, 4th Armd Div, reaches Vannes. In XV Corps area, 90th Div TF seizes Mayenne. 79th Div is approaching Laval.
U.S. First Army adjusts boundary between U.S. and British forces and gives new mission to V Corps. In VII Corps area, 1st Div, reinforced, continues to consolidate positions in Mortain area and probe southward with patrols. 4th Div overruns St Pois and advances slightly beyond there. 9th Div pushes on through Forêt de St Sever. 30th Div is transferred to VII Corps from V Corps. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div progresses toward Vire despite strong opposition. V Corps is to drive through Vire to take region between Tinchebray and St Jean-du-Bois, employing 2nd and 29th Divs. 29th is to remain under XIX Corps until it captures Vire. 35th Div reverts to Third Army.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps takes crest of M. il Castello.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, main body of TED Force is held up short of main E-W trail E of Afua by stubborn enemy rear guards, who are keeping Driniumor crossing point open, but the flanking column reaches the trail about 1,500 yards E of the river.
GUAM – 306th Inf enters center of 77th Div line and moves NW to pinch out 307th Inf, but is slowed by enemy rear guards. Dense jungle on div right delays 305th Inf. 3rd Mar Div continues steadily northward on left flank of corps.
6 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery orders drive to the Seine.
British Second Army undergoes enemy counterattacks between Vire and Mont Pincon. In 8 Corps area, enemy armor penetrates positions of 11th Armd Div in Vire area, but lost ground is later recovered. Gds Armd Div is strongly engaged at Le Busq, on Vire-Aunay road. 15th Div has moved forward to Estry area but is unable to dislodge enemy from that town. 3rd Div is attacking southward toward Vire. In 30 Corps area, 43rd Div gains feature on Mont Pincon massif. 7th Armd Div continues attack toward Thury-Harcourt. In 12 Corps area, 59th Div attacks across the Orne in Grimbosq area late in day and establishes shallow bridgehead.
12th Army Group: Group orders establishment of bridgehead over Sarthe R in Le Mans-Alençon area. In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, CCB, on right flank of 6th Armd Div, overcomes opposition S of Morlaix and at Lesneven; CCA makes slow progress along secondary routes to S. 83rd Div continues to hammer at St Maio stronghold. TF A gets beyond St Brieux as it continues W along N coast on Brittany. RCT 121, 8th Div, is attached to 83rd Div for attack on Dinard, W of St Malo. 4th Armd Div is advancing on Lorient. XV Corps, with major elements now across the Mayenne, is driving rapidly on Le Mans. 79th Div takes Laval. XX Corps (Maj Gen Walton H. Walker), consisting at present of
5th Div, is reinforced by 35th Div in order to protect S flank of army.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 1st Div, relieved by 30th Div in Mortain area, continues swiftly SE with 3rd Armd Div to Ambrières-le-Grand and Mayenne, relieving elements of 90th Div (XV Corps) at Mayenne. 4th Div is pinched out W of St Pois. 9th Div pushes southward toward Sourdeval against strong resistance. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div breaks into Vire and clears the city. With fall of Vire to XIX Corps, V Corps is out of contact with enemy.
FRANTIC – Returning from USSR to Italian bases, fighters of U.S. Fifteenth Air Force raid rail targets in Bucharest-Ploesti area of Rumania. 76 B-17’s and supporting fighters of U.S. Eighth Air Force attack aircraft factory at Gdynia (Poland) and then land at Soviet bases.
ITALY – AAI: Issues orders for preliminary operations before assault on the Gothic Line.
CBI – In NCAC area, British 36th Div, which is moving S down RR corridor, seizes Sahmaw. In 11 Army Group’s British Fourteenth Army area, Gen Slim directs 33 Corps to pursue enemy to the Chindwin; occupy Sittaung and, if possible, Kalewa; cross the Chindwin in Kalewa area.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Japanese rear guards that are protecting withdrawal from Afua attack TED Force before dawn and bitter fighting ensues until TED Force column laboriously outflanks enemy and forces him to withdraw in afternoon. When new enemy trail is found to have been cut about 800 yards to S of main trail, TED Force prepares to cut it and move in on Afua from SE. South Force, which has been reinforced by 3rd Battalion of 128th Inf, starts S astride Driniumor R, meeting disorganized resistance.
P.I. – U.S. aircraft begins night harassing attacks on Davao area of Mindanao.
GUAM – III Amphib Corps drives to O-4 line, gaining control of more than two thirds of Guam. Small but determined force of Japanese with tanks attacks 305th Inf, on 77th Div’s right flank, during early morning and inflicts heavy casualties before retiring abruptly. 305th then moves forward about 1,000 yards to O-4 line with little difficulty. 306th Inf reaches div left boundary, pinching out 307th Inf.
7 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 43rd Div completes capture of Mont Pincon, inflicting and suffering heavy casualties during enemy counterattacks. 12 Corps maintains bridgehead across the Orne and attacks S along the river toward Thury-Harcourt.
In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps, with Cdn 2nd Div on right and British 51st Div on left, attacks S toward Falaise at 2330 after half hour of preparatory bombardment by heavy bombers.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Armd Div closes in on Brest. Rear elements arrive outside the city too late in day to begin concerted assault, thus giving enemy time to strengthen defenses and bring up reinforcements. TF A is approaching Morlaix. 83rd Div continues battle for St Malo. 4th Armd Div invests Lorient. XV Corps is rapidly approaching Le Mans.
In U.S. First Army area, Germans open strong counterattack with massed armor toward Avranches early in morning in effort to break through to the sea and split U.S. forces. Attack penetrates line at junction of XIX and VII Corps, overrunning Mortain and rolling on to Juvigny and Le Mesnil-Tôve before it can be stemmed with assistance of aircraft. In VII Corps area, 30th Div bears brunt of enemy counterblows and elements are isolated in Mortain area. To help stabilize center of corps line, 4th Div and 2nd Armd Div are committed at once, latter being transferred from XIX Corps, and preparations are made to return 35th Div to First Army. RCT 12, 4th Div, and CCB, 3rd Armd Div, are attached to 30th Div, 4th Div is reinforced by RCT 39, 9th Div. Progress is made on flanks of enemy penetration, 9th Div advancing slightly near Mortain and 1st Div crossing the Mayenne and reaching St Fraimbault-de-Prières on S. XIX Corps pushes southward to relieve enemy pressure in Mortain area. In V Corps area, 9th Inf of 2nd Div releases elements of 29th Div (XIX Corps) in Vire for movement to S.
USSR – By this time, Germans have about stopped Soviet summer offensive. Soviet armies have driven over 400 miles from the Dnieper to the Vistula and consequently supply and communications lines are becoming overextended.
FRANTIC – Some of the Eighth Air Force planes that bombed Gdynia on 6th attack oil refineries at Trzebinia (Poland).
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army tentatively postpones D Day of offensive to 19 August; makes minor changes in plan of attack; promises to make available from army reserve 34th Div to II Corps and RCT 442 (-) and RCT 370, 92 Div, to IV Corps. II Corps is still to make main effort while IV Corps, whose 1st Armd Div is to be replaced by RCT 442, demonstrates in Pontedera-Cascina area.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, 2nd Battalion of 162nd Inf starts N along Sorido-Korim Bay track to make contact with 163rd Inf, which is moving S. In Aitape area, TED Force cuts the new Japanese trail below main trail and drives westward toward the Driniumor. South Force continues to patrol actively while
awaiting arrival of TED Force at the Driniumor. Japanese appear to be in full flight.
GUAM – III Amphib Corps, with air and naval gunfire support, attacks in greatest strength yet employed on Guam to clear N third of the island. 77th Div makes main effort toward Yigo and Mt. Santa Rosa on right flank of corps. After destructive preparatory bombardment, 77th Div attacks at noon with 306th Inf on left, 307th in center, and 305th on right. 307th, assisted by 306th, overcomes opposition along Finegayan-Yigo road and seizes Yigo. 305th advances slowly through jungle in coastal sector toward Mt. Santa Rosa. Enemy tanks are again active after nightfall, but U.S. lines hold firm. 3rd Mar Div in center of corps front and 1st Prov Mar Brig on left flank drive northward.
8 August
FRANCE – Gen Montgomery orders U.S. forces to drive almost due N on Alençon as quickly as possible in order to make a short envelopment of enemy in Falaise-Mortain area while the broad envelopment toward the Seine is in progress.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps makes limited progress toward Condé-sur-Noireau. 12 Corps continues to hold bridgehead E of the Orne, but efforts to thrust S along E bank toward Thury-Harcourt in conjunction with drive down W bank fail because of determined enemy counterattacks.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div seizes Fontenay-le-Marmion and Requancourt. 51st Div overruns Garcelles-Secqueville. At 1355, following air preparation, Cdn 4th Armd and Pol 1st Armd Divs pass through infantry, former on right, to exploit southward toward Falaise, but soon meet strong opposition from enemy’s MLR. Air support of the Cdn offensive during night 7-8 and on this date is the second heaviest of Normandy, exceeded only by support of British on 18 July. U.S. Eighth Air Force and RAF BC drop more than 5,200 tons of bombs.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, ultimatum calling for surrender of Brest is ignored. 6th Armd Div prepares for all-out assault on the city on 9th until enemy threat to rear forces a change in plans. Enemy div is found to be moving toward Brest via Plouvien. 1st Battalion of 28th Inf, 8th Div, is attached to 6th Armd Div but does not join it until later. Bitter fighting continues in outskirts of St Malo. RCT 121, attached to 83rd Div, meets strong opposition as it advances on Dinard. XV Corps envelops and overruns Le Mans and crosses Sarthe R in that area. 79th Div enters Le Mans. 2nd French Armd Div is attached to corps to help it secure line Sées-Carrouges, both inclusive. 80th Div of XX Corps is to take over Le Mans bridgehead. In XX Corps area, 5th Div invests Angers and Nantes.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy continues efforts to deepen penetration of U.S. lines without avail. 30th Div elements are still isolated near Mortain. 35th Div, released to VII Corps by XX Corps, and elements of 2nd Armd Div are attacking eastward near Mortain. XIX Corps makes small gains in Gathemo-Vire region.
FRANTIC – U.S. Eighth Air Force planes, returning from Eastern Command bases in USSR to England via Italy, attack airfields in Rumania.
CHINA – Japanese complete capture of Heng-yang. This has far-reaching effects on Chinese politics.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, most of TED Force reaches the Driniumor near Afua.
GUAM – Effective enemy resistance comes to an end. 77th Div clears Mt. Santa Rosa and virtually all of its sector.
9 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps continues S astride Caen-Falaise road. Cdn 4th Armd Div overruns Bretteville-le-Rabet while Pol 1st Armd Div seizes Cauvicourt and St Sylvain in costly fighting. Infantry units are clearing flanks.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Armd Div, leaving small force to contain Brest, moves N to meet threat to its rear and virtually destroys enemy div in Plouvien area; makes contact with TF A near Brest. 83rd Div continues assault on St Malo, where resistance is now confined largely to the Citadel. 4th Armd Div is still containing Lorient and sends elements toward Nantes. XV Corps mops up Le Mans and swings N toward Alençon, 5th Armd Div on right and French 2nd Armd Div on left, followed by infantry. 80th Div, temporarily attached to corps, is mopping up near Le Mans. In XX Corps area, 5th Div closes in on Angers.
U.S. First Army orders a turn NE toward Argentan to meet British working southward toward Falaise to trap enemy in Vire-Mortain-Domfront-Ger region. In VII Corps area, enemy counteroffensive toward Avranches loses its momentum but heavy fighting continues. 39th Inf, 9th Div, is detached from 4th Div. In XIX Corps area, 28th Div is unable to advance in Gathemo region, but 29th moves slowly forward below Vire. V Corps orders 2nd Div, whose mission is still primarily defensive, to move one reinforced regiment SE. 102nd Cav Gp is attached to 2nd Div, which relieves additional elements of 29th Div (XIX Corps) on hills near Vire.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps completes clearing region below the Arno in Florence area.
CBI – On Salween front, Japanese raid Ch 8th Army’s arty positions and supply dumps in Sung Shan sector with some success. In China, Marshal Li Chi-shen, President of the Military Advisory Council of Chungking, sends message to U.S. Consulate in Kweilin that E China war lords are about to form a provisional government in order to effect national unity and defeat Japanese; that Chiang Kai-shek will be asked to resign. U.S. attitude to this is one of watchful waiting.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, Gen Gill reports to Gen Hall that resistance along the Driniumor has ceased.
GUAM – 77th Div and 3rd Mar Div are clearing final resistance on Guam. Bypassed enemy groups show a determination to be killed rather than surrender.
10 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, 49th Div, in conjunction with Cdn 2 Corps, advances to Vimont against strong opposition.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues to attack Dinard and the Citadel at St Malo and to contain Brest and Lorient. 1st Battalion, 28th Inf, is attached to CCA, 6th Armd Div, in preparation for attack on Hills 95 and 105 at Brest. Elements of 4th Armd Div drive rapidly E, forcing enemy back into Nantes. In XV Corps area, armored columns continue steadily northward toward Alençon and Sées. In XX Corps area, 5th Div overruns Angers. 7th Armd Div is attached to corps.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps, which has regained the initiative, is slowly driving enemy back toward Mortain. 9th Div improves positions NW of Sourdeval. Stubborn enemy defense of Mortain limits progress of 30th and 35th Divs toward that town. 22nd Inf, 4th Div, is committed to right of 35th Div in Le Teilleul area. 2nd Armd Div repels counterattack NE of Barenton. In XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armd Div and 28th Inf Div make coordinated attack on right flank of corps, overrunning Gathemo; armor then drives eastward along road toward Tinchebray. 29th Div, attacking toward St. Sauveurde-Chaulieu on narrow front, is hard pressed by enemy and makes little headway. In V Corps area, 2nd Div begins limited attacks to SE while continuing to defend Vire. 9th Inf advances to Maisoncelles-la-Jourdan area where it is ordered to halt.
MEDITERRANEAN – At AFHQ Gen Wilson receives directive from British Chiefs of Staff to proceed with DRAGOON as planned. Phase I of air operations in preparation for invasion of S France ends. During this phase (28 April to date) MAAF has dropped more than 12,500 tons of bombs. During Phase II enemy coastal batteries, radar stations, and troops are to be hit, and target area is to be isolated by destruction of highway bridges across the Rhône. To deceive enemy, similar targets are to be bombed between Via Reggio in Italy and Beziers, near French-Spanish border.
USSR – Units of Second White Russian Front force Narew R near Bialystok.
CHINA – Brig Gen Patrick J. Hurley’s name is proposed to Chiang Kai-shek as President Roosevelt’s representative; Donald M. Nelson is suggested at the same time as Presidential representative to study China’s economy.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, 503rd Para Inf regains contact with enemy near Hill 380, 2½ miles SSW of Inasi. During the next few days 3rd Battalion, assisted by arty and aircraft, works in toward the hill while 1st Battalion blocks escape of Japanese. In Aitape area, PERSECUTION Covering Force begins movement back to Blue Beach.
GUAM – All organized resistance on island ends as marines finish clearing their zone to N tip. In subsequent mopping up of scattered groups, several hundred Japanese are killed. Of an estimated 18,500 Japanese on Guam, those dead by actual count total a little over 10,000.
11 August
FRANCE – Gen Montgomery commends Allied forces and urges that the attack be pressed.
21 Army Group: In Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3rd Div drives S across Vire-Condé road about 2 miles E of Vire and presses toward Tinchebray. 30 Corps continues slowly SE from Mont Pincon toward Cond. 50th Div, having moved forward on left flank, is beyond St Pierre-la-Vieille. In 12 Corps area, forward elements of 53rd and 59th Divs, continuing S astride the Orne, reach outskirts of Thury-Harcourt. Elements E of the river patrol NE to establish contact with Cdn 2 Corps.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corp area, while armored elements of corps are clearing opposition astride road to Falaise, 2nd Div crosses Laize R at Bretteville and advances SW to link up with 12 Corps to right, and 51st Div clears left flank S of Caen-Mézidon RR. British 1 Corps zone is expanded as corps takes command of 51st Div in place from Cdn 2 Corps.
12th Army Group: Gap between U.S. Third Army units moving N and Cdn and British forces moving S is now about 20 miles wide. In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy garrisons of Dinard and St Maio’s Citadel continue to hold out against 83rd Div attacks. CCA, 4th Armd Div, reaches Nantes area and relieves elements of 5th Div, XX Corps, containing that city. In XV Corps area, 2nd
Armd and French 5th Armd Divs continue steadily northward followed by infantry, meeting increasingly strong rear-guard opposition. Corps is directed by Gen Patton to push beyond Falaise although U.S. boundary is S of there. XX Corps is directed by army to attack NE to line Carrouges-Sées after assembling on line Mayenne-Le Mans; one RCT of 80th Div is to maintain bridgehead at Le Mans; 7th Armd Div is to move to rear of line of departure from its assembly area.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div makes further gains NW of Sourdeval. 30th Div, in the course of hard fighting, forces enemy back to Mortain. Below Mortain, 35th Div advances slowly, and 2nd Armd Div withstands further counterattacks NW of Barenton. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div and CCA of 2nd Armd Div attack heights around St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu, while 28th Div continues SE from Gathemo. V Corps improves defensive positions at and near Vire.
USSR – Troops of Third Baltic Front break through enemy defenses below Lake Peipus on 42-mile front and press northward.
ITALY – Assault force begins movement from Naples area toward target in southern France.
AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps has cleared Adriatic coastal sector as far as Cesano R.
CBI – On Salween front, Chinese begin tunneling and mining under enemy positions remaining in Sung Shan hill mass, since other methods of attack have not resulted in taking the position.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, 103rd Inf of 43rd Div begins relief of PERSECUTION Covering Force units remaining along the Driniumor.
U.S. – CCS confirm orders for DRAGOON to proceed as planned.
12 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps is heavily engaged 3 miles SE of Vire. In 30 Corps area, forward elements of 50th Div are within about 3 miles of Cond. 12 Corps is clearing opposition in vicinity of Thury-Harcourt.
In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps is still held up astride road to Falaise but succeeds in linking up with British 12 Corps to right at Barbery.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 83rd Div continues to inch forward against St Malo Citadel and Dinard. CCA, 6th Armd Div, attacks toward limited objectives at Brest but makes little headway. Late in day, div mission is changed: CCA is to contain Brest while rest of div relieves 4th Armd Div at Lorient and Vannes. VIII Corps is to relieve 5th Div units (XX Corps) at Angers. Patrols of CCA, 4th Armd Div, enter Nantes. XV Corps drives beyond Alençon and Sées toward Argentan. 2nd French Armd Div thrusts to Carrouges. 5th Armd Div takes Sées. Infantrymen continue to follow armor closely. XX Corps is ordered to make contact with XV Corps in Alençon area and then await new orders. 5th Div moves to St Calais area, leaving containing force behind at Angers.
U.S. First Army has completely defeated enemy efforts to break through to Avranches. VII Corps recovers ground lost to enemy and relieves isolated elements of 30th Div. 3rd Armd Div assembles for new mission; CCA is detached from 1st Div and CCB from 30th Div. XIX Corps releases 29th Div (less 116th Inf, which relieves 2nd Div at Vire) to V Corps in current position. 28th Div, against moderate opposition, drives rapidly southward to Sourdeval on right and positions near St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu on left. CCA, 2nd Armd Div, improves positions in St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu area. V Corps, employing 29th Div on right and 2nd Div on left, attacks SE, 29th reaching positions overlooking St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu-Tinchebray road and 2nd overrunning Truttemer-le-Grand.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, 13 Corps zone is extended eastward to include sector held by 6th Armd Div. 13 Corps thus has 4 divs: NZ 2nd, British 1st, Indian 8th, and British 6th Armd. 10 Corps now has but one div, Indian 10th.
CHINA – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees to accept Gen Hurley and Mr. Nelson as Presidential representatives.
NEW GUINEA – On Biak, Sorido airdrome, now consisting of a 4,000-foot strip, is being used by transport planes, but the field is later abandoned.
13 August
FRANCE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 83rd Div continues to make slow progress against strongpoints at St Malo and Dinard. CCA, 6th Armd Div, batters at outer defenses of Brest without avail. Rest of 6th Armd Div moves forward to relieve 4th Armd Div at Vannes and Lorient. 4th Armd Div, finding Nantes free of enemy, moves toward St Calais. 8th Div (-) advances to Dinan from Rennes. XV Corps reaches Argentan area and is halted there by order of Gen Bradley. During next few days Germans succeed in withdrawing thousands from Falaise-Argentan trap before it can be closed. XX Corps, with Chartres as its next objective, moves forward in preparation for attack. 80th Div is pinched out by XV Corps near Alençon. XII Corps (Maj Gen Gilbert R. Cook), which is given command of 4th Armd Div (VIII Corps) and 35th Div (VII Corps), receives its first offensive mission – to drive E on Orléans and protect S flank of army. Assault forces are assembling SE of Le Mans.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 3rd Armd and 1st Inf Divs swing NE around Domfront, driving rapidly toward Vire-Argentan road to constrict pocketed enemy forces. 3rd Armd Div, on corps right, moves through Javron toward Ranes, making contact with French 2nd Armd Div (XV Corps). 1st Div cuts Domfront-Alençon road in Couterne-La Chapelle Moche area. 4th and 9th Divs await new mission. 30th Div passes to control of XIX Corps. XIX Corps probes eastward, 2nd Armd Div units threatening Domfront and Ger and 28th Div moving toward St Sauveur-de-Chaulieu through Sourdeval. In V Corps area, 29th Div pushes southward in direction of Ger on right flank of corps, forward elements reaching La Françaisere, E of Sourdeval. 2nd Div heads for Tinchebray, overrunning Truttemer-le-Petit.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 1st Armd Div, which has been completely reorganized in the field, takes responsibility for right flank of corps, replacing TF Ramey.
In British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps area, elements of Indian 8th Div cross into N Florence via Ponte Vecchio to help Italians extend their hold on the city.
CBI-SWPA – Rcn of Manila docks, P.I., by Gen Chennault’s Fourteenth Air Force evokes unfavorable reaction from both Gen Stilwell and Gen MacArthur. MacArthur warns Chennault not to bomb Manila.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, relief of 127th Inf along the Driniumor is completed.
14 August
FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps continues southward toward Tinchebray while V Corps of U.S. First Army pushes toward same objective from W. 30 Corps is closing in on Vassy and Condé. In 12 Corps area, 59th Div takes Thury-Harcourt. Advance is continued toward Falaise.
In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps, making main effort on Falaise from N, begins attack to outflank opposition on Caen-Falaise highway. Cdn 2nd Div secures bridgehead across Laize R and pushes to within 4 miles of Falaise. In support of troops, RAF BC drops 3,723 tons of bombs.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 6th Armd Div’s CCB and CCR move to Vannes and Lorient, respectively, to relieve 4th Armd Div’s units. CCB finds Vannes deserted and moves on to Lorient, relieving CCR. Lorient containing force now consists of CCB, 15th Tank Battalion, and 86th Cav Rcn Sq (mechanized). 83rd Div continues struggle for St Malo Citadel and Dinard. 8th Div (-) joins in assault on Dinard. XV Corps mops up in Alençon-Sées-Argentan area and prepares to drive E on Dreux. XX Corps begins drive toward Chartres with 7th Armd and 5th Inf Divs, armor spearheading. XII Corps continues E toward Orléans with elements of 4th Armd Div.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div drives steadily northward through Carrouges to Ranes against strong opposition as enemy struggles to keep escape routes open. 9th Div is following up. 1st Div gets forward elements well beyond La Ferté-Macé. 4th Div, disposed along the Varenne, is out of contact with enemy. In XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armd Div pushes E, overrunning Domfront, Lonlay-l’Abbaye, and Ger. 28th Div, except for 109th Regiment, which moves S toward Forêt de Mortain, goes into reserve. 30th Div moves forward behind armor. In V Corps area, 29th Div, advancing E from positions below Sourdeval-Tinchebray highway, reaches St Jean-du-Bois. 2nd Div continues toward Tinchebray but is soon stopped by lively opposition.
MEDITERRANEAN – After rendezvousing off Corsica, DRAGOON convoys head for target area of southern France.
POLAND – British begin dropping supplies to Pol forces within Warsaw.
NEW GUINEA – In Vogelkop area, crippled B-24 makes successful landing on Middleburg I. airstrip.
15 August
N FRANCE – Gen Montgomery moves boundary between British and U.S. forces northward.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps makes contact with U.S. V Corps forces near Tinchebray. 30 Corps overruns Vassy and continues to clear region near Condé. 12 Corps progresses toward Falaise from NW.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div advances toward Falaise in region E of Caen-Falaise road. Pol 1st Armd Div establishes bridgehead across Dives R NE of Falaise.
12th Army Group: Plan to drop airborne forces W of the Seine to block enemy escape routes (TRANSFIGURE) is by now unnecessary.
In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 83rd Div takes Dinard, but enemy continues effective defense of St Malo Citadel. 6th Armd Div contains Brest and Lorient. In XV Corps area, 5th Armd and 79th Inf Divs are pushing rapidly toward Dreux. Corps elements containing enemy pocket in Argentan-Falaise area (French 2nd Armd Div, 90th Inf Div, and 80th Inf Div, less 319th Inf), are formed into Prov Corps under command of Maj Gen Hugh J. Gaffey, U.S. Third Army chief of staff. Enemy continues vigorous efforts to escape trap. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div reaches edge of Chartres, where heavy fighting ensues. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div, followed by 35th Div, pushes rapidly toward
Orléans. Elements of 35th Div are driving toward Châteaudun, NW of Orléans.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps progresses well against light resistance. 3rd Armd Div, upon capture of Ranes, moves some elements NE toward Ecouché and others NW toward Fromental. 1st Div continues northward toward Vire-Argentan highway to left of armor. 9th Div continues to follow spearheads. In V Corps area, 29th Div secures heights S of Tinchebray; 2nd Div overruns Tinchebray. This concludes current mission of corps.
S FRANCE – U.S. Seventh Army, under control of AFHQ, begins preliminary operations to isolate main DRAGOON invasion beaches on French Mediterranean coast about midnight 14-15. To secure left flank of assault area, SITKA Force (U.S. Special Service Force) invades small islands of Levant and Port Cros, clearing former and part of latter; ROMEO Force (French Commandos) lands on mainland at and E of Cap Nègre and soon clears coastal defenses and blocks coastal highway. ROSIE Force (French Naval Assault Group) lands SW of Cannes in Theoule-sur-Mer area to secure right flank of assault area, but is unable to accomplish its mission and suffers heavy casualties. RUGBY Force (1st ABTF) drops in rear of assault beaches, beginning at 0430, and accomplishes its task of blocking off invasion coast from the interior along “Blue Line” in Le Muy-Le Luc area before H Hour. RUGBY Force is unable to clear Le Muy but overruns a number of villages. These ground operations, plus final pounding of assault zone by aircraft and naval gunfire, leave enemy incapable of offering much resistance. VI Corps (Gen Truscott) lands, 3 divs abreast, between Nice and Toulon at H Hour (0800) and moves inland against light, scattered resistance. 3rd Div (ALPHA Force) lands on left flank between Bay of Cavalaire and Bay of Pampelonne; moves quickly W and N, left flank forces overrunning Cavalaire and making contact with French Commandos, who are placed under 3rd Div, at Cap Nègre; right flank troops reach St Tropez as 1st ABTF elements and FFI are completing its capture and join in attack that clears the town and St Tropez Peninsula. Other towns taken by 3rd Div are La Mole, Cogolin, Grimaud, and La Croix. In center of corps, 45th Div (DELTA Force) lands near Ste Maxime and quickly secures beaches, although town of Ste Maxime holds out until afternoon; speeds inland toward Le Muy and Fréjus. Contact is made with 1st ABTF and with friendly forces on each flank. 179th Inf is held in reserve. On right flank of VI Corps, 36th Div (CAMEL Force) lands E of St Raphaël, 141st Inf leading at H Hour and 143rd following soon afterwards. 141st Inf overruns Drammont and coastal fortifications near Agay and pushes rapidly northward. 143rd drives W toward St Raphaël. RCT 142, scheduled to land at 1400 W of Fréjus and take that town, is forced to land 10 miles E of the town instead when obstacles at planned site cannot be breached; starts ashore at 1532, moving to heights NE of Fréjus.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army begins large-scale shift of units to E flank in preparation for assault on Gothic Line.
SWPA – ALAMO Force issues FO for invasion of Morotai. XI Corps TF, called TRADEWIND Assault Force, under command of Gen Hall and consisting of 31st Div with RCT 126 of 32nd Div as reserve, is to conduct the operation.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, Japanese succeed in withdrawing main force of some 200 toward Pakriki, on S central coast, from Hill 380, night 15-16. On Biak, 162nd and 163rd Regiments split enemy remnants on island as they make contact on Sorido-Korim Bay track. In Aitape area, Tadji Defense Perimeter and Covering Force, consisting of 43rd Div and Cav RCT 112, under command of Maj Gen Leonard F. Wing, who also commands 43rd Div, takes over mission of PERSECUTION Covering Force and latter is dissolved. In Wakde-Sarmi area, 31st Div, less RCT 124, arrives. In Vogelkop area, ALAMO Force warns TF TYPHOON that enemy force of 250 has been moving along N coast from Manokwari to Sorong.
POA – III Amphib Corps, having completed its operations in the Marianas sooner than expected, is definitely committed to task of invading the Palaus next.
16 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3rd Div finds Flers clear of enemy. In 30 Corps area, Condé-sur-Noireau falls to 11th Armd Div without opposition. 12 Corps, continuing SE toward Falaise, gets almost to Falaise-Condé railway line.
In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps has virtually surrounded Falaise. British 1 Corps begins general advance eastward toward the Seine in coastal sector. 6th A/B Div, on coast, finds enemy firmly established along the Dives in Cabourg area. 49th Div crosses the Dives at Mézidon. 51st Div seizes St Pierre-sur-Dives and continues toward Lisieux. 7th Armd Div is operating on corps right flank.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 83rd Div continues to batter at St Malo Citadel; releases 121st Inf to 8th Div. Elements of 8th Div are now in Brest area. XV Corps reaches Eure R and establishes bridgehead. Dreux falls to 5th Armd Div. XX Corps assembles near Chartres and establishes bridgehead across Aunay R. In XII Corps area, Orléans falls in coordinated assault by CCA, 4th Armd Div, and 137th Inf, 35th Div. RCT 320, 35th Div, reaches outskirts of Châteaudun.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps continues northward with little difficulty except in Fromental area, where 3rd Armd Div is strongly opposed. XIX Corps reaches its objectives and is pinched out by British; releases CCA, 2nd Armd Div, to parent unit. V Corps remains in place. 116th Inf of 29th Div defends corps front.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, Army CP is established ashore W of St Tropez. Enemy garrison of Port Cros I., is resisting stoutly from fort on W end of island. 1st ABTF consolidates in rear of beachhead and overcomes opposition at Le Muy. VI Corps orders exploitation inland. 7th Inf, 3rd Div, is slowed by roadblocks as it continues W along coast beyond Cap Nègre; attached French Commandos are clearing Cap Bénat, W of Cap Nègre. 15th Inf assembles near Collobrières. 30th Inf overruns La Guarde Freinet, Les Mayon, Gonfaron, and Collobrières to establish itself along Blue Line. 45th Div completes clearing its zone, closing along Blue Line. 36th Div is in contact with 45th Div to left and French survivors of ROSIE Force on right. 142nd Inf overruns Fréjus and Puget while 143rd clears St Raphaël. 141st continues N along coast, seizing Theoule and taking up defensive positions near La Napoule. French Army B (Gen de Lattre de Tassigny), under command of U.S. Seventh Army, begins landing 2nd Corps over VI Corps beaches in preparation for drive on Toulon and Marseille from Blue Line.
ITALY – AAI: Operation Order No. 3 presents plan, secretly drawn up on 4th, for breaking through Gothic Line: British Eighth Army initially is to make main effort in Adriatic coastal sector. U.S. Fifth Army, previously unaware of this alteration in plans, is forced to change its strategy. Gen Clark issues instructions to mask build-up of II Corps from enemy. New interarmy boundary becomes effective, and 85th Div of II Corps relieves NZ 2nd Div in Montelupo area. Fifth Army, upon reaching Bologna area, is to continue to Modena and exploit beyond there.
NEW GUINEA – In Aitape area, 128th Inf returns to Blue Beach from former sector of North Force along the Driniumor. 43rd Div, with 169th, Inf on W flank, 172nd S of Tadji strips and along the Nigia, and 103rd along the Driniumor, patrols without meeting organized resistance except at mouth of the Dandriwad.
17 August
N FRANCE – Hitler replaces von Kluge as commander of OB WEST with Field Marshal Model.
21 Army Group: British Second Army presses southward against enemy pocket from vicinity of Flers, Condé, and Falaise.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, capture of Falaise by Cdn 2nd Div narrows enemy’s escape corridor. Crossing Dives R near Morteaux, Cdn 4th Armd Div drives SE toward Trun in conjunction with Pol 1st Armd Div to left.
12th Army Group: Directs First Army to clear Chambois-Trun area and, in conjunction with British, to complete encirclement and reduction of enemy pocket; orders Third Army to drive on Mantes-Gassicourt while completing capture of Brittany Peninsula; orders regrouping for above missions; adjusts boundaries.
In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, opposition at St Malo ends with surrender of the Citadel to 83rd Div. To speed reduction of Brittany, 2nd Div and 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions are allocated to corps; 29th Div is to be attached within the next 2 days. In XV Corps area, 5th Armd and 79th Inf Divs maintain their bridgeheads across the Aunay and move elements toward Mantes-Gassicourt. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div completes mop-up of Chartres; 5th Div blocks exits. XII Corps mops up in Orléans and Châteaudun. Enemy withdraws across the Loire on S flank.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps establishes positions along Vire-Argentan highway between Ecouché and Flers. 3rd Armd Div overcomes strong resistance at Fromental. 9th Div is on highway in Fromental-Briouze area. 1st Div is on its objective to left and in contact with British. Regrouping must take place before further offensive action can be undertaken. V Corps takes over new zone and units previously under control of Prov Corps, Third Army, with orders to close Argentan-Falaise gap. XIX Corps is given responsibility for sector and troops previously held by V Corps. As reconstituted, V Corps consists of French 2nd Armd Div, 80th Div (less 319th Inf), and 90th Div. 90th Div seizes Le Bourg-St-Léonard, below Chambois, against bitter opposition.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, small German garrison of Port Cros I., surrenders to U.S. Special Service Force. In U.S. VI Corps area, 3rd Div, with 7th Inf and attached French Commandos, continues to clear left flank toward Toulon, reaching Blue Line in La Londe-Les Maures area. 1st and 2nd Battalions of 30th Inf assemble E of Brignoles, night 17-18. On right flank, 36th Div, moving elements through Trans-en-Provence to Draguignan, also reaches Blue Line, completing assault phase; makes contact with 1st ABTF near Le Muy.
EASTERN EUROPE – Germans are strongly counterattacking about Siauliai in Lithuania. Troops of Third White Russian Front reach border of East Prussia along Sesupe R.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army orders attack on 8-mile front between Florence and Pontassieve on 72
hours’ notice after 0001, 25 August. During first phase, II Corps, making main effort, is to take M. Morello, M. Senario, and M. Calvana; British 13 Corps is to take M. Giovi. Attack is to penetrate Gothic Line during second phase.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps postpones attack across the Cesano, planned for this time, until mine fields can be cleared.
CHINA – Gen Chennault asks Gen Hearn to send U.S. supplies to Chinese to assist them in recapturing Heng-yang, regardless of Nationalist Government’s view on this matter.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, 503rd Para Inf regains contact with enemy and overcomes last organized resistance. On Biak, 1st Battalion of 186th Inf less Co B but reinforced by Co E, lands from LCMs at Wardo Bay against token resistance. After this, enemy remnants on Biak break up into small groups without hope of making a further stand. In Vogelkop area, Gen Barnes of XIII Air Task Force reports strip on Middleburg I., ready for fighters, a day ahead of schedule.
18 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps, now pinched out, is held in army reserve. Its transport is used by units driving toward the Seine. 30 Corps is rapidly reducing enemy pocket from N. 11th Armd Div reaches Putanges and Ecouché. 12 Corps, also compressing the enemy pocket, continues SE toward Argentan.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div seizes Trun and continues SE in conjunction with Pol 1st Armd Div to left. Stiff fighting develops in Chambois area as enemy makes furious attempts to keep escape corridor open, counterattacking vigorously from within and without the pocket.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 2nd Div, moving from First Army zone to Brest to relieve 6th Armd Div, is attached to corps. 8th Div is concentrated N of Brest, and TF A is in Morlaix area. In XV Corps area, 5th Armd and 79th Inf Divs drive quickly toward the Seine at Mantes-Gassicourt. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div takes over bridgehead at Dreux; 5th Div moves to Chartres. In XII Corps area, 35th Div finishes mopping up in Orléans and begins movement to Janville area. 4th Armd Div continues to clear region near Orléans.
U.S. First Army, while reducing Argentan-Falaise Pocket, regroups in preparation for future action. VII Corps mops up, maintains contact with British at Briouze, and prepares to renew offensive. V Corps, with 90th Div on right and 80th on left, attacks northward to close Falaise-Argentan gap. 90th pushes into Forêt de Gouffern while 80th advances through Bordeaux toward Argentan. French 2nd Armd Div assists with fire and provides flank protection; CCL is attached to 90th Div.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps overruns enemy’s primary defenses in coastal sector. While 7th Inf of 3rd Div continues W along Highway 98 (St Tropez-Toulon), 30th and 15th Regiments drive W along Highway 7, S of Argens R. 30th Inf begins assault on Brignoles, where fighting continues throughout night 18-19. CCL, French 1st Armd Div, which has moved forward between 3rd and 45th Divs, overcomes enemy opposition in Cabasse-Carces region. 45th Div’s 179th Inf begins assault on Barjols, where enemy is putting up strong delaying opposition. Prov Armd Group, headed by Deputy Commander, VI Corps, Brig Gen Frederick B. Butler, and called TF Butler, starts NW from Le Muy area to spearhead advance inland toward Grenoble, reaching Riez. 36th Div, which is to follow TF Butler northward, moves elements against Callian, E of Fayence, where group of paratroopers is surrounded by enemy. 143rd Inf, upon relief by 141st, moves to assembly area at Draguignan. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps begins drive toward Marseille with 3rd Algerian Div.
EASTERN EUROPE – Sandomierz, on W bank of the Vistula, falls to troops of First Ukrainian Front. Germans continue to counterattack strongly in Siauliai area of Lithuania in effort to reopen communications with Baltic forces.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army takes command of 13 Corps, British Eighth Army, in place. In II Corps zone, 85th Div relieves 91st Div in line below Fucecchio and 91st begins training near Certaldo.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps starts preliminary attack toward Gothic Line in Adriatic sector, crossing Cesano R with Italian Corps of Liberation (previously Utili Div) on left, 5th Kresowa Div in center, and 3rd Carpathian Div on right.
19 August
N FRANCE – German Field Marshal von Kluge commits suicide. As a result of general uprising of French resistance forces in Paris, Germans ask for and are granted truce to last until 23rd so that they may withdraw troops. Falaise-Argentan trap is closed as Cdn 2 Corps elements make junction with U.S. V Corps troops at Chambois. German Seventh Army and elements of Fifth Panzer Army are encircled.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 30 Corps zone, 11th Armd Div reaches Argentan-Bailleu area. In 12 Corps area, 53rd Div is approaching Bailleu-Trun region.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div takes St Lambert-sur-Dives, on Trun-Chambois road, and holds it against lively counterattacks.
Patrol of Pol 1st Armd Div makes contact with U.S. V Corps at Chambois. In British 1 Corps area, forward elements are crossing La Vie R, although considerable resistance continues to rear.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div TF enters Mantes-Gassicourt, which is clear of enemy. 5th Armd Div starts N along W bank of the Seine toward Louviers to cut off enemy retreat across the river. In XX Corps area, 5th Div completes mop up of Chartres. In XII Corps area, Maj Gen Manton S. Eddy takes command of corps, relieving Gen Cook.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 80th Div is closing in on Argentan; 90th reaches Chambois and at 1930 contacts Pol patrol, closing Falaise-Argentan gap. XIX Corps attacks N toward Evreux from Brezolle, W of Dreux, with 2nd Armd Div on left and 30th Div on right, to cut off enemy from the Seine between Paris and Elbeuf. 28th Div is concentrating in Mortagne area.
S FRANCE – U.S. Seventh Army directs VI Corps to seize Aix-en-Provence while French Army B continues drives on ports of Toulon and Marseille and takes responsibility for region S of Highway 7. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div completes capture of Brignoles and speeds W along Highway 7 toward Aix-en-Provence. 179th Inf, 45th Div, overcomes opposition at Barjols and thus opens route to lower Durance Valley; continues advance to Rians. Main body of TF Butler crosses the Durance at Oraison and moves N along W bank to Sisteron. Detachments moving N from Riez and along E bank of the Durance to intercept enemy forces moving southward from Grenoble converge on Digne, where enemy surrenders. 141st Inf, 36th Div, clears Callian after indecisive fighting throughout day. In French Army B’s 2nd Corps area, 1st Armd Div is protecting N flank of corps. 3 Algerian Div, after driving through Méounes, on northern road to Marseille, splits into 3 groups, called Linares, Bonjour, and Chapuis, Linares turning S into hills N of Toulon. 9th Colonial Div starts W from Collobrières area to outflank enemy in Hyères-Toulon region from the N. On S flank, 1st Div moves along coastal road toward Hyères until stopped by heavy fire near the town, then sends elements N to outflank enemy.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 3rd Carpathian Div is slowed in coastal sector by opposition at S Constanzo.
20 August
N FRANCE – Gen Montgomery directs 21 Army Group to eliminate Falaise-Argentan Pocket before driving to the Seine; elements of 12th Army Group to drive N across British front to lower Seine in order to cut off enemy retreat.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps crosses additional elements over La Vie R. British 7th Armd Div captures Livarot. Cdn 2 Corps frustrates final desperate enemy attempt to escape from Falaise-Argentan Pocket.
British Second Army heads for the Seine, passing through U.S. forces in Argentan area.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div establishes bridgehead across the Seine near Mantes-Gassicourt. 5th Armd Div continues N toward Louviers. XX Corps attacks E toward the Seine, with 7th Armd Div on N and 5th Div on S, in effort to gain bridgeheads at Melun and Montereau. XII Corps attacks for bridgehead over Yonne R at Sens, 4th Armd Div spearheading.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 80th Div overcomes moderate resistance at Argentan. XIX Corps continues N, elements forcing the Aure between Verneuil and Nonancourt.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div reaches suburbs of Aix-en-Provence. 7th Inf, upon relief by French in coastal sector, joins 3rd Div. 45th Div’s 157th Inf crosses the Durance in St. Paul area, using partially destroyed bridge, and takes Mirabeau and Pertuis; 180th Inf, advancing along S bank of the river, takes Peyrolles and Meyrargues. TF Butler blocks routes running S from Grenoble. 36th Div, relieved of defensive positions on E flank of corps by 1st ABTF, moves NW behind TF Butler. 1st ABTF is placed under direct command of Seventh Army and made responsible for region generally along line from Fayence to La Napoule. In French Army B’s 2nd Corps area, while Chapuis Group of 3rd Algerian Div and elements of 1st Armd Div continue W toward Marseille on N flank, Chapuis Group reaching Le Camp, Linares Group continues to work southward through hills overlooking Toulon, and Bonjour Group turns SE toward Toulon. 9th Colonial and 1st Inf Divs isolate Hyères. Frontal assault against E outskirts by 1st Div fails.
EASTERN FRONT – Red Army opens offensive against Rumania. Troops of Second and Third Ukrainian Fronts push forward with strong air and arty support toward Iasi and Kishinev. Germans continue efforts to reopen communications with Baltic forces.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army regroups extensively in preparation for attack. IV Corps, with TF 45 and 1st Armd Div under command, takes over most of the army front, spreading thin along 55-mile line. 85th Div, in positions formerly held by NZ 2nd Div, is placed temporarily under corps pending arrival of S African 6th Armd Div. In II Corps area, RCT 442 (less 100th (Nisei) Battalion), attached to 88th
Div, occupies 5-mile sector W of Florence, replacing British units.
CBI – On Salween front, after mines under enemy positions on Sung Shan are exploded, Ch troops with flame throwers clear this feature, which has held out for so long, but scattered pockets of enemy remain about Sung Shan.
SWPA – CTF 77 issues Operations Plan 8-44 for Morotai operation.
NEW GUINEA – Gen Krueger declares the Biak operation at an end. Base development is well advanced. Although airfields were not ready in time to support Marianas operation as hoped, they are to contribute materially to subsequent offensive in SWPA and POA. TF HURRICANE, during period 27 May to date, has suffered about 400 killed, 2,000 wounded, 150 injured in action, and 5 missing, aside from those removed from action because of sickness. Japanese, during the same period, have lost about 4,700 killed and 220 captured. 41st Div continues to mop up Biak for some months to come.
21 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps, leaving Pol 1st Armd and Cdn 3rd Divs to complete reduction of Falaise-Argentan Pocket, drives E toward the Seine at Rouen.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div, spearheading for corps, bypasses Gacé and drives on toward Laigle.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 80th Div is relieved of responsibility for its sector near Argentan by British 30 Corps. 102nd Cav Gp, which has closed in Sées area, begins rcn NE of Sées and E of Exmes. VII Corps commits 9th Div in defensive role in Mortagne area. In XIX Corps area, 2nd Armd Div bypasses Verneuil and advances toward Breteuil. 28th Div moves up to clear Verneuil. 30th Div overruns Nonancourt.
In U.S. Third Army’s XV Corps area, while 79th Div improves and expands bridgehead across the Seine in Mantes-Gassicourt area, 5th Armd Div continues N toward Louviers. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div drives to Arpajon-Rambouillet area. 5th Div overruns Etampes. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div captures Sens. 35th Div pushes through Pithiviers.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF begins clearing coastal sector around La Napoule in preparation for drive on Cannes. In VI Corps area, 30th Inf of 3rd Div, assisted by FFI forces, takes Aix-en-Provence, from which most Germans have withdrawn. Gen Truscott orders 3rd Div to halt on line Le Puy-Rognac until strength of enemy armor can be determined. 45th Div columns are moving on Avignon, Apt, and Volonne. TF Butler, turning over roadblocks below Grenoble to 36th Div, drives W through Die and Crest to the Rhône Valley, destroying enemy vehicle convoy N of Livron. 36th Div shuttles to Grenoble corridor to relieve TF Butler and continues across the Durance toward Grenoble; is ordered to provide reinforcements for TF Butler in Rhône Valley. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps continues drive on Toulon and Marseille. 1st Div takes Hyères, on E approach to Toulon. Groupe de Commandos takes Mt. Coudon and Linares Group of 3rd Algerian Div neutralizes Mt. Caumes, both hilltop fortresses N of Toulon. Bonjour Group, 3rd Algerian Div, gets rcn elements to Bandol, on coast W of Toulon, completing investment of Toulon. Chapuis Group, 3rd Algerian Div, and elements of 1st Armd Div continue W on N flank of 2nd Corps toward Marseille, reaching Aubagne.
EASTERN EUROPE – Continuing counteroffensive, Germans regain Tukums, 35 miles E of Riga.
ITALY – AAI: Orders U.S. Fifth Army, which has been pretending to build up forces in vicinity of Pisa and Fucecchio, to extend its feigned concentrations, particularly in Florence area, to cover preparations for main British Eighth Army push.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 88th Div sends 350th Inf to Leghorn to assist IV Corps. British 13 Corps prepares for limited operations across the Arno, since enemy appears to be withdrawing.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps continues northward in Adriatic sector, forcing enemy to withdraw behind the Metauro R, night 21-22.
NEW GUINEA – In Wakde-Sarmi area, RCT 20 reverts to 6th Div from attachment to 31st Div.
22 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, Deauville falls to Belgian Brig, under command of British 6th A/B Div. 6th A/B Div is engaging enemy in Pont Evêque area. British 49th Div crosses the Touques near Pont Evêque. British 7th Armd Div thrusts beyond the Touques, passing through S outskirts of Lisieux. 2 Corps, less elements mopping up Falaise-Argentan pocket, reaches Touques R.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div, speeding eastward, reaches Laigle.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, British 30 Corps units relieve 80th Div, from which CCL is detached and reverts to French 2nd Armd Div. 80th and 90th Divs assemble for maintenance and rehabilitation while awaiting new orders. V Corps, now entirely out of contact with enemy, is given mission of freeing Paris. French 2nd Armd Div is alerted for the task. 4th Div is transferred to V Corps from VII Corps. Advance into Paris is to begin at conclusion
of German-FFI armistice on 23rd. In XIX Corps area, 2nd Armd Div continues steadily northward, overrunning Breteuil; 28th Div clears Verneuil. 30th Div reaches vicinity of Evreux.
In U.S. Third Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div holds Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead against enemy counterattack. 5th Armd Div continues N toward Louviers despite strong opposition between Eure and Seine Rivers. XX Corps speeds toward Melun and Montereau, 7th Armd Div approaching Melun and 5th Div threatening Fontainebleau. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div, continuing E from Sens, overcomes opposition at Villeneuve. 35th Div reaches W outskirts of Montargis. In VIII Corps area, main body of 29th Div is moving W by motor to Brest.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF is reinforced by 1st SSF, which is committed in center to replace British 2nd Para Brig. RCT 517 is given task of patrolling roads W and S of Larche Pass and maintaining contact with friendly forces to W. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div improves positions on left flank of corps. Elements of 157th Inf, 45th Div, and FFI forces clear Apt; 180th Inf reduces light rear-guard opposition in Rognes area; 179th moves toward Grenoble to join 36th Div. 36th Div units take Grenoble without opposition and reconnoiter beyond there without incident; RCT 141 starts W to Rhône Valley to back up TF Butler in Montélimar area and emplaces 2 FA battalions near Marsanne to fire across the Rhône; RCT 142 arrives at Gap. In French Army B area, USS accepts surrender of garrison of Porquerolles I., off Giens Peninsula. In 2nd Corps area, while 1st Div continues W toward Toulon along coast against strong resistance, Linares Group of 3rd Algerian Div seizes Mt. Faron, last of the big hilltop fortresses N of Toulon, and 9th Colonial Div forces enemy from La Vallette, NE of Toulon. With reduction of Mt. Faron, a way is opened into Toulon through Dardennes ravine. On N flank, Chapuis Group of 3rd Algerian Div and elements of 1st Armd Div invest Marseille.
EASTERN EUROPE – Offensive against Rumania by troops of Second and Third Ukrainian Fronts is overwhelming enemy. Iasi falls to forces of Second Ukrainian Front.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps occupies S bank of the Metauro from S. Ippolito to the coast. Italian Corps of Liberation, moving up on left flank, reaches Cagli, SW of S. Ippolito.
CBI – Adm Mountbatten returns to Ceylon from London, having presented his views on strategy there.
On Salween front, Japanese remnants around Sung Shan, during 21 and 22, make futile counterattacks against Chinese.
SWPA – TF TRADEWIND (Morotai force) issues FO No. 1.
23 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps continues to make slow progress in coastal sector. 2 Corps is heavily engaged in vicinity of Orbec.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, mechanized patrols reach Bernay. In 30 Corps area, 50th Div reaches Verneuil-Breteuil area, where it halts while U.S. XIX Corps moves across its front toward Elbeuf.
12 Army Group: Attaches XV Corps and its 5th Armd and 79th Inf Divs to First Army, effective 0600 24th; alters boundary between First and Third Armies to run along line Chartres-Melun (both towns to First Army).
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div, reinforced by Tr B of 102nd Cav Sq, starts toward Paris along 2 routes to assist FFI forces in taking the city but is halted in Versailles-Bois de Meudon area by strongpoints and roadblocks. 4th Div, preceded by 102nd Cav Gp (less Tr B) follows French armor along southern route and reaches Arpajon, S of Paris. In XIX Corps area, one 2nd Armd Div column, bypassing Conches, which 28th Div clears, reaches Le Neubourg, while another drives toward Elbeuf. 30th Div finds Evreux free of enemy and makes contact with 5th Armd Div (XV Corps) on right.
In U.S. Third Army’s XV corps area, 79th Div maintains Seine bridgehead at Mantes-Gassicourt while 5th Armd Div continues clearing region W of the Seine. In XX Corps area, 5th Div takes Fontainebleau and continues toward Montereau. 7th Armd Div closes in on Melun. In XII Corps area, 35th Div overruns Montargis.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, engineers are preparing way for entry of 1st ABTF into Cannes, which patrols report clear of enemy. 1st SSF prepares to attack Grasse, important road junction on Route Napoleon (Highway 85). VI Corps concentrates on intercepting German withdrawal up Rhône Valley to Lyon, 141st Inf, 36th Div, closes in the valley and occupies MLR from Drôme R to Montélimar area; TF Butler is disposed to support 141st Inf and provide flank protection; 2nd Battalion of 141st, assisted by French Maquis and arty fire of TF Butler from Condillac Pass, attacks southward toward Montélimar on Highway 7 but fails in the first of many efforts to take the town. To free additional elements of 36th Div for action in Rhône Valley, 180th Inf of 45th Div relieves 142nd Inf of defensive positions in N part of E (right) flank of corps. 179th Inf is attached to 36th Div in Grenoble area. 3rd Div works NW toward the Rhône and finds
Martigues clear. In French Army B’s 2 Corps area, 9th Colonial and 1st Inf Divs break into E part of Toulon and press forward to center of city. After battery on Cap de l’Esterel, at E tip of Giens Peninsula, surrenders, French troops land on the peninsula and clear it without opposition. Chapuis Group of 3rd Algerian Div, assisted by Goums and CCL of 1st Armd Div, breaks into suburbs of Marseille from E and N. Efforts to induce the garrison to surrender fail.
RUMANIA – King Michael surrenders Rumania unconditionally to Soviet forces.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, advance elements of 92nd Div – RCT 370 – take over part of zone held by 1st Armd Div.
CBI – War Department notifies Gen Stilwell that operations to open land route to China must be limited to construction of 2-way, all-weather road to Myitkyina and opening trail from there to China. This decision is made in order to increase manpower for Pacific offensives but limits tonnage to China over Ledo Road. Gen Hearn presents message from President Roosevelt to Chiang Kai-Shek, urging that Gen Stilwell be put in command of Chinese forces soon and commenting on conditions proposed by Chinese. Gen Hearn also informs Gen Chennault that his proposal to send U.S. supplies to E China for recapture of Heng-yang is refused.
On Salween front, Japanese commander at Lungling calls for reinforcements.
NEW GUINEA – On Noemfoor, 503rd Para Inf begins concentration in Kamiri airdrome area, leaving 3 cos behind to patrol S part of Noemfoor.
24 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps extends right flank to St Georges-du-Vièvre, on Risle R. In 2 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div seizes Bernay and establishes bridgehead across Risle R at Nassandres. Contact is made with U.S. XIX Corps in Elbeuf area.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div is concentrating near Le Neubourg in preparation for attack across the Seine at Louviers.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps moves closer to Elbeuf and is interdicting Seine crossing sites with arty fire. In XV Corps area, 5th Armd Div reaches Houdebouville. In V Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div gets a little closer to city limits of Paris against strong opposition. 102nd Cav Gp units, screening for 4th Div, reach the Seine S of Paris. Ordered by Gen Bradley to push into Paris at once, 4th Div, less one RCT, attacks toward the city from S in conjunction with French attacks from SW. One RCT of 4th Div retains mission of securing crossings of the Seine S of Paris.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps gains bridgeheads across the Seine at Melun and Montereau, 7th Armd Div establishing former and 5th Div, latter. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div drives E toward Troyes while CCB, to right, reaches St Florentin area and 35th Div moves up to Courtenay; CCR is moving forward to join rest of 4th Armd Div.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF’s 509th Para Battalion, followed by 1st Battalion of 551st Para Inf, advances into Cannes without opposition and pushes on to Antibes. 1st SSF takes Grasse with ease; seizes Valbonne and makes contact with friendly forces from Cannes area. RCT 517, which has relieved elements of 36th Div in Fayence-Callian area, advances on left flank of 1st ABTF, taking St Vallier on Route Napoléon. In VI Corps area, 36th Div establishes MLR along Roubion R and faces S to prevent enemy movement northward: 141st Inf, on right, defends sector W from Bonlieu; 142nd protects left sector of line from Bonlieu to Pré-Alps. Elements of 111th Engr Battalion are disposed in front of Bonlieu. Forward elements of 3rd Div reach the Rhône at Arles. In French Army B’s 2nd Corps area, organized resistance in E part of Toulon comes to an end, but Germans retain W part and dock area. Chapuis Group, 3rd Algerian Div, pushes well into Marseille. CC2, 1st Armd Div, relieves U.S. 3rd Div at Aix, Gardanne, and Rognac.
EASTERN EUROPE – Kishinev falls to Soviet frontal and flanking attacks.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 1st Div and Indian 8th Div begin fording the Arno E of Florence to secure positions on N bank before main Fifth Army attack starts – there is no opposition.
British Eighth Army completes preparations for attack on Gothic Line on 3-corps front. Screened by Pol 2 Corps on army right flank, Cdn 1 Corps, employing Cdn 1st Div in line, takes over narrow front just W of Pol 2 Corps. 5 Corps, with 46th Div and Indian 4th Div in line, moves to W of Cdn 1 Corps on front of about 20 miles. 10 Corps, consisting of Indian 10th Div and mixed brig group, continues to hold left flank of army. Italian Corps of Liberation, upon relief by 5 Corps, is held in army reserve.
CBI – On Salween front, Japanese reinforcements start from Mangshih to Lung-ling front.
NEW GUINEA – In Vogelkop area, Gen Sibert leaves Sansapor-Mar sector to take command of X Corps, hq of which has recently arrived from U.S. Brig Gen Charles E. Hurdis takes over Gen Sibert’s posts as commander of TF TYPHOON and 6th Div.
25 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div gets into position to cross the Seine at Louviers. In 30 Corps area, 43rd Div establishes bridgehead across the Seine at Vernon under cover of arty fire.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps overruns Elbeuf, its objective; makes contact with British forces to N. In V Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div, bypassing resistance in Versailles area, gets forward elements into Paris from SW at 0700. 4th Div enters from S soon afterward, following Tr A, 38th Cav, which enters at 0730. FFI forces and jubilant French civilians assist in methodical clearing of scattered strongpoints within the city. German commander in Paris, Lt Gen Dietrich von Choltitz, surrenders formally to Brig Gen Jacques-Philippe Leclerc of French 2nd Armd Div at 1515. 22nd Inf, 4th Div, establishes bridgehead across the Seine S of Paris. V Corps releases 80th and 90th Divs to Third Army, which assigns them respectively to XII and XX Corps. In VII Corps area, CCB of 3rd Armd Div crosses the Seine below Paris at Tilly. 1st and 9th Divs are assembling S of Paris.
In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps launches strong attack on Brest at 1300 after preparatory bombardment for an hour. 2nd, 8th, and 29th Divs, on E, N, and W, respectively, batter at strong outer defenses of the city, making little headway. 29th Div employs TF Sugar (special 175th Inf force that consists of 2 cos of 2nd Ranger Battalion and elements of 86th Cav Rcn Sq as well as 175th Inf units and is commanded by Lt Col Arthur T. Sheppe of 175th Inf) on extreme right to clear Le Conquet Peninsula, where formidable Batterie Graf Spee is located. TF B continues clearing peninsulas S of Brest. XX Corps defends Seine bridgeheads at Melun and Montereau. 5th Div crosses Yonne R at Missy. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div overcomes strong opposition in Troyes.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div drives through Cavaillon, Orgon, and Avignon without opposition. Germans attack 36th Div’s line along the Roubion at its weakest point, Bonlieu, routing the engineers and separating 141st and 142nd Regiments. Elements of 143rd are moved forward to help plug gap. Efforts of 1st Battalion, 141st Inf, and TF Butler to block Highway 7 in La Coucourde area fail. 3rd Battalion of 157th Inf, 45th Div, is attached to 36th Div and moves to La Coucourde area. Since 141st Inf is under constant pressure and unable to gain control of hills N and NE of Montélimar, reinforcements are moved to Crest, on the Drôme, among them 143rd Inf (-). Arty and aircraft are helping troops interdict enemy withdrawal up the Rhône. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps continues to battle enemy at Toulon and Marseille.
EASTERN EUROPE – Tartu, junction of Riga-Tallinn line, falls to forces of Third Baltic Front. Rumania declares war on Germany.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, driving up Route 69, which parallels the Arno, 6th Armd Div reaches Route 70 E of Pontassieve. British 1st Div and Indian 8th Div deepen bridgehead across the Arno to left.
British Eighth Army begins main assault on Gothic Line from Metauro R line, employing British 5, Cdn 1, and Pol 2 Corps, from left to right, night 25-26. Enemy, taken by surprise, offers only ineffective opposition.
NEW GUINEA – Gen Krueger declares the Aitape operation at an end. During this action, Allied forces have lost about 440 killed, 2,550 wounded, and 10 missing as against Japanese losses, by U.S. count, of 8,821 killed and 98 captured. Japanese 18th Army has paid with 2 1/3 divs for vain attacks to regain Aitape area and is no longer a major threat on New Guinea. On the Vogelkop, Japanese make their first air attack on region held by TF TYPHOON.
26 August
N FRANCE – Gen Montgomery directs Cdn First Army to clear Pas-de-Calais; British Second Army to push into Belgium; U.S. First Army to support British drive, moving forward on axis Paris-Brussels.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps prepares to cross the Seine S of Rouen. Patrols of 4th Armd Div cross in evening.
In British Second Army area, 30 Corps expands and strengthens bridgehead at Vernon.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps is relieved by British forces and releases 30th Div to XV Corps. XV Corps maintains Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead and mops up. In V Corps area, while French 2nd Armd Div mops up scattered opposition within Paris, 4th Div returns to positions SE of the city and protects Seine bridgehead and airfields in the area. In VII Corps area, additional elements of 3rd Armd Div cross the Seine and push northward rapidly.
U.S. Third Army, with gasoline running low, receives a shipment by air. VIII Corps continues to make slow progress toward Brest against firm opposition. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div thrusts quickly NE toward Château-Thierry and the Marne. Nogent-sur-Seine falls to 5th Div. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div mops up Troyes; 35th Div patrols on right flank.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, air and arty continue to help interdict northward
withdrawal of enemy. 3rd Div continues steadily northward toward Montélimar overcoming rear-guard opposition at Orange. 36th Div is unable to restore line along the Roubion at Bonlieu, and Germans withdraw additional units through the gap. TF Butler is ordered to restore block on Highway 7 at La Coucourde. Corps takes direct control of 757th Inf (-3rd Battalion), 45th Div. 2nd Battalion of 157th, moving W to reinforce 36th Div, seizes Allex, N of the Drôme and E of Livron, blocking lower reaches of the Drôme. 1st Battalion assists in defending Crest. In French Army B’s 2nd Corps area, organized resistance within Toulon comes to an end, but Germans retain San Mandrier Peninsula S of the city. At Marseille, further progress is made and fortified heights of Notre Dame de la Garde, within the city, capitulate. Forward elements of corps reach the Rhône in Avignon-Arles area and begin crossing.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Third Ukrainian Front, advancing along the Prut R toward Galati, reach the Danube. Troops of Second Ukrainian Front are moving through Focsani-Galati gap. Bulgaria begins surrender negotiation with Allies.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 13 Corps consolidates positions N of the Arno. In IV Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div is committed to line and begins relief of 85th Div, latter reverting to II Corps.
British Eighth Army secures bridgeheads across the Metauro in zones of British 5, Cdn 1, and Pol 2 Corps with little difficulty.
27 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps elements reach the Seine in coastal sector. In 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd and 3rd Inf Divs begin crossing the Seine between Elbeuf and Pont de l’Arche and clear Tourlaville.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div begins crossing the Seine E of Louviers and establishes bridgehead in Muids-Porte-Joie area with ease. A second crossing site, about a mile upstream, is found to be strongly defended and is abandoned. 30 Corps continues to expand and strengthen bridgehead at Vernon.
12th Army Group: Allocates priority in supply to First Army. Supplies are becoming increasingly short.
In U.S. First Army area, XV Corps attacks with 30th Div on right and 79th on left to enlarge Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead. In V Corps area, against scattered resistance, French 2nd Armd Div and 4th Div, former on right, drive NE to outskirts of Paris, French overcoming strong opposition at Le Bourget airfield. Generals Eisenhower and Bradley visit Paris and confer with Gen Charles de Gaulle. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div speeds NE toward Soissons with 4th Cav Gp spearheading and 1st and 9th Divs following, crossing the Marne in Mieux area and taking that town.
In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps completes encirclement of Brest. TF Sugar, 29th Div, cuts main Le Conquet-Recouvrance highway. 83rd Div moves forward to protect S flank along Loire R W of Orléans. In XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div drives NE toward Reims on broad front, followed by 5th and 80th Divs. Armored forces reach the Marne at Château-Thierry, secure crossings, and overrun that town. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div heads from Troyes NE toward Châlons-sur-Marne, followed by 80th Div. 35th Div protects S flank of army from Orléans to Troyes.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div, coming up from the S, secures positions from which to attack Montélimar. 36th Div restores line along the Roubion. TF Butler reaches Highway 7 at La Coucourde but is unable to block it. So effective is arty fire, however, that a block is formed by wrecked enemy vehicles. Aircraft and arty are taking an increasingly heavy toll of enemy columns in Montélimar-Livron sector. 45th Div (-) is probing toward Lyon from Grenoble; 179th Inf takes Bourgoin, midway between Grenoble and Lyon. 180th Inf, holding defensive positions in N part of right flank of corps in Briançon area, is relieved by Prov Flank Protection Force, called TF Bibo, in order to move to Grenoble area. TF Bibo, commanded by Lt Col Harold S. Bibo and under Seventh Army control, consists of Tr A of 117th Cav Rcn Sq; elements of 2nd, 3rd, and 83rd Chemical Battalions; 2 platoons of 180th Inf AT Co; and battery of 171st FA Battalion. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps continues to clear environs of Toulon and city of Marseille. At 1745 bombardment of San Mandrier Peninsula, S of Toulon, is halted and Germans agree to surrender the peninsula, effective on 28th. At Marseille, Fort St Nicolas surrenders, but scattered opposition remains. In evening, German command requests interview to discuss surrender terms.
EASTERN EUROPE – Focsani falls to troops of Second Ukrainian Front; Galati, third largest city in Rumania and chief port on the Danube, to those of Third Ukrainian Front.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army makes steady progress northward toward main Gothic Line positions.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div, continuing down Mogaung-Mandalay RR corridor, takes Pinbaw.
NEW GUINEA – 1st Battalion, 158th Inf, relieves elements of 503rd Para Inf remaining in S part of Noemfoor.
28 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps expands bridgehead toward Rouen.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps expands its bridgehead across the Seine. In 30 Corps area, entire 43rd Div is across the Seine; bridgehead extends about 4 miles in width and 3 miles in depth.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XV Corps continues to improve positions in Mantes-Gassicourt bridgehead. 2nd Armd Div is attached to corps to pass through 79th Div and spearhead breakout. In V Corps area, Gen Gerow, in letter to Gen Pierre Joseph Koenig, Military Governor of Paris, turns over the city to the French. French 2nd Armd Div and 4th Div continue attacks NE of Paris. 5th Armd and 28th Inf Divs are attached to corps. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div pursues disorganized enemy to Soissons.
In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps continues to batter Brest. 29th Div takes direct command of TF Sugar from 175th Inf; 116th Inf is pushing E along Le Conquet-Recouvrance highway. CCB, 6 Armd Div, leaves Lorient for Third Army zone. XX Corps is speedily closing in on Reims. In XII Corps area, CCA columns, followed by 80th Div, continue rapidly toward the Marne at Châlons-sur-Marne and Vitry-le-François.
S FRANCE – U.S. Seventh Army directs that another trap be set for retreating enemy before he reaches the Belfort Gap. While 2nd Corps of French Army B drives N along W bank of the Rhône, VI Corps is to move N via Lyon, Beaune, and Dijon to make contact with OVERLORD forces and block off enemy from the Rhine. FFI and TF Bibo troops are driven from Briançon by enemy. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div clears rear-guard opposition from Montélimar, enabling 36th Div to seize hill masses to N and NE. Corps’ attention shifts to Drôme R line, where final phase of Montélimar battle is being fought. 142nd Regiment, 36th Div, surrounds Livron, blocking Highway 7 N of the Drôme, but most of German Nineteenth Army has escaped northward through the Montélimar trap. TF Butler and 143rd Inf isolate Loriol, S of Livron. Withdrawing enemy traffic remains a lucrative target for aircraft and arty. 45th Div’s 180th Inf moves to Grenoble; 179th continues northward toward Lyon. In French Army B’s 2nd Corps area, all resistance in Toulon area comes to an end with surrender of San Mandrier Peninsula to 9th Colonial Div. Germans also surrender Marseille. 80th German garrison commanders are captured. During the battle for these important ports, in which FFI forces have given valuable assistance, 2 German divs have been eliminated. 9th Colonial Div is given temporary mission of guarding Toulon-Marseille area. Other elements of 2nd Corps continue to cross the Rhône in Avignon-Arles area.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Second Ukrainian Front drive into Transylvania through Oituz Pass in the Carpathian Mts.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 17th Brig of 8th Indian Div, attacking night 28-29, takes Tigliano, N of Pontassieve. 6th Armd Div, securing right flank of corps, gets column beyond Rufina, on Highway 67.
British Eighth Army continues to gain ground toward Gothic Line, Pol 2 Corps, on right, reaching Arzilla R.
29 August
N FRANCE – Gen Eisenhower directs that main effort be made in N.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div has completed crossing of the Seine and holds loop of river W of Les Andelys. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div, reinforced by 8th Armd Brig, takes the lead, heading toward the Somme at Amiens and reaching Mainneville area.
12th Army Group: Issues instructions for operations beyond the Seine. Gasoline shortage is acute and Third Army is given priority on supply by air.
In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps takes over zone of XV Corps at noon and assumes command of 2nd Armd and 30th and 79th Inf Divs. 2nd Armd Div drives through 79th Div to Magny en Vexin. 30th Div, to right, reaches line Wy-dit-Joli-Village-Saillancourt. XV Corps reverts to Third Army control and is held in reserve. V Corps, leaving French 2nd Armd Div behind in Paris, drives NE with 4th Div to Mitry Mory-Le Plessis area. 28th Div parades NE through Paris to its assigned attack position W of 4th Div. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div, spearheading drive on Laon, crosses Aisne R east of Soissons.
U.S. Third Army orders advance continued to the Meuse. In VIII Corps area, 2nd Rangers of TF Sugar, 29th Div, take Pointe de Corsen as assault on Brest continues against unabated resistance. XX Corps speeds NE to Reims, which 5th Div captures. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div overruns Châlons-sur-Marne and Vitry-le-François.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF, on Mediterranean coast, begins crossing Var R. Plans are made at commanders’ conference at Seventh Army hq for junction of OVERLORD and DRAGOON forces. In VI Corps’ Rhône Valley sector, organized resistance at Loriol and Livron, on Highway 7, comes to an end. 36th and 3rd Divs are mopping up enemy rear guards. 3rd Div is to assemble at Voiron, NW of Grenoble, upon relief by French; 36th is to continue N toward Lyon. To
right, 45th Div continues to probe northward with 179th and 180th Regiments. In French Army B area, 2nd Moroccan Div, in process of debarking, is ordered to extreme right flank of Seventh Army; 3rd Algerian Div is to advance to its left; 9th Colonial Div is to be committed gradually.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Third Ukrainian Front take Constanta, Black Sea port.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div column reaches Consuma, on Highway 70.
In British Eighth Army area, as Pol 2 Corps attempts to clear Pesaro, on Adriatic coast, Cdn 1 and British 5 Corps thrust to Foglia R, behind which enemy is moving reinforcements in effort to stem British advance. Indian 10th Div of 10 Corps finds Bibbiena, on Route 71, abandoned by enemy.
CHINA – Japanese 11th Army, consisting of 7 divs, starts S down RR from Heng-yang, threatening U.S. Fourteenth Air Force bases at Kweilin and Liuchow.
30 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, 51st and 49th Divs, latter with Royal Netherlands Brig, begin crossing the Seine. In 2 Corps area, 2nd Div crosses into Seine bridgehead, having cleared W bank of the river. 3rd Div takes Rouen without opposition.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps drives eastward from bridgehead with 4th Armd Brig spearheading and 53rd Div following. 25-mile advance brings forward elements to Gournay. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div, which is relieved on right flank by Gds Armd Div, is ordered to speed on to the Somme at Amiens and advances through night 30-31.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps, with 2nd Armd Div on left, 79th Div in center, and 30th Div on right, drives rapidly NE against light resistance. 2nd Armd Div makes greatest gains, reaching positions less than 10 miles from Beauvais. V Corps continues pursuit of enemy northeastward, passing 28th Div through French 2nd Armd Div to advance abreast 4th Div, 5th Armd Div moves forward to spearhead drive on Compiègne. VII Corps seizes Laon.
In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, TF B finishes clearing Daoulas Peninsula S of Brest. 29th Div gets elements to crest of Hill 103, commanding feature in Brest defenses, but enemy retains E slopes. In XX Corps area 7th Armd Div speeds toward Verdun against scattered resistance. XII Corps drives eastward toward the Meuse, advance elements of 4th Armd Div reaching St Dizier area. To left, 80th Div is moving SE toward Bar-le-Duc. On right flank, 35th Div pushes SE from Troyes. XV Corps hq and troops are concentrating in Nangis area.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, on Mediterranean coast, elements of 1st ABTF drive through Nice to Beaulieu without opposition. In VI Corps area, battle of Montélimar comes to a close as 1st Battalion of 143rd Inf, 36th Div, reaches junction of Drôme and Rhône Rivers. TF Butler is disbanded. Next big objective of VI Corps is Lyon, toward which 36th Div is rapidly moving along E bank of the Rhône while French 2nd Corps pushes toward it along W bank. FFI within Lyon are alerted to assist French and U.S. columns when they arrive at the city. Advance elements of 45th Div cross Rhône and Ain Rivers NE of Lyon and establish roadblocks at Meximieux, Lagnieu, and Ambérieu. 157th Inf reverts to 45th Div and moves northward to join it. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps continues its crossing of the Rhône in preparation for drive up W bank. Elements take Nimes and Montpellier. 3rd Algerian Div is moving to Grenoble area to relieve 45th Div of VI Corps.
EASTERN EUROPE – Ploesti, center of Rumanian oil industry, falls to troops of Second Ukrainian Front.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army begins attack on main defenses of Gothic Line against stiffening resistance. While Pol 2 Corps continues attack on Pesaro in coastal sector, Cdn 1 and British 5 Corps thrust across the Foglia.
SWPA – 81st Div begins final rehearsals for Palau operation in Guadalcanal area.
31 August
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps continues to crosses the Seine on left flank of army. 2 Corps attacks eastward from Seine bridgehead with 4th Armd Div on right, 3rd Div in center, and 2nd Div on left. 4th Armd Div drives quickly to Forges and Buchy. 3rd Div speeds along St Saens-Londinières road; 2nd Div drives toward Dieppe via Tôtes.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div takes the lead and, together with 4th Armd Brig, speeds toward the Somme, reaching Poix-Aumale line. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div reaches Amiens and seizes bridge across the Somme intact. Gds Armd and 50th Inf Divs also reach the river, former crossing E of Amiens.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 2nd Armd Div continues NE on left flank of corps to positions W of Montdidier, well ahead of 79th and 30th Divs, which reach area between Beauvais and Creil. V Corps passes 5th Armd Div through 28th and 4th Divs and continues NE with all three. On left, 28th Div, in conjunction with CCB of 5th Armd Div, closes along Oise R in Chantilly-Compiègne area and crosses
elements at Pont Ste Maxence. Among towns overrun are Chantilly, Creil, Pont Ste Maxence, Verberie, and Compiègne. CCB establishes bridgehead in vicinity of Pont Ste Maxence. On V Corps right flank, CCA drives to the Aisne W of Soissons, passing through 4th Div, which follows to Villers-Cotterêts area. In VII Corps area, while 1st Div consolidates in Laon and Soissons area, 3rd Armd and 9th Inf Divs continue pursuit NE to general line Montcornet-Rethel.
In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps temporarily suspends operations against Brest and regroups. In XX Corps area, CCA of 7th Armd Div, followed closely by 5th Div, establishes bridgehead across the Meuse at Verdun. 90th Div remains in Reims area. XX Corps advances then comes to a halt to await gasoline. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div reaches the Meuse at Commercy and Pont-sur-Meuse and establishes bridgehead. 80th Div, following on left, reaches Bar-le-Duc area.
S FRANCE – Hq, 6th Army Group, arrives. In U.S. Seventh Army area, patrols of TF Bibo find Briançon free of enemy. VI Corps speeds up the Rhône Valley toward Lyon. 45th Div is concentrating in Meximieux area to protect right flank of corps, prepared to move on Bourg-en-Bresse. 3rd Div, upon relief in Rhône Valley, assembles at Voiron, prepared to assist either 36th or 45th Div.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Second Ukrainian Front overrun Bucharest, capital of Rumania.
ITALY – AAI: Gen Clark orders U.S. Fifth Army to follow withdrawing enemy. IV Corps patrols cross the Arno, night 31 August-1 September, in preparation for crossing in force and confirm the fact that enemy is withdrawing. British 13 Corps also confirms rumors of enemy withdrawal. One 1st Div column pushes through Fiesole to Highway 6521 (Florence-Borgo S. Lorenzo); another takes M. Muscoli and M. il Pratone with ease.
British Eighth Army penetrates Gothic Line with elements of British 5 and Cdn 1 Corps; Pol 2 Corps continues hard battle for Pesaro.
NEW GUINEA – Gen Krueger declares Noemfoor operation at an end. TF CYCLONE has suffered 63 killed, 343 wounded, and 3 missing; has killed about 1,730 Japanese and captured 186. In Vogelkop area, CG Sixth Army, declares Sansapor operation terminated. From 30 July to date, TF TYPHOON has killed about 385 Japanese and Formosans and captured 215 as against a loss of 14 killed, 35 wounded, and 9 injured.
1 September
U.K. – British Chiefs of Staff propose airborne and amphibious assault (coded DRACULA) on Rangoon.
N FRANCE – 21 Army Group (Northern Group of Armies): In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, 49th Div, upon crossing the Seine, turns W toward Le Havre while 51st drives toward St Valery-en-Caux. In 2 Corps area, 2nd Div takes Dieppe, and port is opened within a week. 3rd Div thrusts to Le Trèport. 4th Armd and Pol 1st Armd Divs are driving quickly toward the Somme, former in the lead.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div crosses the Somme near Airaines. 53rd Div, echeloned to left rear, protects left flank of corps. 30 Corps drives rapidly NE with 11th Armd and Gds Armd Divs spearheading. 11th Armd reaches St Pol-Arras road and Gds Armd bypasses Arras. 50th Div is following up.
12th Army Group (Central Group of Armies): Passes to direct command of SHAEF from command of Gen Montgomery.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 2nd Armd Div, followed closely by infantry, reaches positions NW of Cambrai. V Corps speeds toward St Quentin. 4th Div, motorized and reinforced by CCA of 5th Armd Div, takes the lead, thrusting to vicinity of Chauny. Other elements of corps improve positions at and near Compiègne, where bridge construction is in progress. VII Corps swerves from NE to N. CCB of 3rd Armd Div drives quickly through Vervins to La Capelle; to right, CCA, in conjunction with 9th Div, reaches Etreaupont-Aubenton area. 1st Div, on corps left flank, reaches Voyenne.
U.S. Third Army is practically immobilized by acute shortage of gasoline. Enforced lull permits enemy to build up behind the West Wall. In XX Corps area, CCR of 7th Armd Div advances to Etain along Verdun-Metz highway. 3rd Cav Gp, using captured gasoline, patrols eastward toward the Moselle. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div expands Commercy bridgehead over the Meuse, and 80th Div crosses into it. CCB crosses the Meuse S of Commercy. 35th Div protects S flank of army. VIII Corps continues preparations for renewing all-out assault on Brest when ammunition is more plentiful; makes slight gains in limited attack in conjunction with aerial bombardment. Aircraft, warships, and arty pound Ile de Cézembre, off St Malo, in preparation for amphibious assault by 83rd Div force.
S FRANCE – (Southern Group of Armies): In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps is rapidly closing in on Lyon. 36th Div gets forward elements to heights commanding the city. 3rd Div is moving forward behind 45th Div. 45th Div, leaving 179th Inf to defend Meximieux, moves up E bank of the Ain without opposition. In determined attacks supported by tanks and SP guns, Germans isolate 179th Inf within Meximieux at great cost; FFI forces are sent
to help 179th. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps continues toward Lyon in region W of the Rhône, overrunning Serrières and Firminy.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps begins pursuit of enemy across the Arno. 1st Armd Div, spearheading, crosses CCA and CCB, which push toward M. Pisano and Altopascio, respectively. On coastal flank, TF 45 finishes clearing its zone S of the Arno and crosses 100th (Nisei) Battalion over the river to E of Pisa. S African 6th Armd Div, with task of taking M. Albano, begins to cross the Arno W of Empoli during afternoon. In II Corps area, 88th Div, holding narrow zone along the Arno assigned to II Corps with RCT 442 (-), also crosses the Arno in pursuit of enemy. British 13 Corps turns Florence over to Italians.
In British Eighth Army area, British 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps penetrate main defenses of the Gothic Line on M. Gridolfo and Tomba di Pesaro, commanding Foglia R valley. Pol 2 Corps, employing elements of 3rd Carpathian Div, crosses the Foglia for drive eastward toward the coast, but is held up by enemy on E slopes of Pozzo Alto.
BALKANS – Allied successes on other fronts, particularly those of Red Army, force German Army Group F to begin withdrawing from Greece and islands of Ionian and Aegean Seas. Main withdrawal route, rail line through Skoplje and Belgrade in Yugoslavia, is so effectively hit by U.S. Fifteenth Air Force during first half of September that air withdrawal is begun from fields in Athens area. All 3 fields are left unserviceable by Fifteenth Air Force attacks during latter half of month.
NEW GUINEA – RCT 123 of 33rd Div, untried in combat, arrives at Maffin Bay from E New Guinea to protect 31st Div as it stages for invasion of Morotai I.
2 September
N FRANCE-BELGIUM – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, 49th Div continues along Le Havre Peninsula toward the port, reaching enemy outposts. 51st Div takes St Valery-en-Caux. In 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div reaches the Somme E of Abbeville and Pol 1st Armd Div is rapidly approaching the river W of Abbeville.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div drives NE from the Somme to positions beyond St Pol. 30 Corps continues northward so rapidly that planned drop of airborne forces in Tournai area is not necessary. Gds Armd Div reaches Tournai. 11th Armd Div drives to Lille area.
12th Army Group: Gen Eisenhower, at a commanders’ conference, outlines plans for Third Army and V Corps of First Army to drive to West Wall (Siegfried Line) after supply situation improves.
In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps gets advance elements into Belgium and drives toward Tournai. V Corps releases French 2nd Armd Div, in Paris area, to First Army reserve. Corps continues steadily NE, overrunning Noyon and St Quentin, until ordered to halt on general line Landrecies-Le Cateau-Cambrai. VII Corps pursues enemy into Belgium, crossing border near Maubeuge and Hirson. 3rd Armd Div drives to vicinity of Mons. 9th Div, to right, swings NE to positions near Charleroi. 1st Div moves forward to left rear of armor.
U.S. Third Army is immobilized for lack of fuel. VIII Corps continues to batter outer defenses of Brest. 2nd Div takes Hill 105, dominating E approach to the city. 8th Div is battling for Hill 80 and 29th Div for Hill 103. Elements of 83rd Div invade Ile de Cézembre, which surrenders. In XX Corps area, while 3rd Cav Gp reconnoiters to the Moselle, 7th Armd Div feints to N from Verdun to confuse enemy, halting short of Sedan when fuel runs out. In XII Corps area, 80th Div (-) relieves CCA of 4th Armd Div in Commercy bridgehead; 319th Inf crosses the Meuse to N at St Mihiel. 2nd Cav Gp patrols to the Moselle. CCB, 6th Armd Div, relieves 35th Div of task of protecting S flank between Orléans and Auxerre.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, 1st ABTF regains contact with enemy and clears strongpoint at La Turbia. Prov Flank Protection Force (TF Bibo) is relieved by 2nd Mor Div in Briançon area. French are to protect right flank of U.S. Seventh Army and maintain contact with 1st ABTF to S. In VI Corps area, 36th Div halts just E and SE of Lyon to permit French 2nd Corps to take the city, which patrol reports largely clear. 179th Inf, 45th Div, restores positions at Meximieux. In French Army B area, Lt Gen Aimè de Goislard de Monsabert takes command of 2nd Corps, consisting of 1st Armd and 1st Inf Divs.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45, whose 100th (Nisei) Battalion patrols to the Serchio R, crosses additional elements over the Arno and clears N part of Pisa. CCA, 1st Armd Div, clears most of M. Pisano. Elements of S African 6th Armd Div gain slopes of M. Albano. In II Corps area, patrols of RCT 442, 88th Div, make contact with elements of British 1st Div, 13 Corps, at Sesto. Later, 88th Div relieves 442nd Inf for shipment to France with 349th Inf and is reinforced by attachment of 91st Cav Rcn Sq, reinforced. British 13 Corps meets firm opposition N of Florence on hills Morello, Senario, Calvana, and Giovi.
In British Eighth Army area, enemy withdrawal in front of 46th Div of 5 Corps, Cdn 1 Corps, and Pol 2 Corps permits these units to advance rapidly. Cdn 1 Corps, with Cdn 1st Div directed along Route 16 and Cdn 5th Armd Div on an inland route,
speeds toward Rimini, forward elements reaching Conca R and establishing bridgehead. Pol 2 Corps finds Pesaro undefended and extends positions in coastal sector to Castel di Mezzo. Corps is now pinched out by rapid advance of Canadians.
MEDITERRANEAN – Gen Wilson, Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean, names Lt Gen R. M. Scobie Commander of Land Forces, Greece. His hq, the reconstituted British 3 Corps hq in Middle East, is designated Force 140 and contains 2nd Para Brig from Italy, 23rd Armd Brig from Egypt, and certain Greek forces, such as local police. Eventually Force 140 is augmented by Greek Sacred Regiment and Greek Mtn Brig, latter coming from Italy. Naval and air forces are allotted to Force 140, former commanded by Rear Adm J. M. Mansfield and latter by Air Commodore G. Harcourt-Smith. Gen Scobie is to secure Athens area and maintain law and order in preparation for return of Greek Government. Brig Gen Percy L. Sadler, USA, will act as deputy commander of combined hq of AMLG (Allied Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece) to handle relief and rehabilitation matters.
NEW GUINEA – In Wakde-Sarmi area, Gen Krueger declares operation terminated. Brig Gen Donald J. Myers relieves Gen Persons as commander of TF TORNADO. On Noemfoor, a second 7,000-foot runway is completed at Kornasoren airdrome. In Vogelkop area, first plane, a C-47, lands at Mar airdome.
3 September
N FRANCE-BELGIUM – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery orders British Second Army to drive speedily to the Rhine and secure crossing; Cdn First Army to continue to clear coastal region.
In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps closely invests Le Havre, moving 51st Div from St Valery to positions on right of 49th Div. Preparations are begun for all-out assault on the elaborate fortifications of the city and port. In 2 Corps area, 4th Armd Div establishes bridgehead across the Somme in Pont Remy area, E of Abbeville, and halts there temporarily. Pol 1st Armd Div, coming up on left, crosses the river W of Abbeville.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div, directed on Ghent, continues NE to Lillers, on Bethune-Aire road. 30 Corps, pressing quickly NE, crosses French-Belgian border. On left, 11th Armd Div, advancing on Antwerp, reaches positions E of Alost despite opposition in Lille-Tournai area. Gds Armd Div drives into Brussels and blocks exits from the city.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps remains generally S of Tournai, containing pocket SW of Mons on W. V Corps is ordered to new zone on right flank of First Army, where it is to face E and advance as quickly as possible to the Meuse. In VII Corps area, Mons (Belgium) falls to 3rd Armd Div. 1st Div exerts pressure against large body of disorganized enemy pocketed in Mons-Bavai-Forêt de Mormal area.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div columns feinting toward Sedan are recalled, returning on 4th after getting enough gasoline to do so. Airfield near Reims is sufficiently repaired by this time to receive cargo planes.
S FRANCE – U.S. Seventh Army, with capture of Lyon by French forces, completes original mission. Permission is granted for VI Corps to continue pursuit to Belfort Gap via Lons-Le Saunier-Besançon route. 2nd Corps of French Army B is to advance up NW bank of the Saône on axis Dijon-Epinal. In VI Corps area, 36th Div continues northward toward Macon. 117th Cav Rcn Sq, spearheading advance to right, reaches Bourg-en-Bresse and Montrevel but is strongly attacked by Germans fleeing from Meximieux and suffers and inflicts heavy losses. 3rd Div is moving forward in center of corps. In French Army B area, 2nd Corps, driving NW on left flank of army to make contact with OVERLORD forces, seizes Villefranche, N of Lyon.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 46th Div secures small bridgehead across Conca R in Morciano region. Cdn 1 Corps continues to pursue enemy northward, 5th Armd Div clearing Misano.
NEW GUINEA – Plans for invasion of Morotai I. are now ready. In Vogelkop area, Mar airdrome for bombers is completed on schedule.
4 September
WESTERN EUROPE – Gen Eisenhower directs 21 Army Group and U.S. First Army toward the Ruhr and U.S. Third Army toward the Saar. Hitler reinstates Rundstedt as Commander in Chief West (OB West).
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, while 4th Armd Div maintains positions astride the Somme in Pont Remy sector, Pol 1st Armd Div continues NE toward St Omer. 3rd Div, moving up from vicinity of Rouen, joins in advance along Pas de Calais coast.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div, swinging E to bypass enemy in Bethune-Lille region, continues toward Ghent, leaving 53rd Div and 4th Armd Brig to mop up. In 30 Corps area, 11th Armd Div drives into Antwerp and clears city except for N suburbs and dock area.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps continues elimination of Mons pocket in conjunction with 1st Div of VII Corps; releases 79th Div to Third Army. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd
and 9th Inf Divs continue E to the Meuse in Namur-Dinant area. V Corps begins assembly in new zone on right flank of army, moving through rear area of VII Corps. 4th Div continues mopping up in old zone.
In U.S. Third Army area, XII Corps opens attack to outflank Nancy. On N flank, 317th Inf of 80th Div begins rcn in force of Moselle N of Nancy, reaching the river at Pont à Mousson and locating crossing sites; 318th (less battalion attached to CCA of 4th Armd Div) moves toward Marbache; 319th, on 80th Div S flank, fords the Moselle at Toul and establishes bridgehead on E bank.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, French Army B forces protecting right flank of army reconnoiter to outskirts of Briançon. In VI Corps area, 45th Div takes Bourg-en-Bresse, having overcome resistance below the town. Corps then loses contact with enemy as it continues northward toward Besançon, strongly fortified city on Doubs R.
EASTERN EUROPE – Hostilities between Finland and the USSR cease under truce agreement.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues final orders for attack on Gothic Line. II Corps, after clearing hills Morello, Senario, Calvana, and Giovi, is to breach Gothic Line at Il Giogo Pass, rather than at Futa Pass as planned previously, and continue to Firenzuola. British 13 Corps is to attack along 2 routes: Dicomano-Forlì and Borgo S. Lorenzo-Faenza. In IV Corps area, CCA of 1st Armd Div thrusts to edge of Lucca. CCB overcomes delaying opposition at Altopascio road center. II Corps, which is to make main effort through zone now held by British 13 Corps, takes over S part of its new sector and under cover of darkness begins movement into attack positions.
In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, advancing along Arezzo-Cesena road (Highway 71), is in contact with outer defenses of Gothic Line. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div expands Conca bridgehead against strong resistance in S. Clemente area. 1st Armd Div moves forward to exploit possible breakthrough by 46th Div and begins bitter struggle for S end of S. Savino-Coriano ridge. Cdn 1 Corps drives forward along coast, meeting heavy fire from Coriano ridge on left. Pol 2 Corps begins moving into army reserve.
CBI – Gen Hurley and Donald Nelson arrive in India after brief stopover in Moscow.
11 Army Group: Gen Slim, commander British Fourteenth Army, tells 15 Corps commander that his corps will contain enemy on Arakan front while 4 and 33 Corps conduct strong offensive across the Chindwin, beginning in December. In 33 Corps area, E African 11th Div, which has taken over pursuit of enemy from Indian 23rd Div at Tamu, takes Sittaung without opposition; elements are moving S down Kabaw Valley toward Kalemyo.
SWPA – Elements of TF TRADEWIND at Aitape, New Guinea, conduct rehearsals for Morotai operation (INTERLUDE). Aitape and Maffin Bay are the two principal staging areas for TF TRADEWIND. U.S. Eighth Army hq arrives at Hollandia, New Guinea.
POA – First elements of Allied convoy, with III Amphib Corps (Marine) assault force embarked, starts from the Solomons for the Palau Is., Caroline Is.
5 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3rd Div, moving along coast, bypasses Boulogne and reaches Calais area. Enemy is prepared to defend both ports. On right flank of corps, Pol 1st Armd Div continues toward St Omer.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div captures Ghent, but enemy continues to hold out in N outskirts for some days. 30 Corps consolidates and reorganizes in preparation for continuing assault.
12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army becomes operational, taking command of troops and zone of VIII Corps, Third Army, on Brittany Peninsula. 29th Div occupies La Trinité, which enemy has vacated.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, rcn elements of 2nd Armd Div and 113th Cav Gp push deep into Belgium to general line Brussels-Gembloux. In VII Corps area, while 1st Div continues mopping up Mons pocket, taking numerous prisoners, 9th Div secures crossings of the Meuse N and S of Dinant. 3rd Armd Div prepares to press on to Liége. V Corps continues assembly on right flank of army and attacks E. 5th Armd Div secures crossings over the Meuse near Sedan, CCA at Bazeilles and CCR at Mohon. 28th Div is moving up behind armor. 102nd Cav Gp screens assembly of 4th Div NW of Mézières.
In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton orders XII Corps to cross the Moselle, secure Nancy, and be prepared to continue to Mannheim and the Rhine. In XII Corps area, on N flank of 80th Div, 317th Inf makes futile attempts to force the Moselle at Pagny-sur-Moselle and in the Blenod-Pont à Mousson area after daybreak; trying again night of 5-6 at Vandieres, Pont à Mousson, and Blenod, succeeds in getting 3rd Battalion (-) across at Pont à Mousson. 318th Inf attacks toward Hill 326, which commands Marbache. 319th expands Toul bridgehead to include Fort de Gondreville but is unable to reduce Fort de Villey-le-Sec. XV Corps, consisting at this time of corps hq and troops and awaiting additional
forces, receives mission of protecting S flank of army in sector to right of XII Corps.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps reaches positions near Besançon. 36th Div is SW of the city, 3rd Div due S, and 45th Div to NE.
USSR – Declares war on Bulgaria.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, CCA of 1st Armd Div takes Lucca. S African 6th Armd Div gets forward elements to Monsummano and clears part of M. Albano. II Corps continues to move assault units forward, night 5-6. At the same time, Germans pull back from positions N of Florence.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps are held up by firm opposition on S. Savino-Coriano ridge. To left rear, in 5 Corps zone, 56th Div is staunchly opposed in Croce-Gemmano region and Indian 4th Div in Pian di Castello area.
6 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 2nd Div, which has moved up behind assault forces, passes through 3rd Div in Calais area. 4th Armd Div is advancing toward Ghent-Bruges canal. Pol 1st Armd Div crosses canal at St Omer.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 113th Cav Gp and 2nd Armd Div reconnoiter eastward to general line Tirlemont-Namur. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div advances E from Namur astride the Meuse and occupies Huy. 9th Div expands and strengthens its Meuse bridgeheads against determined resistance. 1st Div, leaving 16th Inf behind to complete mop up of Mons pocket, starts eastward. In V Corps area, 4th Inf and 5th Armd Divs move forward from the Meuse, 4th on left reaching Bièvre and 5th Armd overrunning Sedan.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div opens corps attack to force the Moselle. Four combat rcn columns start toward the river at 0300 to search for crossing site, screen for main assault, and strengthen 3rd Cav Gp; these soon encounter strong enemy outposts. Main body of 7th Armd Div attacks at 1400, with CCA and CCB leading and CCR following CCB: on N, CCA is brought to a halt at Ste Marie-aux-Chênes; CCB is held up near Rezonville and Gorze but gets elements to canal between Noveant and Arnaville. 90th Div completes its crossing of the Meuse and assembles near Etain. In XII Corps area, 317th Inf of 80th Div abandons efforts to cross the Moselle on N flank of div after enemy overruns 3rd Battalion’s bridgehead; 318th Inf seizes Hill 326, overlooking Marbache, and attacks at W edge of Fort de l’Avant Garde; 319th is still unable to take Fort de Villey-le-Sec. 2nd Cav Gp inflicts heavy losses on retreating enemy column while making its way toward Madon R line.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, French 2nd Corps takes Châlon-sur-Saône. VI Corps, preparing to cross the Doubs at Dole, Besançon, and Baumeles-Dames, is meeting delaying opposition. Elements of 3rd Div overrun Fort Fontain, night 6-7, opening way to outer defenses of Besançon. French 1st Corps becomes operational under command of Gen Emile Béthouart with mission of continuing toward Besançon-Belfort area on right flank of army. Corps consists of 3rd Algerian Div, 9th Colonial Div, and 2nd Moroccan Div. The last is to move up gradually. Corps seizes Pierrefontaine, Maîche, and St Hippolyte.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet forces reach Rumanian-Yugoslav frontier at Turnu-Severin, on the Danube at the Iron Gate. Other Red Army troops take Ostroleka (Poland).
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps for the next few days confines its activities to regrouping, patrolling, and making limited advances as enemy withdraws. 1st Armd Div withdraws 11th and 14th Armd Inf Battalions to reserve for possible employment with II Corps. II Corps takes command of rest of its new sector and temporarily of 1st Div and elements of Indian 8th Div (British 13 Corps) within its zone. 88th Div is relieved by 34th Div and S African 6th Armd Div.
In British Eighth Army area, while preparations are being made for all-out assault on S. Savino-Coriano feature, Cdn 1 Corps gets patrols to Marano R.
CBI – Gen Hurley and Donald Nelson arrive at Chungking.
On Salween front, Japanese commander of Sung Shan forces dies.
SWPA – Elements of TF TRADEWIND at Maffin Bay conduct rehearsals for Morotai operation on New Guinea mainland E of Wakde I. On Noemfoor, Gen MacNider takes command of TF CYCLONE and RCT 158.
CAROLINE IS. – Planes from fast carriers of U.S. Third Fleet, beginning 3-day strike against the Palaus in preparation for invasion, find targets scarce as result of earlier aerial attacks by land-based planes of SWPA. During the 3-day operations, 1,470 sorties are flown; targets are also bombarded by cruisers and DD’s accompanying the carriers.
7 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 12 Corps relieves elements of 30 Corps in Antwerp and Alost, freeing them for advance to NE. 30 Corps begins drive toward Meuse-Escaut Canal. Gds Armd Div advances NE from Louvain to Diest and searches for crossing sites
along Albert Canal, finding bridges down. 11th Armd Div searches in vain for crossings over canals N of Antwerp.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 113th Cav Gp, leading eastward movement toward Holland, reaches Albert Canal near Hasselt. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div drives forward to Liége. 9th Div mops up Dinant and continues E. 1st Div, having completed mop up of Mons pocket, is assembling in rear area. In V Corps area, 5th Armd Div, now immobilized by lack of gasoline, is passed through by 28th Div, which drives some 15 miles E of Sedan. 4th Div continues E on N flank of corps toward St Hubert.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA of 7th Armd Div, after overcoming opposition at Ste Marie-aux-Chênes and St Privat, continues to the Moselle at Mondelange, N of Metz, and starts S toward Hauconcourt; CCB is forced to withdraw elements on canal between Noveant and Arnaville because of heavy fire, but gets other elements to the river in Dornot area, where they are under fire from both sides of the river; CCR starts forward to join in battle, but is ordered to halt until passed through by 5th Div, 5th Div begins attack toward Metz: RCT 2 is stopped by organized resistance in Amanvillers-Verneville area; RCT 11 reaches heights W of the Moselle in Dornot area. 90th Div starts toward Thionville, with 359th Inf echeloned to left rear in order to protect exposed left flank of corps; 358th advances along Landres-Fontoy axis to heights W of Trieux; 357th is halted at outskirts of Briey. 3rd Cav Gp is ordered to provide flank protection for corps. In XII Corps area, 318th Inf of 80th Div, after taking Hill 356, which commands Marbache, outposts the town during night 7-8; 319th pushes up to moat of Fort de Villey-le-Sec but is driven back. 2nd Cav Gp reaches Madon R, where bridge is held intact.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Besançon falls to 3rd Div, 45th Div crosses the Doubs in Baume-les-Dames area. 36th attempts unsuccessfully to cross SW of Besançon; elements cross in 3rd Div sector at Avanne. French 1st Corps occupies Briançon.
BULGARIA – Declares war on Germany.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps completes preparations for attack, but enemy withdrawal during night 7-8 to Gothic Line itself from delaying positions on hills N and NE of Florence (Morello, Senario, Calvana, and Giovi) makes first phase of the assault unnecessary.
In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps is reinforced by British 4th Div, Greek 3rd Mtn Brig, and British 25th Tank Brig.
CBI – Gen Hurley, Donald Nelson, and Gen Stilwell talk in Chungking with Chiang Kai-shek, who reiterates his willingness to let Stilwell control all Ch troops in the field but asks for new Ch SOS staffed by Americans.
On Salween front, mop-up of Sung Shan position is completed. Battle for this Burma Road strongpoint has cost Chinese 7,675 dead, most of them from Ch 8th Army, and virtually destroyed all of the estimated 2,000 Japanese on and around the position.
SWPA – Gen Eichelberger, I Corps CG, takes command of U.S. Eighth Army.
8 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 2nd Div invests Dunkerque. 4th Armd Div reaches outskirts of Bruges. Pol armor reaches Thielt; elements enter Dixmude.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div crosses Albert Canal at Beeringen. 50th Div establishes small bridgehead over canal SW of Gheel. Both crossings meet lively opposition.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps begins all-out assault on Brest at 1000 after preparatory bombardment, employing 2nd, 8th, and 29th Divs.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 113th Cav Gp drives almost to Maastricht (Holland) and patrols Albert Canal. 2nd Armd Div reaches positions in Hasselt-St Trond area. 30th Div is moving up to attack on right flank of corps. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div, which is reinforced by 47th Inf of 9th Div, mops up in Liége; 9th Div continues E on S flank of corps and 1st Div displaces to Huy-Faimes area on N flank. V Corps, with 4th Div on N and 28th on S, meets stronger rear-guard opposition as it continues E to positions generally between Jemelle and Margut. Corps FO 26 calls for capture of Koblenz, beyond West Wall.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, German 106th Pz Brig, having moved forward between 359th and 358th Regiments of 80th Div from Aumetz, counterattacks 80th Div CP between Landres and Mairy early in morning, but becomes disorganized and is virtually destroyed. In this action Germans lose 30 tanks, 60 half-tracks, and almost 100 other vehicles. On S flank of div, enemy force pocketed in Briey capitulates. CCA (-), 7th Armd Div, disposed along the Moselle S of Talange, is containing enemy in N part of his Metz bridgehead with exchanges of fire. Because of diverging attacks of corps units, Gen Walker attaches 2nd Inf of 5th Div to 7th Armd Div and CCB of 7th Armd Div to 5th Div, although missions remain unchanged. 2nd Inf continues to batter at outer fortifications of Metz against determined opposition, taking Verneville and reaching edge of Amanvillers. 5th Div gains
precarious foothold on E bank of the Moselle E of Dornot. 4 cos of 11th Inf and elements of 23rd Armd Inf Battalion, 7th Armd Div, the latter under command of 5th Div, cross under heavy fire and are pinned down in shallow bridgehead. Efforts of 11th Inf to push on to Fort Blaise are futile and costly. In XII Corps area, Germans begin series of counterattacks against 80th Div, recovering Marbache. In XV Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div joins corps and takes over sector between Montargis and the Marne, 79th Div is assembling in Joinville area.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, on Mediterranean coast, elements of 1st ABTF take Menton and drive to Italian border. In French 2nd Corps area, 1st Armd Div reaches Beaune, on road to Dijon. 1st Inf Div outflanks and captures Autun. In VI Corps area, 141st Inf of 36th Div follows 143rd across the Doubs at Avanne; cuts highways W and NW from Besançon. Germans are beginning to withdraw from Baume-les-Dames area to avoid encirclement.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, patrol of 435th AAA Battalion, TF 45, crosses the Serchio and enters Vecchiano without opposition. Bridging is begun there at once. 1st Armd and S African 6th Armd Divs continue to patrol actively in effort to divert enemy attention, advancing positions slightly. Flooded Arno prevents S African 6th Armd Div from crossing reinforcements. British 13 Corps follows up as enemy withdraws, 1st Div occupying M. Morello and M. Senario and Indian 8th Div, M. Calvana and M. Giovi. 6th Armd Div protects right flank.
In British Eighth Army area, Gen Alexander visits army front, where he decides that operations toward Rimini cannot be continued until S. Savino-Coriano ridge is cleared; orders attack against center of Gothic Line by U.S. Fifth Army. In 5 Corps area, 56th Div intensifies efforts to take Gemmano ridge in preparation for main assault on S. Savino-Coriano ridge but makes slow progress.
CBI – Gen Hurley assumes his new duties as Presidential representative to Chiang Kai-shek. Gen Stilwell, although not anxious to command the Chinese Army, agrees to War Department proposal that CBI Theater be split and that he be relieved of responsibility for lend-lease matters in order to concentrate on support of Pacific operations from China. Chiang Kai-shek proposes to Gen Stilwell that Ch troops from Myitkyina be employed in battle for Lung-ling.
On Salween front, Japanese, having assembled strong reinforcements, begin attack on Ch positions N of Lung-ling.
In China, Japanese forces pushing S from Hengyang overrun Ling-ling, from which U.S. Fourteenth Air Force has withdrawn. Fourteenth Air Force bases at Kweilin and Liuchow are threatened from the S too, since elements of Japanese 23rd Army (2 divs and an independent mixed brig) are driving N from Canton.
U.S. – JCS issue directive to CINCSWPA and CINCPOA for invasion of the Philippines.
9 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Allied patrols moving along coast enter Ostend and Nieuport. 4th Armd Div troops cross Ghent-Bruges Canal SE of Bruges against strong opposition.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div, reinforced by Royal Netherlands group, extends bridgehead at Beeringen against sharp opposition. 50th Div is slowly expanding Gheel bridgehead. 11th Armd Div moves forward on right flank of corps.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 113th Cav Gp enters Holland panhandle near Maastricht. Rest of corps is getting into position for offensive, 30th Div assembling near Tongres. In VII Corps area, 1st Div crosses the Meuse at Liége and pushes E on N flank of corps. 3rd Armd Div (-) heads for Verviers; CCB and attached elements of 9th Div thrust to Limbourg.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, forward elements of 80th Div drive NE to vicinity of Fontoy and Neufchef, the latter being within 8 miles of Thionville. 2nd Inf of 5th Div, assisted by TF from CCA, 7th Armd Div, continues to attack W of Metz without making appreciable headway. 5th Div maintains its small Dornot bridgehead against repeated counterattacks but is unable to expand or reinforce it. In XII Corps area, corps commander orders attack on S flank to begin on 11th. Germans continue to counterattack 80th Div positions.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, French 2nd Corps continues toward Dijon, elements reaching positions about halfway between Beaune and Dijon. In VI Corps area, 45th Div overcomes opposition at Baume and drives on toward Villersexel road junction. 3rd and 36th Divs cross Ognon R. In French 1st Corps area, Séez falls to FFI forces. This is an important communications center just SW of Little St Bernard Pass.
USSR – Accepts Bulgaria’s request for an armistice and breaks off hostilities.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Gen Clark orders II and British 13 Corps to attack on 10th to breach Gothic Line. Boundary between the two corps is altered to give Highway 6521 to 13 Corps. Troops move northward, following up enemy withdrawal. In II Corps area, 34th Div, with 91st Cav Rcn Sq under command, takes up positions W of
Highway 65 and 91st assembles E of the highway. 91st Cav Rcn Sq patrols as far N as M. Maggiore without incident. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div, having accomplished its mission of screening for II Corps, shifts eastward.
British Eighth Army issues instructions for major effort by 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps to take S. Savino-Coriano ridge. Greek 3rd Mtn Brig is committed along coast under command of Cdn 1st Div, Cdn 1 Corps.
NEW GUINEA – Work on Kamiri airfield, Noemfoor, is completed.
10 September
WESTERN EUROPE – Conferring with his commanders in Brussels, Gen Eisenhower decides to defer operations to open the port of Antwerp until after Operation MARKET-GARDEN to secure a Rhine bridgehead. Patrol contact is made between forces of OVERLORD and DRAGOON.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps, after very strong aerial bombardment during which almost 5,000 tons of bombs are dropped, and after naval softening of defenses, launches all-out assault on Le Havre at 1745 with 49th and 51st Divs, penetrating enemy defenses.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, enemy disposed along Albert Canal continues to offer stiff opposition to forces holding bridgeheads across it, but Gds Armd Div reaches Meuse-Escaut Canal near Overpelt and establishes bridgehead.
12th Army Group: Gen Bradley orders First Army to break through West Wall and secure crossings over the Rhine in vicinity of Koblenz, Bonn, and Cologne; Third Army to secure crossings of the Rhine at Mannheim. Offensive is scheduled to open on 14th.
In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps closes up to Brest proper and finishes clearing Le Conquet Peninsula. 94th Div begins arriving in corps zone to relieve 6th Armd Div (-CCB) for action with Third Army. 83rd Div is detached from corps and starts E toward Third Army front.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div, advancing NE with little difficulty, finds Fort Eben Emael undefended. 113th Cav Gp crosses the Meuse at Liége and drives N. VII Corps speeds toward German frontier against rear-guard opposition, 1st Div reaching Battice and 3rd Armd moving through Verviers. In V Corps area, 4th Div reaches general line Regne-Bastogne. 28th, in rapid strides, overruns Bastogne, Longvilly, Wiltz, Selange, and Arlon. CCA, 5th Armd Div, takes city of Luxembourg with ease and probes eastward toward Germany; CCR drives to within about 8 miles of German border.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div progresses toward Thionville against delaying opposition. 359th Inf takes Aumetz, 357th seizes Hayange, and 358th overruns Algrange. 2nd Inf, 5th Div, assisted by elements of CCA, 7th Armd Div, continues almost fruitless attacks against German line W of Metz. 10th Inf, 5th Div, begins crossing the Moselle between Noveant and Arnaville about 0200 under smoke screen, the first to be used by Third Army on large scale, taking enemy by surprise. Hills 386 and 370 and Bois de Gaumont are cleared. Enemy rallies and begins strong counterattacks from Arry, which XIX TAC helps to stem. From this time on, XIX TAC is to divert some of its planes from primary targets at Brest to assist Third Army as it fights for Moselle crossings. Since the hard-pressed bridgehead forces E of Dornot are by now completely exhausted and greatly reduced in strength, they are withdrawn, night 10-11. Engineers begin difficult task of bridging the Moselle under fire after nightfall. In XII Corps area, 80th Div’s 319th Inf occupies Fort de Villey-le-Sec when enemy withdraws toward Nancy. 35th Div moves up to the Moselle in Flavigny area in preparation for assault across it with 134th Inf on left and 137th on right. 2nd Battalion, 134th, seizes bridge intact and crosses, but enemy destroys bridge before TD’s can follow and sharply counterattacks the isolated infantrymen, some of whom escape to W bank by swimming or wading. XV Corps makes patrol contact with DRAGOON patrol at Sombernon. 79th Div completes concentration in Joinville area. 106th Cav Gp is moving through it to screen advance.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army area, French 2nd Corps reaches Dijon and makes patrol contact with OVERLORD forces. In VI Corps area, 36th and 3rd Divs are moving against Vesoul. 45th Div, to right, is driving on Villersexel.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45 gets additional elements across the Serchio at Vecchiano. CCA, 1st Armd Div, crosses elements over the river in order to clear both sides within its sector; 6th Armd Inf Battalion takes Villa Basilica. S African 6th Armd Div crosses additional forces over the Arno, using bridges at Florence. II Corps opens drive toward Gothic Line at 0530 with 2 divs abreast. 34th makes steady progress on left, forward elements getting beyond M. Maggiore. 91st Div drives to the Sieve and fords it during night 10-11. British 13 Corps attacks toward Gothic Line with 3 divs, making main effort on left in support of U.S. II Corps. 1st Div drives up Highway 6521 to the Sieve and secures bridgehead W of Berge, San Lorenzo. Indian 8th Div, handicapped by lack of roads in center of corps zone, holds current positions in M. Calvana-M. Giovi area with 2 brigs while another
patrols across the Sieve at Vicchio. On E flank, 6th Armd Div takes Dicomano, on Highway 67.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps commits 46th Div to assist 56th in battle for Gemmano ridge, where Germans continue to resist stubbornly. In Cdn 1 Corps area, NZ 2nd Div is attached to corps.
PALAU IS. – U.S. Third Fleet’s Task Group 38.4 (fast carriers), having recently bombarded targets in Bonins, Volcanos, Yap, and Ulithi, arrives off the Palaus and begins 2-day strike against AA positions and beach defenses at Peleliu and Angaur in preparation for invasion.
11 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps, pushing into Le Havre, gains heights commanding harbor. In 2 Corps area, elements of 2nd Div reach Zeebrugge. Coast of Pas de Calais, except for Boulogne, Calais, and Dunkerque, is now clear of enemy; the ports mentioned are being contained. Pol 1st Armd Div, which has met strong opposition at Ghent Canal, is moving to Ghent to relieve 7th Armd Div of 12 Corps.
In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div strengthens bridgehead over Meuse-Escaut Canal and patrols across Dutch border to Valkenswaard. 50th Div maintains Gheel bridgehead against considerable opposition.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V and VII Corps are ordered to reconnoiter in force to test border defenses of West Wall and if possible to make limited penetration. XIX Corps get northern prong of pincers to be clamped about enemy’s Albert Canal line into action when rcn elements of 2nd Armd Div cross British-held bridge at Beeringen and turn SE into XIX Corps zone N of Hasselt. By the time the southern prong, 113th Cav, has reached positions S of Vise, 30th Div has already started crossing, having discovered weak spot; 120th Inf occupies Lanaye (Holland) and seizes locks near there intact. In VII Corps area, 1st Div assembles forward elements at Aubel and Henri Chapelle. 3rd Armd Div secures Eupen. 9th Div, in reserve, is assembled near Verviers. 4th Cav Gp screens right flank. In V Corps area, dismounted patrol of 85th Rcn Sq, 5th Armd Div, is the first Allied unit to cross into Germany, moving over frontier at 1805 and reconnoitering uneventfully to vicinity of Stalzenburg. 28th Div (less RCT 112, attached to 5th Armd Div) assembles W of Our R and during night 11-12 secures bridge intact.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf, 90th Div, clears heights W of Thionville in Volkrange area and emerges upon plain overlooking the town; 357th takes Florange and reaches the Moselle at several points S of Thionville. CCR, 7th Armd Div, joins 2nd Inf, 5th Div, in attacks W of Metz: 2nd Inf continues frontal assault after undergoing series of counterattacks that gain some ground and necessitate bitter fighting in effort to straighten lines S of Amanvillers; CCR, from Roncourt area, attempts without much success to get behind enemy holding up 2nd Inf. 5th Div reinforces Arnaville bridgehead with 3rd Battalion, 11th Inf, and expands it toward Corny and Arry against severe counterattacks. XIX TAC assists with strikes on Arry and Corny. In XII Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div prepares to cross the Moselle; engineers attempt to construct bridge near Pagny-sur-Moselle, night 11-12, but lack equipment. After preparatory bombardment, during which deceptive site is hit, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 137th Inf, 35th Div, force the Moselle at Crevechamps, SE of Flavigny, but are pinned down by enemy fire; 1st Battalion crosses near Neuviller-sur-Moselle, to S, late in day and pushes to Lorey. Meanwhile, one column of CCB, 4th Armd Div, crosses at Bainville-aux-Miroirs and another near Bayon against considerable resistance; bypassing Bayon, left column seizes hills overlooking Brémoncourt and during night 11-12 makes contact with 137th Inf; rest of CCB and 2nd Battalion of 320th Inf cross at Bayon after engineers put in bridge. Enemy force of 2 cos crosses to W bank of the Moselle and attacks fort held by elements of 134th Inf near Pont St Vincent, breaching walls, but arrival of reinforcements and well-placed arty fire eliminate this threat. 80th Div is ordered to start crossing the Moselle N of Nancy on 12th. To divert enemy attention from proposed crossing site, air strike is made on Pont à Mousson area. XV Corps opens offensive to close up to the Moselle between Epinal and Charmes while continuing to defend S flank of army. With 121st Cav Sq of 106th Cav Gp screening its advance, 79th Div moves forward by motor and on foot, 314th Inf leading: 314th Inf reaches vicinity of Charmes too late in day to attack the town; 313th drives quickly toward Mirecourt; 315th reaches positions near Neufchâteau. French 2nd Armd Div screens S flank of army and moves CCL eastward, bypassing Andelot, to vicinity of Vittel.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s French 2nd Corps area, 1st Armd Div is driving on Langres. Infantry maintains defensive line. In VI Corps area, 36th and 3rd Divs are investing Vesoul, where enemy is expected to make a stand in order to hold this last escape route to Belfort. 45th Div continues drive on Villersexel, clearing Rougemont. 36th Div makes contact with French 2nd Corps at Pont-sur-Saône.
FRANTIC – U.S. Eighth Air Force begins the last of its shuttle-bombing missions. 75 B-17’s and 64 P-51’s attack armament plant at Chemnitz, Germany, and proceed to FRANTIC bases in USSR.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army continues drive toward Gothic Line assisted by air attacks on passes through the mountains. In IV Corps area, on Ligurian coast, patrols of TF 45 reach outskirts of Viareggio. S African 6th Armd Div drives N with 3 regiments, gaining ground steadily and taking Pistoia without opposition. In II Corps area, 168th Inf, on right flank of 34th Div, drives toward M. Frassino, Gothic Line outpost, pushing through Cavallina and Barberino. 91st Div, advancing along Highways 65 and 6524, approaches M. Calvi and M. Altuzzo, the latter dominating Il Giogo Pass on E.
SWPA – Elements of TF TRADEWIND from Aitape rendezvous with Maffin Bay group at Maffin Bay.
12 September
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES – Second Quebec Conference (OCTAGON) opens.
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, German garrison of Le Havre surrenders. About 12,000 prisoners are taken. In 2 Corps area, Pol 1st Armd Div, after relieving 7th Armd Div of 12 Corps at Ghent, pushes forward to Lokeren and St Nicolas. 4th Armd Div finishes clearing Bruges area and reaches Leopold Canal.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps, as relieved by Cdn First Army, is moving into area Gheel-Diest-Malines-Antwerp.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div, whose 117th Regiment has joined 119th E of the canal and river S of Vise, drives N and NE, with 113th Cav Gp advancing NE to its right. 2nd Armd Div rcn battalion clears bridge site along N bank of Albert Canal and bridge is completed there at midnight. CCA begins crossing at once. VII Corps conducts rcn in force to West Wall. 1st Div thrusts at Aachen Municipal Forest, S of Aachen, where it repels counterattack. One 3rd Armd Div column, driving NE from Eupen, stops for night on edge of Eynattener Wald, within about 1,000 yards of West Wall; another column probes E from Eupen, some elements reaching West Wall at Schmidthof and others reaching Roetgen, just short of West Wall. Gen Collins decides to bypass Aachen, isolating it in conjunction with XIX Corps, and drive toward Stolberg corridor. V Corps begins limited attacks toward West Wall. While 102nd Cav Gp protects N flank and maintains contact with VII Corps, 4th Div advances toward St Vith against light resistance. Elements of 109th Inf, 28th Div, cross bridge over the Our and take Sevenig; elements of both cross German frontier to reach positions W of Grosskampenberg, on Kesfeld-Uttfeld route, coming up against West Wall.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div eliminates all resistance W of the Moselle in Thionville area and clears Thionville W of the river except for approach to main bridge there. Germans destroy the bridge. 2nd Inf, 5th Div, continues bitter fighting to improve positions and straighten lines S of Amanvillers. Arnaville bridgehead perimeter holds against coordinated German counterattack. At noon engineers finish bridging the Moselle, thus permitting tanks and TD’s from CCB of 7th Armd Div to cross into bridgehead. In XII Corps area, 80th Div’s 317th Inf attacks across the Moselle in Dieulouard area early in morning and finds E bank lightly held; 318th (-) follows just before noon. Weapons and vehicles start across later in day. With little difficulty the bridgehead is expanded to include Ste Geneviève, Loisy, Bezaumont, and La Côte Pelée. 137th Inf, 35th Div, and CCB, 4th Armd Div, strengthen and expand Lorey bridgehead S of Nancy. In XV Corps area, elements of 106th Cav Gp cross the Moselle N of Charmes without opposition. 79th Div’s 314th Inf clears Charmes, and after dark 1st Battalion fords the Moselle at Charmes; 313th clashes with enemy near Poussay; 315th converges on Neufchâteau, where enemy garrison is trapped. French 2nd Armd Div’s CCL takes Vittel and CCV clears Andelot. Germans move from Epinal in 2 columns in preparation for counterattack to free encircled forces in Vittel area.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s French 2nd Corps area, armored forces reach outskirts of Langres. In VI Corps area, 45th Div repels counterattack near Villersexel. 36th and 3rd Divs continue clearing Vesoul area.
RUMANIA – Signs armistice, drawn up in Moscow, with Allies, agreeing to cooperate in war against Germany and Hungary and to pay reparations. Boundary between USSR and Rumania is to be that established by Soviet-Rumanian agreement of 28 June 1940. USSR promises to return Transylvania to Rumania.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div continues to gain ground on right flank of corps as enemy falls back to prepared positions of Gothic Line. In II Corps area, rapid advance comes to an end as outer defenses of Gothic Line are reached. 34th Div is delayed on left by mine field SW of M. Frassino but on right gains lower slopes of the mountain; 135th Inf relieves 168th, on div right. 91st Div ambitiously tries to take M. Calvi and hills (Monticelli and Altuzzo) commanding Il Giogo Pass, but can get no farther than enemy outposts. In support of corps, medium bombers strike at Firenzuola. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div comes up against outer positions of Gothic Line. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, crosses the Sieve and drives quickly northward toward M. Citerna. 6th
Armd Div is delayed on right flank of corps so that Indian 8th Div can have the right of way on Highway 67.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps begin second battle for S. Savino-Coriano ridge at 2300, arty fire preceding and closely supporting assault.
CBI – Gen Stilwell suggests to Chiang Kai-shek that replacements be sent for Ch forces on Salween front, who thus far have received none, instead of using Chinese from Myitkyina.
SWPA – TF TRADEWIND convoy begins uneventful voyage toward Morotai.
P.I. – Carrier TF 38 begins 3-day strike against targets in central Philippines, meeting surprisingly weak opposition from Leyte.
PALAUS – Western Fire Support Group of Adm Fort’s Western Attack Force (TF 32) arrives off the Palaus and begins naval bombardment in preparation for landings, covered by Task Group 38.4 and escort-carrier force, which make aerial attacks. Mine sweeping and clearance of underwater obstacles offshore also begins.
13 September
WESTERN EUROPE – Gen Eisenhower directs capture of two objectives: the Ruhr and a deepwater port, either Antwerp or Rotterdam.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div crosses light force over Canal de Derivation and Leopold Canal NE of Bruges, night 13-14.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 15th Div takes over Gheel bridgehead, relieving 50th Div of 30 Corps, and presses on to Meuse-Escaut Canal, crossing it after nightfall. 53rd Div is expanding holdings in dock area of Antwerp.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII Corps area, German garrison of Brest refuses request to surrender although the garrison is being steadily compressed on all sides. W of Recouvrance, Fort Keranroux falls to 175th Inf, 29th Div. 8th Div has been pinched out, and 29th and 2nd Divs hold area around Brest. As 94th Div continues gradual relief of 6th Armd Div, CCA is released from task of containing Lorient.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armd Div drives E toward the Maas (Meuse), on N flank of corps, forcing enemy back several miles. 119th and most of 117th Regiments of 30th Div drive toward De Geul R, between Aachen and Maastricht; a battalion of 117th enters Wijk, suburb of Maastricht, but finds bridges leading to island of Maastricht down. VII Corps penetrates outer defenses of West Wall at 2 points: CCB, 3rd Armd Div, breaches fortifications between Roetgen and Rott; CCA, assisted by battalion of 26th Inf, 1st Div, pushes through AT obstacles to village of Nutheim, which commands road to Kornelimuenster, and into Stolberg corridor. To left, 16th Inf of 1st Div withstands small counterattacks in Aachen Municipal Forest and gets into position for assault on West Wall near Ober Forstbach. 1st Div is largely engaged in containing role at Aachen. 9th Div, to secure S flank, occupies Camp d’Elsenborn with elements of 60th Inf. In V Corps area, forward elements of 4th Div assemble near the Schnee Eifel at Radscheid and Bleialf. 28th Div, employing a battalion each of 109th and 110th Regiments, attacks West Wall: 109th attempts to reach heights W of Roscheid but is unable to get as far as Irsen Creek; 110th advances through Grosskampenberg without opposition but is halted about half way between there and German line. 5th Armd Div, reinforced by RCT 112 of 28th Div, continues to protect S flank and fires on Wallendorf area.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div, planning to cross the Moselle in Thionville area, is ordered to extend southward to relieve forces still bitterly opposed W and N of Metz. Arnaville bridgehead forces are holding on despite critical shortage of arty ammunition and heavy fire from Fort Driant that destroys ferrying raft, damages treadway at the ford, and destroys ponton bridge under construction. CCB, 7th Armd Div, crosses into the bridgehead and attacks toward Mardigny but is soon stopped by fire from Arry. In XII Corps area, enemy has decided to abandon Nancy in order to mass forces with which to overwhelm Dieulouard bridgehead; begins determined counterattacks against the bridgehead at 0100 with forces already on hand, overrunning Ste Geneviève, Loisy, and Bezaumont before being stopped just short of American-held bridges. Counterattack of 80th Div, assisted by CCA, 4th Armd Div, which crosses into bridgehead during the action, restores original bridgehead perimeter, enemy having no immediate reserves to commit in exploitation; CCA pushes through Ste Geneviève and then rapidly E toward Château-Salins, reaching Fresnes-en-Saulnois. From Lorey bridgehead S of Nancy, 35th Div, committing 320th Inf (-) with 137th, and CCB, 4th Armd Div, speed toward the Meurthe, which CCB reaches by pushing through gap in retreating enemy forces. In XV Corps area, 1st Battalion of 314th Inf, 79th Div, maintains its bridgehead opposite Charmes, which elements of 106th Cav Gp are screening; 313th Inf breaks into Poussay; 315th completes capture of Neufchâteau. CCL, French 2nd Armd Div, discovers enemy columns preparing to drive on Vittel – one at Dompaire and the other near Ville-sur-Illon; engages them and with assistance of XIX TAC decisively defeats them, destroying 60 tanks. This is an
outstanding example of effective air-ground coordination. CCD overruns Chaumont.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s French 2nd Corps area, Langres falls to 1st Armd Div. In VI Corps area, Germans surrender Vesoul, on last enemy escape route to Belfort in U.S. zone. 45th Div overruns Villersexel. Corps takes more than 1,300 prisoners during day.
FRANTIC – On return trip to Italy from Soviet bases, Eighth Air Force planes attack steel works at Diosgyoer, Hungary. FRANTIC bases in USSR are now well behind front line and shuttle bombing is discontinued.
POLAND – Soviet planes begin dropping supplies to beleaguered Warsaw. Lomza, key position between East Prussia and Warsaw, falls to troops of Second White Russian Front.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 1st Armd Div, ordered to be prepared to move all but one combat command to II Corps zone on 48 hours’ notice, can do no more than patrol aggressively within its broad Serchio Valley sector. S African 6th Armd Div, making main effort of corps in support of II Corps to right, continues full-scale attack on hills N of Prato and takes M. Acuto. II Corps begins general assault to force Il Giogo Pass and thus gain entrance to Po Valley. 85th Div’s 338th Inf, attempting to attack through 363rd Inf of 91st Div and make main effort against M. Altuzzo, is unable to locate 363rd and comes to a halt well short of objective under stiff opposition; to right, 339th Inf attempts in vain to take M. Veruca; to left, 363rd Inf concentrates on M. Monticelli but is unable to reach crest. 362nd Inf begins drive toward Futa Pass. In a supporting role on left flank of corps, 34th Div batters at Torricella Hill, below M. Coroncina, and M. Frassino. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div begins attack on heights flanking Highway 6521 (Poggio Prefetto and M. Guivigiana), where enemy is firmly established. Indian 8th Div takes M. Veruca and thrusts almost to top of Alpe di Vitigliano. 6th Armd Div patrols actively on right flank of corps.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps gain firm hold on S. Savino-Coriano ridge, 1st Armd Div of 5 Corps taking S. Savino and Cdn 5th Armd Div of Cdn 1 Corps, Coriano and N spur of the ridge.
CBI – Gen Hurley drafts U.S. proposals for appointment of Gen Stilwell to post of Field Commander of the Ground and Air Forces of the Republic of China and directive for Chiang Kai-shek to Gen Stilwell. The Generalissimo receives them on or before 16 September. Gen Stilwell, after receiving emissaries from the Chinese Communists, leaves for Kweilin to inspect E China positions.
SWPA – TF TRADEWIND convoy is joined by Covering Force and escort carriers as it continues toward Morotai by a circuitous route in order to maintain secrecy.
14 September
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES – CCS, meeting at Quebec in OCTAGON Conference, draw up new directive for Adm Mountbatten, making his primary mission the recapture of Burma as quickly as possible. DRACULA (assault on Rangoon) and that part of CAPITAL requiring air and land route to China be opened are approved with target date of 15 March 1945.
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Gen Montgomery issues orders for next phase of offensive, to begin on 17th, calling for British Second Army to secure crossings of the Rhine and Meuse Rivers in preparation for major drive on the Ruhr and for Canadians to open port of Antwerp and seize Boulogne and Calais. Offensive operations are virtually at a standstill while supplies are being brought forward and units regrouped.
12th Army Group Area: XXIX TAC (Prov) is activated under command of Brig Gen Richard E. Nugent to provide direct assistance to U.S. Ninth Army, whose movement to main battle front will begin upon fall of Brest. The new command is attached temporarily to IX TAC.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armd Div reaches the Maas and crosses canal to Maastricht island late in day as Germans are withdrawing. Earlier, elements of 117th Inf, 30th Div, cross to Maastricht island and find the town undefended; some elements of 119th Inf cross the De Geul a mile N of Gulpen without opposition, but others crossing at Valkenburg under enemy fire are just able to maintain a foothold on E bank. 30th Div then halts temporarily, maintaining its De Geul bridgeheads while bridges are being built and adjacent forces come abreast. In VII Corps area, TF Lovelady (Lt Col William B. Lovelady) of CCB, 3rd Armd Div, thrusts to Vicht R SW of Stolberg and crosses; engineers begin bridging the river. CCA gains 4 miles, reaching outskirts of Eilendorf, a suburb of Aachen, where it halts to await 16th Inf, 1st Div, which is moving up on left flank. On right flank of armor, 9th Div commits 47th Inf, which moves elements E into Roetgen Forest to envelop towns of Zweifall and Vicht while rest works N along Vicht R. 60th Inf force turns over Camp d’Elsenborn to 4th Cav Gp and drives N across German border, seizing Kalterherberg and trying in vain to take Hoefen-Alzen ridge in order to attack the West Wall in Lammersdorf corridor. To strengthen assault on the ridge, rest of 60th Inf is ordered SE from Eupen through the Hertogenwald to Monschau from which to attack the ridge in
conjunction with forces from Kalterherberg. 39th Inf drives SE from Roetgen to Lammersdorf, then attacks N against strong portion of Scharnhorst Line but is pinned down. In V Corps area, 4th Div penetrates West Wall in the Schnee Eifel: 12th Inf cuts Schnee Eifel highway and drives NE along it, taking Hill 698; 22nd reaches crest of Schnee Eifel ridge and gets one battalion on E slopes overlooking Hontheim. 28th Div begins major attacks in effort to breach West Wall in its sector: 109th Inf makes futile efforts to reach Roscheid; 110th, to N, attacks toward Kesfeld and sends column through Heckhuscheid and SE to take Hill 553, enemy strongpoint on Heckhuscheid-Uttfeld highway, but can clear neither objective. On S flank of corps, CCR, 5th Armd Div, begins to cross the Sauer into Germany at Wallendorf, clearing that town and bluffs beyond.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps regroups in order to place greater weight on S flank. 43rd Cav Rcn Sq, assisted by team from 12th Army Group hq whose function it is to make a show of strength, is given responsibility for left flank of corps. 90th Div, leaving containing force at Thionville, shifts S, relieving elements of 7th Armd Div and 5th Inf Div W and N of Metz for action to S. Planned attack to expand Arnaville bridgehead is postponed because of deep mud that makes movement of armor almost impossible. XII Corps completes envelopment of Nancy and is seriously threatening Lunéville. In local counterattacks against 80th Div’s Dieulouard bridgehead, Germans gain Ste Geneviève and Loisy. 80th Div then recovers lost ground and expands bridgehead: 3rd Battalion of 318th Inf takes Atton and continues N to crest of Mousson Hill; 317th Inf thrusts eastward to Mt. Toulon, which enemy retains, on left and reaches Falaise Hill, S of Landremont, where enemy force moving N from Nancy is dispersed, on right. CCA, 4th Armd Div, ordered to bypass Château-Salins, races to Arracourt-Moncourt area to block enemy movement from E and cut escape routes from Nancy. SE of Nancy, 35th Div gains positions astride the Meurthe with forward elements within 6 miles of Nancy. From the Meurthe, CCB of 4th Armd Div drives through Forêt de Vitrimont to Marne-Rhine Canal near Dombasle, cutting main road W of Lunéville. 2nd Cav Gp, upon crossing the Meurthe SE of Lunéville, cuts approaches from this direction. With junction of patrols of CCA and CCB near the canal late at night, envelopment of Nancy is complete. In XV Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div makes contact with patrol of French 1st Armd Div, Seventh Army, near Clefmont. CCB, 6th Armd Div, is released to Third Army with mission of protecting S flank W of Troyes, relieving French 2nd Armd Div of this task. 79th Div is ordered, except for the battalion on E bank, to remain W of the river until further notice. 313th Inf mops up Poussay and takes Mirecourt on Neufchâteau-Epinal road; 315th drives enemy rear guards from Châtenois, SE of Neufchâteau, to Ramecourt, where elements of 313th destroy them during night. French 2nd Armd Div clashes with retreating enemy near Hennecourt.
S FRANCE – In U.S. Seventh Army’s French 2nd Corps area, Gen de Lattre directs corps to turn E and advance to left of 1st Corps; 1st Inf Div is to relieve U.S. 45th Div. In VI Corps area, 36th Div pushes from Vesoul toward Luxeuil while 3rd drives on Lure. 45th Div is virtually halted along line l’Islesur-Doubs-Villersexel.
POLAND – First White Russian Front troops, assisted by Polish forces, take Praga, suburb of Warsaw, but Germans are prepared for a stand along line of the Narew and Vistula Rivers.
YUGOSLAVIA – British detachment with 25-pounders lands on Peljesac Peninsula and shells Trpanj, enemy withdrawal point.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps continues to hammer Gothic Line defenses of Il Giogo Pass but is unable to break through. 338th Inf, 85th Div, makes costly efforts to take M. Altuzzo, elements temporarily gaining hold on ridge to W of main Altuzzo ridge, later known as Peabody Peak (Capt Maurice E. Peabody, Jr., Co B commander). Enemy retains M. Veruca despite efforts of 339th Inf to clear it. 91st Div’s 363rd Inf is again halted short of enemy’s MLR on Monticelli; reserve regiment, 361st, is committed through left flank of 363rd in effort to outflank enemy; 362nd Inf takes M. Calvi. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div continues attacks on Prefetto Hill. Indian 8th Div gains crest of Alpe di Vitigliano.
In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps begins period of regrouping in order to release units to other sectors. 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps consolidate positions on S. Savino-Coriano ridge and push on to the Marano, which Cdn 1st Div of 1 Corps begins crossing.
CBI – In Kweilin, Gen Stilwell learns of Chiang Kai-shek’s order for 3 Ch divs to be kept inside Kweilin to defend the city and prepares to ask for a more aggressive defense.
On Salween front, Chinese complete capture of Teng-chung, which was entered on 4 August. Since Teng-chung is lost and Chinese are vigorously resisting in Lung-ling, Japanese decide to halt their counteroffensive on Salween front.
15 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 4th Cdn Armd Div establishes bridgehead across Canal de Derivation near Balgerhoek.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII Corps area, 2nd and 29th Divs continue to make slow progress at Brest. 8th Div launches attack to clear Crozon Peninsula.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCB of 2nd Armd Div crosses newly constructed bridge over the Albert S of Maastricht and finds that CCA has finished mopping up Maastricht island. CCB TF establishes small bridgehead across the De Geul NW of Meerssen under fire. In VII Corps area, 1st Div, less 16th Inf, has almost encircled Aachen; 16th Inf reaches Eilendorf and, fanning out from there, clears surrounding heights although enemy retains high ground near Verlautenheide village. With its left flank secured by 1st Div, 3rd Armd Div heads E toward Eschweiler, battling second defense belt of West Wall, called Schill Line: CCA meets strong AT opposition near Geisberg Hill, an enemy strongpoint, and loses 6 tanks; with assistance of battalion of 16th Inf, clears most of the West Wall fortifications in this area. TF Lovelady of CCB crosses the Vicht upon completion of bridge and with little difficulty achieves complete breakthrough of West Wall fortifications; driving through Mausbach toward Eschweiler, the force is stopped and pulls back to Mausbach with heavy losses in armor. TF Mills (Maj Herbert N. Mills), former TF King, of CCB, advances to vicinity of Stolberg but falls back behind TF Lovelady upon meeting tank-infantry force. 47th Inf, 9th Div, pushes through second band of West Wall defenses; 60th Inf attacks Hoefen-Alzen ridge from two directions, making no progress from Kalterherberg, but getting foothold on it N of Hoefen with elements that have driven through Monschau; 39th Inf battles strong Scharnhorst Line positions near Lammersdorf without making much headway. In V Corps area, 8th Inf goes into action on N flank of 4th Div but is unable to advance; 12th drives NE along Schnee Eifel highway, taking strongpoint at crossroads 655; dangerous gap exists between it and 22nd Inf; 22nd, ordered to take Brandscheid before continuing main drive, undergoes enemy counterattack near Hontheim and does not advance. 28th Div’s 110th Inf, assisted by engineers who blow up roadblock, succeeds in taking key hill (Hill 553) near Kesfeld; 109th falls back a little under enemy attack and for the next two days tries in vain to drive through Roscheid. CCR, 5th Armd Div, drives through West Wall and to edge of Bettingen; attached battalion of 112th Inf clears Biesdorf and moves on to Stockigt to protect SE flank.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div begins attacks on German fortifications W of Metz, employing 357th Inf on left and 359th on right: 1st Battalion, 357th, works forward to position from which to attack Kellermann works (called Fort Amanvillers by Americans) from N while 2nd Battalion, 359th, attacks toward Jeanne d’Arc forts, gaining some 200 yards. CCB, 7th Armd Div, and 10th Inf, 5th Div, CCB on right, expand Arnaville bridgehead in preparation for northward drive on Metz; Arry, Hill 396 NE of Arry, Lorry, Mardigny, and Vittonville are cleared. After this action, CCB halts until relieved by 2nd Inf of 5th Div and reverts to parent div. Other elements of 7th Armd Div are concentrating in Arnaville bridgehead. In XII Corps area, TF Sebree (Gen Sebree, 35th Div ADC), consisting of troops from 134th Regiment of 35th Div and 319th Regiment of 80th Div, moves into Nancy from Toul without opposition. Germans, having assembled strong reinforcements, begin determined counterattack against Dieulouard bridgehead just before dawn after intense bombardment, recovering Atton and Ste Geneviève and thereby isolating Americans on Mousson Hill. Both sides suffer heavily during day’s fighting. Advance elements of 317th Inf, 80th Div, are withdrawn from Mt. Toulon to strengthen bridgehead, and CCA, 4th Armd Div, is ordered to release 1st Battalion, 318th Inf, for this purpose also. 35th Div and CCB, 4th Armd Div, reach positions on or across Marne-Rhine Canal SE of Nancy: enemy fire prevents 137th Inf from crossing the Meurthe at St Nicolas du Port, but 320th crosses Rhine-Marne Canal in Dombasle-Sommerviller area; CCB forces the canal at Crevic and Maixe, against strong opposition at latter. Elements of CCA, 4th Armd Div, are sent forward to attack enemy rear in Maixe area. XV Corps is mopping up W of the Moselle. 1st Battalion of 314th Inf, 79th Div, maintains bridgehead E of the river opposite Charmes. Elements of CCB, French 2nd Armd Div, cross at Châtel, night 15-16.
6th Army Group: Becomes operational at 0001 and assumes control of the AFHQ forces that are in France. At same time, operational control of 6th Army Group and its elements passes from AFHQ to SHAEF, a move previously agreed upon between Gen Eisenhower and Gen Wilson. French Army B acquires autonomy and is on a par with U.S. Seventh Army. French Army B regroups during next few days for drive eastward.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45 occupies Viareggio. RCT 6, Brazilian Expeditionary Force (BEF), under command of Brig Gen Euclydes Zenobia da Costa, enters line, relieving 434th AAA Battalion of 5-mile zone between coastal plain and Serchio valley. These are the first Brazilians to fight on European soil and the first echelon of Brazilian 1st Inf Div to arrive, the rest of the div coming later. S African 6th Armd Div continues battle for hills N of Prato, taking M. Moscoso. In II Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div gains ground on main Altuzzo ridge, as grinding
battle continues, but is unable to break through to summit. 339th, to right, is still held up by strong opposition on M. Veruca. To left of 85th Div, 91st Div’s 363rd and 361st Regiments cannot gain crest of M. Monticelli; continuing toward Futa Pass, 362nd Inf makes limited progress up Highway 65 to positions near Montecarelli. 34th Div is still stalled near Torricella Hill on left but on right takes M. Frassino. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div completes capture of Poggio Prefetto. Indian 8th Div takes Le Scalette and M. Stelleto. 6th Armd Div gains hold on slopes of M. Peschiena.
British Eighth Army drives quickly toward next delaying line, called Rimini Line, which extends from fortified S. Fortunato, guarding Highway 16 and Rimini, SW to Ceriano ridge. In 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div clears left flank of corps as far as the Conca. Montescudo falls to 46th Div. 1st Armd Div crosses the Marano in Vecciano area on right flank of corps. Cdn 1 Corps advances steadily toward Rimini with British 4th Div on left and Cdn 1st Div on right. While British 4th Div clears S. Patrignano ridge, which dominates the Marano, Cdn 1st Div gets forward elements to S. Martino in M. l’Abate, commanded by S. Fortunato, where confused and bitter fighting ensues.
CBI – Gen Stilwell, arriving in Chungking from Kweilin, confers with Chiang Kai-shek, who proposes to withdraw the Salween forces unless Ch troops at Myitkyina attack toward Bhamo within a week. News of this is sent by Gen Stilwell to Gen Marshall, who is attending OCTAGON Conference, and results in alteration of strategy.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Indian 5th Div, advancing down Tiddim road, establishes bridgehead across the Manipur near Tuitum. Crossing is facilitated by advance brig that has crossed earlier at Shuganu and has moved S.
MOROTAI – In preparation for landings on Morotai, Fifth Air Force planes from land bases and naval aircraft from fast and escort carriers of Third and Seventh Fleets complete program of neutralizing enemy bases within range of target, begun by land-based planes at beginning of September, with strikes on Halmahera, Batjan I. (S of Halmahera), and Celebes. Halmahera is also subjected to naval gunfire bombardment. Adm Barbey of VII Amphib Force heads naval forces as commander of attack force (TF 77). After 2 hours of preliminary naval shelling of Morotai, TF TRADEWIND (Gen Hall, CG XI Corps, ALAMO) begins landing on SW coast at 0830 without opposition. 155th and 167th Regiments, 31st Div, land on beach at head of Gila Peninsula, while 124th Inf, 31st Div, lands on adjacent beach to S at W side of the peninsula. Forces from both beaches push inland about 2,000 yards to D Day objectives, taking Pitoe Drôme and clearing Gila Peninsula. Gen Persons, commander of 31st Div and TRADEWIND Assault Force, establishes CP ashore. Enemy opposition ashore is negligible, but extremely unfavorable conditions offshore hamper initial phase of landings.
PALAUS – After preparatory bombardment by Western Fire Support Group and aircraft from carriers, III (Mar) Amphib Corps (Gen Geiger) begins landing 1st Mar Div on SW shore of Peleliu I., about 0830, 1st Marines on left, 5th Marines in center, and 7th Marines on right. Japanese fire, at first light, increases as marines move inland and is particularly heavy on flanks. 5th Marines partially surrounds airfield and drives salient to center of it, well ahead of flanking forces. By end of day beachhead perimeter measures about 2,800 yards from N to S but is only 400-700 yards deep, except for salient in center. As a diversion for Peleliu landings, elements of Angaur Attack Group (Rear Adm William H. P. Blandy), standing offshore, feint landings at Babelthuap.
U.S. – JCS decide to invade central rather than S Philippines and advance target date for invasion of Leyte from 20 December to 20 October. Projected operations against Yap, Talaud, and Mindanao are canceled.
16 September
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES – Second Quebec Conference (OCTAGON) ends, British and American conferees having approved, for planning purposes, timing and direction of war to defeat Japan and considered the matter of occupying Germany upon its defeat. The Pacific war is to culminate in 1945 with invasion of Japan – Kyushu in October and Tokyo Plain (Honshu) in December.
WESTERN EUROPE – Hitler presents plan for Ardennes counteroffensive to his commanders.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 4th Armd Div works eastward toward Ghent-Terneuzen Canal from Balgerhoek bridgehead. Pol 1st Armd Div, on right flank of corps, makes limited progress northward toward Hulst.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 7th Armd Div relieves 53rd Div at Antwerp. In 30 Corps area, 50th Div relieves Gds Armd Div at Escaut bridgehead. 43rd Div concentrates NE of Diest.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, 83rd Div, screening former Third Army sector along the Loire, accepts surrender of German Group Elster, about 20,000 strong, which has been cut off by junction of Third and Seventh Armies. In VIII Corps area, 6th Armd Div (-CCB) is transferred to Third Army, 94th Div completing its relief and taking over its sector. Fort Montbarey falls to 29th Div, opening way to Brest proper from W; while 116th Inf advances toward Recouvrance, 175th
drives into Brest via tunnel beneath stone wall, and 115th advances toward submarine pens. 2nd Div continues to press in from N.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, TF Stokes (Lt Col William M. Stokes, Jr.), consisting of 99th Inf Battalion, tank battalion of 2nd Armd Div, and supporting units, starts N across 9-mile gap that has developed between British and American forces because of diverging drives, crossing Willems Vaart Canal N of Maastricht. Meerssen bridgehead of CCB, 2nd Armd Div, is under heavy fire; CCA crosses into 30th Div’s bridgehead at Valkenburg, also under fire. 30th Div renews attack toward West Wall N of Aachen from De Geul bridgeheads with 119th Inf on left and 120th on right, elements of 120th reaching positions within 3 miles of German border. In VII Corps area, stubborn defense of Stolberg corridor nullifies corps’ attacks. CCB, 3rd Armd Div, tries in vain to clear Weissenberg Hill; CCA is unable to advance on N suburbs of Stolberg. To bridge 4-mile gap between the two combat commands, TF Hogan (Lt Col Samuel Hogan commanding small tank force and attached 1st Battalion, 26th Inf) is formed and overruns Buesbach. 47th Inf, 9th Div, takes Vicht and Schevenhuette, the latter 10 miles inside Germany and the deepest penetration so far; 39th Inf continues to batter at West Wall near Lammersdorf and reduces strongpoint that has been delaying it for 3 days; 60th Inf, assisted by tanks, clears Hoefen on Hoefen-Alzen ridge. In V Corps area, 12th Inf of 4th Div makes fruitless and costly efforts to push NE for the next few days; 8th Inf enters center of line and drives down E slopes of the Schnee Eifel hampered more by terrain than enemy; 22nd Inf is still unable to take Brandscheid but gains hill on outskirts, and elements of regiment take important hill on Bleialf-Pruem highway about midway between Meisert and Sellerich. In 28th Div sector, 1st Battalion of 110th Inf makes narrow penetration into West Wall, seizing lofty Losenseifen Hill as well as Spielmannsholz Hill, within a few thousand yards of objective, Uttfeld. 5th Armd Div (-), awaiting arrival of arty, remains in place on S flank of corps; 1st Battalion of 112 Inf, moving through Stockem, secures small bridgehead across the Pruem at Wettlingen and holds it against strong counterattack; CCB crosses into Wallendorf bridgehead to expand it but can make little headway. At 2040, Gen Gerow, CG V Corps, halts offensive, since operations are too costly to pursue at this time.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, limited objective attacks of 90th Div W of Metz are costly and almost fruitless. CCR, 7th Armd Div, begins attack to break out of Arnaville bridgehead along Lorry-Sillegny road but is soon stopped; CCB crosses into the bridgehead early in morning and joins in attack at 1400, pushing toward Marieulles. 5th Div regroups within the bridgehead: 2nd Inf relieves CCB on right flank and CCB moves to Vittonville; 11th Inf crosses another battalion into bridgehead and defends N flank; 10th Inf, in center, patrols toward Fey. Hitler, revoking a previous order, calls for reinforcement of Metz salient in order to prevent encirclement of Metz. In XII Corps area, 80th Div, assisted by air and arty, decisively defeats another major counterattack against Dieulouard bridgehead; 1st Battalion, 318th Inf, returning to bridgehead from E, surprises enemy and captures Ste Geneviève; 319th Inf moves into bridgehead, and its 1st Battalion recovers Atton and reaches isolated troops on Mousson Hill. Retreating Germans are pursued as far as Lesménils. After this action, 80th Div mops up and reorganizes for drive to E. In Nancy sector, 35th Div’s 134th Inf pushes NE of Nancy to heights N of Essey-lès-Nancy; 137th forces Meurthe R and Rhine-Marne Canal and drives to within 2 miles of Nancy; 320th, to which 2nd Battalion reverts from attachment to CCB of 4th Armd Div, takes Buissoncourt. Germans withdraw from Lunéville as CCR, 4th Armd Div, moves into NW part of the city and 42nd Sq of 2nd Cav Gp enters from SE. In XV Corps area, additional elements of 106th Cav Gp cross the Moselle and begin to reconnoiter eastward toward Mortagne R. French 2nd Armd Div’s CCV Moselle bridgehead at Châtel undergoes determined counterattack by strong armored force; enemy is checked after reinforcements are moved up to the French. In order to avoid a major engagement, French withdraw the bridgehead.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 36th Div takes Luxeuil and 3rd Div takes Lure against light opposition.
ESTONIA-LATVIA – Soviet forces of Leningrad and Baltic Fronts open offensive about this time toward Baltic Sea, pressing toward Tallinn, Valga, and Riga.
BULGARIA – Soviet forces of Third Ukrainian Front, pushing W to block enemy withdrawal from Yugoslavia, enter Sofia, capital of Bulgaria.
GREECE – British 9th Commandos lands without opposition on Kithira I., off S coast of Peloponnesus, to reconnoiter in preparation for landing of Force 140. Advance Coastal Forces Base is established on Kithira.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, while TF 45 regroups, RCT 6 of BEF seizes Massarosa, N of Lake Massaciuccioli, and takes over that portion of 1st Armd Div front previously held by 2nd Battalion, 370th Inf. 1st Armd Div is ordered to begin rcn in force to block enemy withdrawal. Enemy continues to put up strong apposition on right flank of corps, but S African 6th Armd Div
gains Alto Hill and M. Pozzo del Bagno. In II Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div reaches positions near crest of M. Altuzzo, night 16-17, where it is delayed by friendly shelling; 339th Inf is committed on extreme right, passing through elements of British 13 Corps on slopes of M. Pratone. 91st Div’s 363rd and 361st Regiments are unable to break through enemy defenses on Monticelli, W of Il Giogo Pass; 362nd Inf continues costly efforts to reach Futa Pass, elements reaching AT ditch below S. Lucia. 34th Div advances N from M. Frassino on right but is still held up on left in vicinity of Torricella Hill.
British Eighth Army issues instructions for pursuit beyond Rimini Line, 5 Corps along Highway 9 toward Bologna and Cdn 1 Corps along Highway 16 toward Ravenna and Ferrara. Forward progress is sharply checked as 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps reach enemy’s Rimini Line. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div is unable to advance from Montescudo. 56th Div joins 1st Armd Div in battle for Mulazzano-La Tomba ridge N of the Marano. During night 16-17, British 4th Div of Cdn 1 Corps crosses into corps zone and by artificial moonlight provided by searchlights clears Cerasolo ridge. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div attempts in vain to drive enemy from S. Martino on M. l’Abate; on right flank, attached Greek 3rd Mtn Brig begins struggle to clear Rimini airfield.
CBI – At conference between Gens Hurley, Sultan, and Stilwell and T. V. Soong, role of a field commander is discussed. Gen Stilwell finds that his conception is greatly different from that Soong believes Chiang Kai-shek holds. President Roosevelt, in message to Chiang Kai-shek, protests the proposed withdrawal of Y-Force across the Salween. Gen Stilwell reports to JCS and others that Japanese successes against U.S. Fourteenth Air Force bases in China might prevent air support from China of operations against Formosa and the Philippines. This influences planners in favor of occupation of Luzon rather than Formosa.
MOROTAI – 31st Div expands perimeter of beachhead around Pitoe Drome to distance of over 7,000 yards, E to W, and about 5,000 yards N to S. Gen Hall establishes CP ashore. RCT 125 of 32nd Div, reserve force, lands and relieves elements of 124th Inf still on Gila Peninsula. Enemy begins series of small and largely ineffective air raids.
PALAUS – 5th Marines, assisted by 1st Marines to left, takes most of Peleliu airfield against heavy fire from heights to N, while 7th Marines clears S tip of island except for 2 small promontories. Perimeter is extended to over 3,000 yards in length, N to S, and to maximum depth of about 2,000 yards. Gen Rupertus, 1st Mar Div CG, takes command ashore. Orders are issued to land on Angaur on 17 September.
17 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 3rd Div, with strong air and arty support, begins 6-day battle for Boulogne, making slow progress against strong fortifications. British 1 Corps, taking over in Antwerp sector from British Second Army, immediately starts to clear the Schelde Estuary in order to open port of Antwerp. Cdn 2nd Div, upon relief at Dunkerque by 4th Special Service Brig, moves to Antwerp where it relieves 12 Corps of task of clearing dock area N of the city. 49th Div is disposed on right flank of corps. 51st Div has been left behind at Le Havre so that its transport may be used by other units.
In British Second Army’s British 1 A/B Corps area, First Allied Airborne Army drops 1 A/B Corps, consisting of British 1st A/B Div (with Pol Para Brig) and U.S. 82nd and 101st A/B Divs, in Holland to secure axis of advance toward Zuider Zee for British Second Army. The airborne operation (MARKET), undertaken in daylight, H Hour being 1300, with strong air support and cover, achieves tactical surprise and at first evokes little opposition. This is the largest Allied airborne operation to be mounted thus far. Approximately 20,000 troops land from aircraft and gliders. Losses in transport planes and gliders are only 2.8%. British 1st A/B Div, with task of seizing 3 bridges over the Neder Rijn (Lower Rhine) at Arnhem, drops as planned some 8 miles from the bridges, giving enemy valuable time, however, to move forward panzer troops already assembled near Arnhem. Small force of less than a battalion from the A/B div succeeds in taking N end of highway bridge and is then isolated; Germans destroy the other 2 bridges. U.S. 82nd A/B Div, charged with seizing bridges and commanding ground in Nijmegen-Grave region, takes Maas bridge at Grave and Maas-Waal Canal bridge at Heumen, as well as commanding ground of Nijmegen-Groesbeek ridge; thrusts into Nijmegen, narrowly missing chance to take the highway bridge there before Germans reinforcements arrive. To U.S. 101st A/B Div is assigned task of capturing bridges at Veghel and Son, N of Eindhoven. Veghel bridges are taken with little difficulty but enemy blows that at Son just as paratroops are approaching it. Footbridge is improvised at Son over which paratroops cross to drive toward Eindhoven. 30 Corps, spearheading assault northward by ground forces (GARDEN), attacks from Meuse-Escaut Canal bridgehead toward Eindhoven with Cadn Armd Div in the lead during afternoon; despite narrow zone of attack, which is confined almost to the highway by terrain, reaches Valkenswaard. On flanks of corps, 8 and 12 Corps prepare for further crossings of Meuse-Escaut Canal, 12 Corps starting across near Lommel, night 17-18.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII Corps area, continuing battle for Brest, 29th Div clears eastward to Penfeld R while 2nd Div, to right, gets elements across old city wall. 8th Div, clearing Crozon Peninsula, reaches town of Crozon.
In U.S. First Army XIX Corps area, 2nd Armd Div expands bridgeheads at Meerssen and Valkenburg, forcing enemy back toward Sittard. 30th Div takes Heerlen on left and crosses German border E of Simpelveld on R. In VII Corps area, Germans, having moved up a fresh div, make determined counterattacks against corps. 76th Inf of 1st Div and CCA of 3rd Armd Div, forewarned by heavy arty barrage, turn enemy back and inflict heavy losses. CCB of 3rd Armd Div takes Weissenberg Hill before being counterattacked so strongly that it falls back a little; TF Hogan is sent to its aid. Patrol of 47th Inf, 9th Div, spots Germans forming for attack in Gressenich and takes them under fire when they emerge into the open with devastating results to enemy. Corps activity after this subsides to limited actions, largely on S flank in zone of 9th Div. In V Corps area, 4th Div, after further costly efforts to get to E edge of the Schnee Eifel forest and to take Brandscheid, almost succeeding in each case, calls off offensive and passes to aggressive defense. 28th Div brings sharp reaction from enemy while attempting to advance its almost static line. 5th Armd Div withdraws its Pruem bridgehead at Wettlingen; CCR holds against determined tank-infantry counterattack aimed at eliminating its Wallendorf salient.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Gen Walker issues tentative plan for air-ground offensive in Metz area, Operation THUNDERBOLT. 90th Div continues limited attacks W of Metz against increasingly strong resistance. Since the price is exceedingly high and gains minute, it is decided to halt attacks in this sector. Germans counterattack between 10th and 11th Regiments of 5th Div in Arnaville bridgehead but are driven off; Hill 245, E of Marieulles, falls to 2nd Inf. CCA, 7th Armd Div, assisted by elements of CCB, takes Marieulles; upon relief there by 5th Div is withdrawn to reserve; CCR and CCB are ordered to continue attack toward Seille R. XII Corps forms TF under Gen Sebree of 35th Div, consisting of CCB, 6th Armd Div – which has not yet arrived in corps zone – and 734th Inf, to clear Bois de Faulx and Bois de la Rumont in conjunction with 80th Div. TF Sebree, without awaiting CCB, begins attack to clear enemy from plateau NE of Nancy late in day. 80th Div is laboriously clearing bridgehead area and preparing for future offensive. 4th Armd Div is to regroup for attack NE toward Rhine R and Darmstadt, this city replacing Mannheim as corps objective. CCB of 4th Armd Div, attacking toward Nomeny to assist 80th Div in breaking out of bridgehead, makes such slow progress that it is ordered to halt. On S flank of corps, enemy is infiltrating into Lunéville, which, however, remains in American hands. In XV Corps area, cavalry of French 2nd Armd Div makes contact with French 2nd Corps of Seventh Army while patrolling near Bains-les-Bains, SW of Epinal. With arrival of CCB, 6th Armd Div, which relieves CCD in Chaumont area, XV Corps’ flank protection mission is limited to region between the Meuse and the Moselle. French 2nd Armd Div, less CCL and cavalry, closes along W bank of the Moselle to S of 79th Div.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 36th and 3rd Divs are pushing northward toward the Moselle at Remiremont against delaying opposition. 45th Div awaits relief by French on right flank of corps.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps begins general advance on W flank of army. TF 45 drives along coast against light opposition. RCT 6, BEF, tries to keep pace with TF 45. 1st Armd Div pushes northward, CCA astride the Serchio N of Lucca and CCB toward M. Liguana from positions N of Pescia. S African 6th Armd Div is still held to small gains on right flank of corps. II Corps succeeds in breaking through Gothic Line at Il Giogo Pass. 338th Inf, 85th Div, at last takes M. Altuzzo, 339th finishes clearing M. Veruca, and 337th takes M. Pratone. W of Il Giogo Pass, 91st Div drives to crest of M. Monticelli. Germans begin withdrawal from Gothic Line under cover of darkness, 17-18. 362nd Inf, 91st Div, retains positions on M. Calvi and near S. Lucia and attacks with 1st Battalion to outskirts of Marcoiano. 34th Div, on left flank of corps, is still stalemated in Torricella Hill area, but gains a little N of M. Frassino. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div finds M. Giuvigiana free of enemy. 6th Armd Div continues to battle stubborn enemy on M. Peschiena.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 46th Div begins attack across the Marano W of Vallecchia, enemy having withdrawn from positions near Montescudo. 56th Div gains ground W of Cerasolo but is held up all day in M. Oliva area to SW. On Cdn 1 Corps’ left flank, British 4th Div presses toward S. Fortunato feature, target for powerful Allied air attacks, but Cdn 1st Div is still unable to clear S. Martino in M. l’Abate.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Tuitum falls to Indian 5th Div.
MOROTAI – Action of TF TRADEWIND subsides to patrolling in order to locate small Japanese parties. Islands off SW and W coast are being outposted by 126th Inf.
PALAUS – Against strong resistance, 1st Marines on Peleliu begins clearing S end of central ridge system
on W arm of island; elements start up West and East Roads, which skirt the ridges. 5th Marines pushes E to clear E arm of island, meeting scattered opposition. 7th Marines begins to clear the small promontories on S tip of island. At Angaur, naval and air bombardment precede III (Mar) Amphib Corps’ landing, which takes place about 0830 on 2 beaches on E coast. Against light, ineffective fire from mortars and small arms, 322nd Inf of 81st Div, from northern beach, pushes to positions generally along second phase line from N coast above Lake Aztec southward along E shore of the lake. 321st secures beachhead from Cape Ngariois on N to Rocky Pt on S, extending inland some 350 yards to first phase line. RCT 323 (corps reserve) feints landing off Angaur’s W shore. Enemy counterattacks at night cause little damage and cost enemy heavily.
18 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, in Holland, First Allied Airborne Army drops second echelon of troops and supplies. Heavy fighting occurs in Arnhem area, where Allied reinforcements are late in arriving and Germans are counterattacking vigorously. Efforts to relieve the small force at N end of Arnhem bridge fail. U.S. 82nd A/B Div takes bridge over Maas-Waal Canal near Honinghutie, on main Grave-Nijmegen highway, but is unable to reach Nijmegen highway bridge and withdraws from the town, except for small besieged force. No attempt has been made to take Nijmegen RR bridge, although it is still lightly held. German counterattack is thrown back as landing zones between Groesbeek and the Reichswald are being cleared. U.S. 101st A/B Div, working S, clears Eindhoven and makes contact with Gds Armd Div moving N; attempts by elements of the div to take bridge over Wilhelmina Canal SE of Best fail, and Germans blow the bridge. Div is attached to British 30 Corps. In 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div, driving on through Eindhoven, reaches Wilhelmina Canal near Son; elements are clearing flanks. 12 Corps strengthens bridgeheads across Meuse-Escaut Canal near Gheel and Lommel. In 8 Corps area, 3rd Div secures small bridgehead near Lille St Hubert, night 18-19.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s VIII Corps area, organized resistance in Brest comes to an end, but the German fortress commander escapes to Crozon Peninsula.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, Gen Corlett orders corps to prepare to attack West Wall. 2nd Armd Div breaks through to Sittard. 30th Div, committing 117th Inf on left flank, makes steady progress; 119th Inf reaches positions commanding Wurm R. VII Corps, for rest of month, makes only limited attacks since its positions are insecure. 3rd Armd Div fights hard for heights along the Vicht near Stolberg; CCA is endeavoring to clear high ground around Muensterbusch, W of Stolberg; CCB continues efforts to gain Weissenberg Hill. On N flank of 9th Div, 47th Inf is repelling light enemy jabs toward Schevenhuette; 39th Inf attempts to expand its positions in Lammersdorf corridor, spending rest of month in efforts to take Hill 554, SE of Lammersdorf, and a plateau between Lammersdorf and Rollesbroich; 60th Inf completes capture of Hoefen-Alzen ridge SE of Monschau. V Corps passes to command of Maj Gen Edward H. Brooks, former commander of 2nd Armd Div. Gen Gerow is recalled to Washington temporarily. Corps is conducting local operations and virtual stalemate exists.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 5th Inf and 7th Armd Divs drive toward Seille R. On left, 5th Div’s 10th Inf reaches positions just short of Pournoy-la-Chétive, while its 2nd Inf pushes almost to Coin-sur-Seille. CCR, 7th Armd Div, drives to edge of Sillegny against intense fire; CCB, directed toward Longueville-lès-Cheminot, is stopped by fire from Hill 223, but patrols occupy Bouxières-sous-Froidmont without opposition. In XII Corps area, 80th Div struggles to improve and expand its Dieulouard bridgehead, meeting stiff resistance in center and on right. TF Sebree, clearing region NE of Nancy, takes Pain de Sucre. 4th Armd Div is ordered to attack on 19th, CCB toward Saarbruecken and CCA toward Sarreguemines; CCB reaches Fresnes-en-Saulnois area, W of Château-Salins. On S flank of corps, Germans launch long-planned counteroffensive against Third Army, attacking toward Lunéville. 2nd Cav Gp outposts fall back through the city, but CCR of 4th Armd Div, assisted by TF from CCA, stems the onslaughts and forces enemy southward; Germans withdraw to Parroy after nightfall, and as a result of this action, CCB of 6th Armd Div is ordered to Lunéville to relieve CCR; CCA, 4th Armd Div, is directed to remain in place until situation stabilizes. XV Corps is ordered to cross the Moselle at once and drive NE to Mortagne R. Crossings are begun in force during afternoon. 79th Div crosses unopposed: 314th Inf drives to Moriviller, 313th moves by truck to Ein-vaux, and 315th, in reserve, follows 313th across, night 18-19. CCD, French 2nd Armd Div, crosses at Châtel and clears that town; CCV protects bridgehead; CCL provides flank protection W of the Moselle.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps suspends offensive operations more than 15 miles from the Moselle while regrouping is in progress. 1st Div, French 2nd Corps, is relieving 45th Div.
POLAND – U.S. Eighth Air Force, having gained Soviet approval, flies supplies to Warsaw in response to numerous appeals. Only a small portion reaches Polish hands. This is the only U.S. mission of its kind, since Stalin refuses later requests for another.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45 is approaching Pietrasanta in coastal sector. RCT 6, BEF, reaches Camaiore. CCB, 1st Armd Div, gains its objectives, Castelvecchio and M. Liguana; CCA is delayed in Ponte a Moriano area by strong opposition. S African 6th Armd Div continues to meet determined opposition above Pistoia on right flank of corps, and gap is developing between it and II Corps. II Corps, having decisively defeated enemy at Il Giogo Pass, widens breach in Gothic Line to 7 miles on either side of the pass and pushes on toward Santerno R valley. 91st Div finishes clearing M. Monticelli and reduces W defenses of Il Giogo Pass; in Futa Pass area, 362nd Inf breaks enemy hold on M. Calvi but is stubbornly opposed in Marcoiano region. Enemy continues effective defense of Torricella Hill and positions N of M. Frassino in 34th Div sector. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div takes Femmina Morta feature. 6th Armd Div, still engaged with enemy on M. Peschiena, releases 1st Gds Brig to British 10 Corps.
British Eighth Army opens assault on main positions of Rimini Line (S. Marino-La Torraccia-Ceriano-S. Fortunato), initially employing infantry and holding armor back for pursuit. Enemy counters strongly at all points. In 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div pushes slowly from Faetano toward S. Marino. 46th Div, directed toward the Ausa at Serravalle, is clearing heights S of the Ausa. Assault force of 56th Div crosses the Ausa and begins attack on Ceriano ridge, making such slow progress that 1st Armd Div is ordered to cross the Ausa in force to right of 56th Div as soon as armor of 56th has crossed. In Cdn 1 corps area, British 4th Div establishes bridgehead across the Ausa on left flank of corps. 1st Div begins assault on S. Fortunato feature.
CBI – Gen Stilwell presents plan to Chiang Kai-shek for making the best use of Ch troops defending E China.
MOROTAI – Site for bomber field is chosen at Gotalalamo village, on S coast E of Gila Peninsula, since Pitoe airfield is found to be suitable only for fighters.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 7th Marines finishes clearing S promontories and joins with 1st Marines in assault to clear ridges of W arm. Japanese resist strongly from cluster of peaks in central ridge system and little progress is made. On Angaur, Maj Gen Paul J. Mueller, 81st Div CG, takes command ashore. Some elements of 322nd Inf, 81st Div, drive salient W to phosphate plant near W coast at center of island, although mistakenly bombed by friendly planes. Others, probing along N coast between second and third phase lines, are partially isolated. 321st Inf makes slow progress inland along Southern RR and tries in vain to gain Green Beach on left, about 600 yards below Rocky Point.
19 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 4th Armd Div is clearing region W of Ghent-Terneuzen Canal and S of Leopold Canal on W flank of corps. Pol armor secures bridgehead across Canal de Hulst.
In British Second Army area, poor weather conditions sharply curtail airlift and support of ground forces. In 1 A/B Corps area, situation in Arnhem sector grows worse: enemy constricts British perimeter W of the town, the small force at N end of the bridge is still isolated, weather conditions prevent scheduled drop of Pol 1st Para Brig, and food and ammunition resupply falls into enemy hands. Gds Armd Div of 30 Corps, upon making contact with U.S. 82nd A/B Div at Grave, joins with Americans in effort to take bridges at Nijmegen in order that advance to Arnhem can go on. Simultaneous attacks on the rail and highway bridges are halted by enemy a little short of objectives. 82nd A/B Div repels light probing attacks against Nijmegen-Groesbeek ridgeline and gains firm control of Cleve-Nijmegen highway. In 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div is engaging enemy at Nijmegen. U.S. 101st A/B Div maintains defensive positions at Eindhoven, Son, St Oedenrode, and Veghel, turning back determined counterattack toward Son. Enemy resistance near Best collapses, but the village itself remains in German hands. Enemy bombers, about 100 strong, attack Eindhoven after nightfall, inflicting heavy casualties on civilians and British troops within the town but none on Americans stationed outside. This is the only time during fall of 1944 that long-range enemy bombers attack on large scale in the West. In 12 Corps area, 53rd Div, attacking from Lommel bridgehead, reaches Eindhoven-Turnhout road near Cuizel; elements take Veldhoven and make contact with 50th Div at Mereveldhoven. In 8 Corps area, 11th Armd Div pushes northward to Leende and patrols to Heeze from 3rd Div’s bridgehead.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps successfully concludes Brittany campaign as 8th Div finishes clearing Crozon Peninsula and captures Maj Gen Hermann Bernhard Ramcke, fortress commander of Brest.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, TF Stokes reaches interarmy boundary, where 99th Inf Battalion remains as defense force; rest of TF reverts to parent
unit. 2nd Armd Div drives through Gangelt toward Geilenkirchen, forcing salient between two German armies, but enemy restores contact during counterattacks. Corps faces West Wall and prepares to attack it on 20th. In VII Corps area, CCA of 3rd Armd Div gains lower slopes of Muensterbusch ridge with attached battalion of 16th Inf, 1st Div; CCB and TF Hogan continue futile efforts to take Weissenberg Hill. 47th Inf, 9th Div, remains under light enemy attacks at Schevenhuette; 39th Inf, in Lammersdorf corridor, pushes more than 2 miles toward Rollesbroich, where it is contained by enemy, but continues to fight indecisively for Hill 554. In V Corps area, 1st Battalion of 12th Inf, 4th Div, falls back a little under counterattack SW along Schnee Eifel highway; later regains former positions and some ground beyond. Germans also counterattack flanks of 5th Armd Div’s Wallendorf bridgehead, but IX TAC planes go into action and force enemy back in disorder. Nevertheless, it is decided to reduce bridgehead perimeter. CCB of 5th Armd Div and a fresh battalion of 112th Inf, 28th Div, are to relieve CCR and the original battalion of 112th in the reduced perimeter.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCR of 7th Armd Div, after hard fighting at edge of Sillegny, enters and finds the town vacated by enemy, but is forced out again by extremely heavy fire and enemy counterattack; CCB drives into Seille loop and takes Longueville but is unable to take Cheminot, from which its positions are threatened. Massing forces at Coin-sur-Seille, enemy columns move forward to counterattack but are checked by air and arty. 3rd Cav Gp, reinforced, is designated TF Polk and given mission of protecting Moselle R line between Grevenmacher and Thionville. Battalion of 5th Div is alerted for attack on Fort Driant, but for various reasons the attack is postponed from day to day. In XII Corps area, 80th Div is continuing costly efforts to expand Dieulouard bridgehead. Furious enemy counterattack drives TF Sebree from Pain de Sucre, but enemy is driven back beyond Agincourt. 137th Inf, 35th Div, begins drive through Forêt de Champenoux toward Amance Hill, a key feature, but is stopped at Château-Salins-Nancy highway. CCA of 4th Armd Div, which is spread thin in Arracourt area and has elements at Lunéville, checks series of tank-infantry assaults aimed at Nancy. More than 40 enemy tanks are estimated to be knocked out in this action. German spearheads are blunted at Lézey, on ridge W of Bezange-la-Petite, and at Rethicourt-la-Petite. The force from Lunéville rejoins CCA to assist in mopping up. Meanwhile, CCB begins attack NE toward Saarbruecken, attempting to find suitable route of advance. CCB, 6th Armd Div, relieves CCR, 4th Armd Div, at Lunéville. XV Corps gets advance elements across Mortagne R. 313th Inf, now on left flank of 79th Div, crosses at Xermaménil, where rear-guard opposition is overcome; 314th reaches the river at Gerberville but calls off attack on the town after dark; Germans withdraw, night 19-20. CCD, French 2nd Armd Div, crosses near Vallois and reconnoiters to the Meurthe at Vathiménil, which it captures. Germans order their thin line to withdraw behind the Meurthe during night since Mortagne line has been pierced at various points.
6th Army Group: Commanders conference is held at Lyon to plan for future operations. French Army B is renamed French 1st Army.
In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div, whose relief by French 1st Div continues, prepares for drive to the Moselle at Epinal on left flank of corps.
FINLAND – Signs armistice with Allies in Moscow. Soviet-Finnish boundary of 1940 is restored, but Finland yields Petsamo to USSR and leases Porkkala headland to USSR as a military base. Russians yield rights to Hangoe. Reparations are to be paid by Finland, and Allies are to have the use of Finnish ships and airfields.
ESTONIA – Troops of Third Baltic Front overrun Valga, on Estonian-Latvian border. Other Soviet forces are approaching Tallinn and Riga.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 435th AAA Battalion of TF 45 reaches Montrone on coast and 434th AAA Battalion drives to Pietrasanta, NE of Montrone. In II Corps area, 34th Div is still checked on left flank of corps, but 91st and 85th Divs pursue enemy northward toward the Santerno, hampered more by lack of roads than by Germans.
In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps releases Indian 10th Div to Eighth Army. As regrouping ends, corps front is held by a hodge podge of small units, with Wheeler Force disposed on left flank, 1st Gds Brig of 6th Armd Div in center, and Lind Force and Household Cavalry on right. Activity must necessarily be confined to patrolling. 5 Corps continues to battle Rimini Line, meeting particularly stubborn opposition in vicinity of Ceriano, but 46th Div succeeds in breaching line during night 19-20 at Torraccia after crossing the Ausa at Serravalle. In Cdn 1 Corps area, British 4th Div seizes Acqualina feature. 1st Div begins outflanking maneuver against S. Fortunato, night 19-20, and by dawn has this strongpoint surrounded.
CBI – Two messages arrive at CBI Theater hq, one from President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill to Chiang Kai-shek about decisions of OCTAGON Conference and the other a personal message in plain terms from Roosevelt to the Generalissimo demanding action. Latter is delivered personally by Gen Stilwell and greatly angers Chiang Kai-shek.
MOROTAI – Work is begun on bomber strip, dubbed Wama Drome, at Gotalalamo. Pitoe Drome becomes known as Pitoe Crash Strip.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, enemy on peaks of central ridge continues to hold up 1st and 7th Marines; however, elements of 1st, advancing along East Road, push through Asias village. 5th Marines secures E arm of the island with little difficulty. On Angaur, 81st Div commits 321st Inf and 3rd Battalion of 322nd to main effort of clearing S Angaur and splitting enemy forces there. Little opposition is met as assault forces establish line across S Angaur from Garangaoi Cove eastward, but some resistance is bypassed on SE coast. 322nd Inf (-) starts N up W coast from vicinity of the phosphate plant.
20 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Pol armor overruns Hulst and Axel.
In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, situation of British 1st A/B Div at Arnhem is critical. The small force holding N end of bridge is forced to surrender 300 wounded to Germans, reducing its strength to about 140; other elements of the div still hold perimeter near Oosterbeek, W of Arnhem, and N of Heaveadorp Ferry at the Neder Rijn SW of Oosterbeek, but enemy is steadily gaining ground. Weather conditions continue to prevent airlift of Pol 1st Brig. British and U.S. troops take both bridges at Nijmegen in daring and costly maneuver. While elements of Gds Armd Div (30 Corps) and U.S. 82nd A/B Div push through Nijmegen to S approaches, 2 battalions of 504th Para Inf, 82nd A/B Div, cross the wide, swift Waal in British assault boats downstream after air and arty bombardment of N shore and ineffective efforts to put down smoke screen. Paratroops seize N end of RR bridge and push toward highway bridge. Meanwhile, resistance at S end of the rail bridge collapses and British tanks from Gds Armd Div storm across the highway bridge, where they are joined by U.S. paratroopers. With capture of these vital bridges, advance is continued toward Arnhem. German counterattacks on N and S edges of Nijmegen-Groesbeek ridge are unsuccessful except where U.S. outposts at Wyler are forced back. In 30 Corps area, U.S. 101st A/B Div undergoes another counterattack at Son but with help of British tanks forces enemy back. Div then begins series of limited actions designed to throw enemy off balance. 12 Corps presses slowly toward Best and Oirschot. 8 Corps, driving toward Helmond, takes Someren.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, assault on West Wall is postponed because of unfavorable flying conditions. Other deterring factors are the very short supply of arty ammunition and exposed left flank of corps. In VII Corps area, enemy decides to go on the defensive instead of counterattacking as planned. CCA, 3rd Armd Div, is methodically clearing Muensterbusch area; TF Hogan, moving forward stealthily, takes enemy on Weissenberg Hill by surprise and gains crest of this much fought over prize; TF Mills, CCB, secures positions on the Donnerberg, heights commanding Stolberg from E, under smoke screen but is hit hard by enemy when smoke disappears. 1st Battalion of 39th Inf, 9th Div, attached to 60th Inf, drives E from Zweifall to Weisser Weh Creek, near village of Huertgen. Battalion of 60th, to right, attempts to drive SE from Zweifall in order to cut Lammersdorf-Huertgen highway at Germeter but makes little headway. In V Corps area, IX TAC again assists corps in maintaining positions.
In U.S. Third Army area, boundary between XII and XV Corps is adjusted to give Forêt de Vitrimont, Lunéville, and Forêt de Parroy to XV Corps. In XX Corps area, 10th and 2nd Regiments, 5th Div, renew efforts to take Pournoy-la-Chétive and Coin-sur-Seille despite weather conditions unfavorable for air support and diminishing supply of arty ammunition; 2nd Battalion of 10th, reinforced, seizes Pournoy-la-Chétive but is greatly disorganized in the process; 1st Battalion of 2nd Inf, against fire from Sillegny, overruns Coin-sur-Seille. CCA, 7th Armd Div, replaces badly mauled CCR in front of Sillegny and, together with CCB, attacks toward the Seille; bypassing Sillegny, CCA reaches the river, where it comes under heavy fire; CCB also reaches the river but falls back under fire. In XII Corps area, 80th Div elements push into Bois de la Rumont. Germans counterattack 134th Inf troops of 35th Div and recover Agincourt; 137th Inf attempts in vain to drive through Forêt de Champenoux to Amance plateau; arty ammunition supply runs out. CCA, 4th Armd Div, begins attack NE toward Sarreguemines but, upon reaching Hampont on left and Dieuze area on right, returns to Arracourt region because of another enemy tank attack, this time by only 8 tanks, all of which are knocked out. The area will be systematically mopped up before the offensive is continued. Small tank duels occur as CCA sweeps through Ley and Moncourt. CCB continues efforts to advance in Château-Salins area, where secondary routes are impassable. In XV Corps area, 313th Inf of 79th Div drives through Lunéville and turns SE in effort to outflank enemy’s Meurthe R line; 314th reaches the Meurthe SE of Lunéville, where it comes under heavy fire. French 2nd Armd Div patrols from current positions; CCL moves E to rejoin main body as 45th Div of Seventh Army draws up to the Moselle.
6th Army Group: Completes regrouping.
In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Gen Truscott orders corps to cross the Moselle and seize communications centers in the Vosges to open way to Alsatian Plain and the Rhine. 45th Div, upon crossing the Moselle at Epinal, is to seize Rambervillers and Baccarat and force the Saverne Gap. 36th Div is to cross the Moselle in Eloyes area and take St Die near Saales Pass. 3rd Div is to cross the Moselle in Rupt area and seize Gerardmer near Schlucht Pass. 36th Div begins rcn in force of proposed Moselle crossing site near Remiremont. Site near Eloyes is reported to be suitable, and 141st Inf moves forward to it, night 20-21. To left, 45th Div moves up to the Moselle in Remiremont area. On corps right flank, 3rd Div is advancing toward the river.
French 1st Army now holds sector to the right of U.S. Seventh Army, 2nd Corps taking up positions in new sector to left of 1st Corps.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, RCT 6 of BEF gains positions on M. Prano but cannot reach crest. 1st Armd Div regroups in order to release CCA to II Corps: 370th Inf, whose 1st Battalion relieves 14th Armd Inf Battalion, takes command of CCA zone. S African 6th Armd Div extends its left flank to road NE of Pescia; reinforces right flank in M. Moscoso area. In II Corps area, 91st and 85th Divs continue to pursue enemy toward the Santerno. 337th Inf, 85th Div, crosses it E of Firenzuola at S. Pellegrino. 362nd Inf, 91st Div, gets into position for assault on Futa Pass, 3rd Battalion pushing across AT ditch near S. Lucia. Corps’ reserve div, 88th, is ordered to attack through right flank of 85th Div down Santerno valley toward Imola on 21st. In British 13 Corps area, enemy withdrawal from Casaglia Pass permits 1st Div to push rapidly eastward toward Indian 8th Div.
In British Eighth Army area, battle for Rimini Line ends as Germans withdraw, night 20-21, behind Marecchia R under cover of drenching rain. In 5 Corps area, S. Marino, in small independent Republic of San Marino, falls to Indian 4th Div. 46th Div holds La Torraccia against counterattacks. 1st Armd Div joins 56th Div in fight for Ceriano ridge, where enemy continues to resist tenaciously throughout day before withdrawing. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div battles encircled enemy at S. Fortunato, frustrating German efforts to break out.
CBI – Gen Stilwell learns that his plan for defense of Kweilin has been accepted by Chiang Kai-shek and issues orders accordingly.
MOROTAI – Beachhead perimeter has been expanded to provide space for additional airfield construction, extending about 1,000 yards N of original site and some 10,000 yards E along shore to Sabatai R.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, firm enemy defense of central ridge system on W arm virtually halts forward movement of 1st and 7th Marines. 1st Marines is so depleted in strength that 7th Marines relieves all its troops but those along West Road. 5th Marines is mopping up E arm. On Angaur, Gen Mueller declares organized resistance at an end as 321st Inf drives to S end of island and begins mopping up scattered Japanese. Japanese remaining on Angaur are concentrated in NW part of island and are prepared for prolonged defense of a broad, deep, bowl-shaped depression in Lake Salome area. 322nd Inf tries to reach the bowl from different directions, but makes little headway. Airdrome construction is begun in S part of island.
21 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, slightly improving weather conditions permit elements (750 men) of Pol 1st Brig to drop near Driel, S terminus of Heaveadorp Ferry in Arnhem area, but by this time Germans have recovered N end of the ferry, confined British to small perimeter at Hartestein, near Oosterbeek, and destroyed the small force at N end of Arnhem bridge as it attempted to escape in small groups. In 30 Corps area, Gds Armd Div, pushing toward Arnhem from Nijmegen, is brought to a halt less than 3 miles from starting point. U.S. 101st A/B Div finds highway between St Oedenrode and Veghel free of enemy, clears infiltrators from glider landing zone, and reconnoiters along secondary highway to Schijndel, which it occupies, night 21-22.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, West Wall offensive is again postponed because of weather conditions. In VII Corps area, CCA of 3rd Armd Div completes mop up of Muensterbusch area; in CCB’s sector, TF Mills, leaving defense of Donnerberg to TF Lovelady, drives into town of Donnerberg, a suburb of Stolberg, gaining precarious foothold. On S flank of corps, 60th Inf, 9th Div, tries in vain to push into village of Huertgen and makes very slow progress toward Germeter. V Corps authorizes withdrawal of Wallendorf bridgehead. This is accomplished before dawn of 22nd, using ford since Germans have destroyed Wallendorf bridges. IX TAC gives unusually effective air support.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 83rd Div is attached to corps. 7th Armd Div continues to meet intense fire from Seille R line; two cos of armd inf of CCB ford the river S and E of Longueville after dark but withdraw at daylight of 22nd to await coordinated attack. 5th Div remains in place because of ammunition shortage; 2nd Battalion, 10th Inf, suffers heavily under continuous enemy fire and repeated
counterattacks against Pournoy-la-Chétive. In XII Corps area, 80th Div continues battle for Bois de la Rumont, where 2 battalions are isolated and must be supplied by tanks. 134th Inf, 35th Div, recovers Agincourt in bitter fighting; 137th is still held up in Forêt de Champenoux. CCB, 6th Armd Div, is attached to 35th Div to assist in attack on the Amance position. Moving N from Lunéville between 35th Inf and 4th Armd Divs, CCB assembles in Forêt de Grémecey. CCA, 4th Armd Div, continues sweeping its zone, taking Bures and Coincourt with ease and reaching canal to S. Corps prepares for concerted assault by 80th and 35th Divs and CCB of 6th Armd in order to bring XII Corps’ center and left abreast 4th Armd Div’s salient on right flank. In XV Corps area, 313th Inf of 79th Div, leaving battalion at Lunéville where fighting continues in streets, drives SE along the Meurthe, clearing Moncel and halting under fire at edge of Fort de Mondon; 315th (-) moves into Lunéville and takes up defensive positions. Against heavy fire, 3rd Battalion of 314th crosses the Meurthe near St Clement but is unable to advance across open ground leading to Forêt de Mondon and withdraws after dark.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps begins crossing the Moselle. On left flank, 157th Inf (-) of 45th Div, having shuttled to Epinal area, begins crossing XV Corps’ bridge at Châtel, night 21-22, and moves to Vaxoncourt; 3rd Battalion, with task of clearing Thaon before crossing, gets patrols into the town and wades the river near Igney. 179th Inf of 45th Div moves up to the river in Arches area; 180th, ordered to clear Epinal, works forward to heights overlooking the town. 36th Div, in center of corps, is first to secure crossing: 1st and 3rd Battalions, 141st Inf, ford the river at Eloyes while 2nd Battalion clears Eloyes as far as the river bank; 143rd follows 141st across to clear rest of Eloyes and exploit bridgehead, taking Hill 783 overlooking the town; 142nd is moving on Remiremont against firm opposition and penetrates into W part of town. Enemy is delaying advance of 3rd Div toward the Moselle.
In French 1st Army area, the 2nd Corps, which has been reinforced for coming offensive, is moving forward to gain contact with enemy.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45 extends positions along coast to Forte dei Marmi. RCT 6, BEF, tries unsuccessfully to take M. Prano. Reorganized CCA, 1st Armd Div, starts to II Corps zone. Left flank elements of S African 6th Armd Div reach Serra. In II Corps area, 338th Inf of 85th Div seizes Firenzuola; 339th takes M. Frena and M. Coloreta; 337th is withdrawn to reserve. 91st Div, to W, gets advance elements of 361st and 363rd Regiments to the Santerno; 362nd, against rear-guard opposition, clears S. Lucia and M. Gazzaro and enters Futa Pass, but enemy retains hill dominating it to W. On left flank of corps, 133rd Inf of 34th Div at last clears Torricella Hill; 168th is withdrawn from reserve and enters line between 133rd and 135th Regiments. On right flank of corps, 88th Div is committed through right flank of 85th Div and, with 349th Inf on left and 350th on right, starts quickly down Santerno valley toward Imola. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div is half way between Crespino and Marradi. 6th Armd Div takes M. Peschiena.
British Eighth Army pursues retreating enemy toward the Marecchia. 5 Corps finds Ceriano ridge abandoned and gets patrols to the river before dawn of 22nd. Strength of 1st Armd Div and 56th Div is so badly depleted that the divs must be reorganized. 56th Div is ordered to withdraw from line on 22nd. In Cdn 1 Corps area, British 4th Div gets patrols across the Marecchia, night 21-22. Cdn 1st Div mops up the S. Fortunato position and establishes bridgehead across the Marecchia W of Rimini; attached Greek 3rd Mtn Brig, having cleared airfield S of Rimini, enters the coastal city, from which enemy has withdrawn.
SWPA – Gen MacArthur radios U.S. Chiefs of Staff that he can mount a major assault on Luzon about 20 December as result of acceleration of the Leyte invasion; suggests that the Formosa operation may be unnecessary if Luzon is occupied.
MOROTAI – Radar is established on Raoe I., off W coast.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, progress of 1st Mar Div against central ridges is still negligible. On Angaur, elements of 322nd Inf break into Lake Salome bowl on NW Angaur but pull back for night since their positions are untenable. Attack is preceded by heavy volume of arty fire and bombardment of the position by naval planes. 321st Inf is alerted for movement to Peleliu so that 1st Marines can be withdrawn from there. 322nd Inf thus becomes responsible for S Angaur as well as the stubborn pocket on NE end.
RCT 323, III Amphib Corps reserve, leaves the Palaus for Ulithi.
22 September
WESTERN EUROPE – Gen Eisenhower, conferring with his top commanders at Versailles, gives top priority to the opening of the Schelde approaches to Antwerp, since a deep-water port is needed in order to sustain main Allied offensive of enveloping the Ruhr from the N. Offensive is to be conducted by 21 Army Group, assisted by U.S. First Army. Boundary between 21 and 12th Army Groups is adjusted, effective on 25th, to extend NE from Hasselt through Bree, Weert, Deurne, and Venray (all to 12th Army Group) to the Maas at Maashees and along the river to original boundary
N of Maastricht. This boundary change gives XIX Corps of U.S. First Army a corridor W of the Maas that contains more than 500 square miles and includes the extensive swampland of the Peel Marshes. To secure this corridor, XIX Corps is to have 2 new divs, 29th Div from Brest and 7th Armd Div from Moselle R sector near Metz. Since supply requirements of the Ruhr offensive are to be met fully first, Third Army is to limit its action to that permitted by the supply situation.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3rd Div receives surrender of Boulogne garrison. 4th Armd Div has cleared as far N as Leopold Canal and on right flank has reached Schelde Estuary. With capture of Terneuzen by Pol armor, enemy is confined to “Breskens Pocket,” region N of Leopold Canal and W of Savojaards Plaat.
In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, British 1st A/B Div is still isolated and under heavy pressure N of the Neder Rijn near Arnhem. Air resupply is impossible because of weather conditions. Elements of 30 Corps make contact with the Pol detachment at Driel and bring DUKWs loaded with ammunition and supplies for 1st A/B Div. Mud is too deep for the DUKWs, but group of Poles succeeds in crossing supplies on rafts, night 22-23. U.S. 82nd A/B Div clears S bank of the Waal 3 miles E of highway bridge. In 30 Corps area, 43rd Div, taking over attack toward Arnhem from Gds Armd Div, gets elements to Driel, but main body is held up far to S by determined opposition. Germans make major counterattack against Veghel, main effort coming through village of Erp. U.S. 101st A/B Div, to whom reinforcements are rushed, forces enemy back from Veghel, but Germans cut highway between there and Uden. 12 Corps is slowly improving positions W of Eindhoven. 8 Corps, continuing toward Helmond, takes Weert.
12th Army Group: U.S. First Army goes on the defensive along most of its line. XIX Corps postpones offensive against West Wall indefinitely. In VII Corps area, CCB of 3rd Armd Div, under smoke screen, withdraws both TF Lovelady and TF Mills from Donnerberg area to Stolberg, where TF Hogan has cleared enemy from S part of town; CCB then goes on the defensive and makes contact with CCA at Muensterbusch; the div comes to a halt within 3 miles of its objective, Eschweiler. Germans make all-out counterattack against 47th Inf, 9th Div, at Schevenhuette but are driven back with extremely heavy losses; 60th Inf breaks off attack for Huertgen village in order to send reinforcements to Schevenhuette; these are not required there but later attack to ease pressure on the single 60th Inf battalion in Huertgen Forest, where close, indecisive fighting rages for next 3 days. V Corps remains on the defensive.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy evacuates Cheminot, since it has become an untenable pocket between XX and XII Corps. 7th Armd Div prepares to attack across the Seille on 23rd. 2nd battalion of 10th Inf, 5th Div, withstands further enemy attacks against Pournoy-la-Chétive, this time from SE of the town. In XII Corps area, elements of 80th Div continue to fight in Bois de la Rumont. CCB, 6th Armd Div, circling W and S from Forêt de Grémecey to take enemy in Amance area from rear, clears strongly occupied Armaucourt. 134th Inf, 35th Div, attacks into Bois de Faulx at noon; 137th pushes through rest of Fort de Champenoux, from which enemy flees under air and arty attack, abandoning Amance plateau. 6th Armd Div (-) assembles in Fort de Grémecey to clear this region and screen between 80th Inf and 4th Armd Divs. CCA, 4th Armd Div, halts German tank-infantry attack toward Moyenvic in region W of Juvelize and inflicts heavy losses on enemy. In XV Corps area, 79th Div progresses slowly: on left, Germans make local attacks from Forêt de Parroy toward Lunéville; 315th Inf loses and recovers a portion of Lunéville; 313th, delayed by counterattack at Moncel, cannot advance into Forêt de Mondon; 4 cos of 314th Inf ford the Meurthe but, since they cannot advance without support from tanks and arty, halt to await bridging. French 2nd Armd Div crosses the Meurthe between Flin and Vathiménil, night 22-23; patrols through S part of Forêt de Mondon to La Vezouse R at Benamenil but is driven back.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div maintains bridgehead at Igney while 179th crosses the Moselle at Arches and clears Archettes; 180th continues to clear Epinal, from which enemy begins withdrawing. 36th Div finishes clearing Eloyes and is attacking Remiremont.
ESTONIA – Soviet forces seize Baltic prize of Tallinn.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, S African 6th Armd Div is ordered forward in pursuit since enemy appears to be withdrawing from positions above Pistoia. II Corps virtually completes operations against the Gothic Line and is ready for drive N to Radicosa Pass and NE to Imola. 362nd Inf, 91st Div, completes reduction of Futa Pass defenses; other elements of 91st Div establish outposts across the Santerno. On left flank of corps, enemy opposition to 34th Div is weakening: 135th Inf takes M. Citerna, NW of Santa Lucia; 168th seizes Hill 1134, E of Montepiano. 91st Cav Rcn Sq, screening left flank, finds Vernio abandoned by enemy. 85th Div pushes toward M. la Fine on right to assist 88th Div and toward M. Canda on left in support of 91st Div’s attack for Radicosa Pass. On right flank of corps, 88th Div continues rapidly along
Santerno R valley, outdistancing 85th Div, and boundary is altered to give M. la Fine, except for western spur, to 88th Div. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div completes occupation of Giogo di Villore without opposition.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps, with Indian 4th Div on left, 46th Div in center, and 1st Armd Div on right, attacks across the Marecchia, night 22-23, and begins struggle for ridges N of the river. 56th Div withdraws from line; its 168th Brig ceases to exist as a fighting unit. In Cdn 1 Corps area, British 4th Div establishes bridgehead across the Marecchia on left flank of corps, and 5th Armd Div prepares to attack through it. NZ 2nd Div takes command of coastal sector, releasing Cdn 1st Div and attached Greek 3rd Mtn Brig for welcome rest.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, Japanese continue effective defense of central ridges and are bringing up reinforcements. 1st Mar Div observation planes are operating from the airfield. On Angaur, elements of 322nd Inf again push into the bowl in Lake Salome area from the S but retire at night.
ULITHI – RCT 323, 81st Div, lands without opposition and begins securing the atoll.
23 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, clearing weather conditions permit last serials of U.S. 101st and 82nd A/B Divs and rest of Pol 1st Brig to be brought into Holland. Pol forces are landed at Grave as reserve for 82nd A/B Div. Gen Dempsey orders that fly-in of British 52nd Div be held up. In 1 A/B Corps area, aircraft and arty of 30 Corps help 1st A/B Div maintain bridgehead at Hartestein, near Arnhem. During night 23-24, about 250 Pol paratroopers cross with supplies for 1st A/B Div. In 30 Corps area, 43rd Div continues efforts to break through to Driel and succeeds in getting additional elements there; one brig drives into outskirts of Elst. With arrival of Pol forces at Grave, U.S. 82nd A/B Div releases Coldstream Gds Gp, which has been assisting it, to Gds Armd Div. 506th Para Inf, U.S. 101st A/B Div, reopens Veghel-Uden highway and makes contact with British armor moving SW from Uden. Enemy continues attacks toward Veghel, although seriously threatened by advance of 8 Corps toward Helmond.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 7th Armd Div drops plans for crossing the Seille upon receiving orders to join XIX Corps of First Army. 1st Battalion of 10th Inf, 5th Div, relieves the weakened 2nd Battalion at Pournoy-la-Chétive, night 23-24. CCR, 6th Armd Div, is attached to corps as mobile reserve and moves to Jarny area on 24th. In XII Corps area, 80th Div extends eastward in center and on right as Germans withdraw, but enemy retains hill mass E of Serrières. 35th Div clears Bois de Faulx of enemy rear guards, capturing many. 4th Armd Div rests after its lively tank battles. In XV Corps area, 79th Div clears Fort de Mondon, 3rd Battalion of 314th Inf suffering heavy casualties during frontal assaults. French patrol crosses La Vezouse R and takes Domjevin but Germans restore positions along the river. After nightfall, final enemy remnants fall back across river to organize new defense line.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div is unable to expand bridgehead toward Girmont; 179th takes Mossoux and cuts road leading NW from there; 180th clears that part of Epinal W of the Moselle and crosses at 3 points near there. 36th Div’s 142nd Inf finishes clearing Remiremont and begins crossing the Moselle; other elements of div are pushing northward. 7th Inf, 3rd Div, reaches the Moselle across from Rupt and about midnight begins crossing over bridge, which is found to be intact.
In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre revises his plan of attack as result of Gen Truscott’s decision to make main effort with U.S. Seventh Army while French forces provide flank protection. He calls for offensive limited in strength to one combat command of French 1st Armd Div and one RCT of French 1st Inf Div. The armor is to attack on axis Mélisey-Le Thillot; infantry is to conduct diversionary attacks.
ESTONIA – Red Army troops reach Gulf of Riga at Paernu.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 34th Div, with capture of Montepiano by 133rd Inf, is through Gothic Line. 91st Div rests in preparation for its next task – clearing M. Oggioli, W of Radicosa Pass. 338th Inf, 85th Div, pushes slowly northward from M. Coloreta; 337th, replacing 338th in line, takes W part of M. la Fine. 88th Div, committing 351st Inf between 349th and 350th, reaches line M. la Fine-M. della Croce. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div occupies Poggio Cavalmagra and pushes on toward Palazzuolo on left and Marradi on R. Indian 8th Div occupies M. Villanova.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps is vigorously engaged with enemy N of the Marecchia on delaying line S. Arcangelo-Poggio Berni-Montebello. Cdn 1 Corps continues to pursue enemy toward Uso R. 5th Armd Div takes responsibility for left flank of corps, releasing British 4th Div for reserve.
GREECE – British Special Boat Sq, Mediterranean, is dropped on Araxos, on NW coast of the Peloponnesus, to seize airfield from which retreating enemy can be harassed and to occupy Patras.
CBI – Gen Hurley sends report to President Roosevelt on situation and tells him of the Generalissimo’s reaction to his (Roosevelt’s) message.
On Salween front, Japanese send rescue column to extricate garrison of Pingka.
MOROTAI – Work is begun on another airfield, called Pitoe Drome, about 1,200 yards N of Wama Drome.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, RCT 321 of 81st Div arrives from Angaur and is attached to 1st Mar Div. After relieving 1st Marines on left flank just N of third phase line, N of village of Ngarekeukl, RCT 321 reconnoiters along coast to Garekoru, near fourth phase line, without difficulty. Efforts to make general advance northward, however, fail because of intense fire from center ridges. 7th Marines has task of supporting drive of infantry. On Angaur, 322nd Inf again drives into Lake Salome bowl from S but pulls back again when forward positions become untenable.
24 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div establishes bridgehead across Antwerp-Turnhout Canal S of St Leonard. Elements of 49th Div reach Turnhout.
In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, 2 cos of 43rd Div cross the Neder Rijn in assault boats during night 24-25 but are unable to reach British-held perimeter at Hartestein. Pol forces on S bank lack assault boats for crossing. Lt Gen B. G. Horrocks, CG 30 Corps, issues and within a few hours revokes order for 43rd Div to prepare to cross at Renkum. In 30 Corps area, other elements of 43rd Div continue to fight for Elst and Bemmel. Continuing attacks toward Veghel, Germans cut highway NE of village of Koevering, between St Oedenrode and Veghel. In 8 Corps area, Deurne falls to 11th Armd Div.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton, in accordance with order from Gen Eisenhower, halts offensive operations for aggressive defense, calling for limited actions, as supplies permit, to improve defensive positions. In XX Corps area, 5th Div begins relief of 7th Armd Div in line. In XII Corps area, 80th Div prepares to attack to Seille R line on 26th. CCB, 4th Armd Div, holds its perimeter between Château-Salins and Fresnes-en-Saulnois against determined tank-infantry attacks that P-47’s help repulse. Heavy enemy fire continues from Fort de Château-Salins, however. Germans lose about 300 dead and 11 tanks in this action.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 157th Inf of 45th Div seizes Girmont; 180th continues clearing Epinal. 36th Div is pushing NE toward St Die; 141st Inf takes St Amé, E of Remiremont. 3rd Div clears Rupt of snipers and expands bridgehead to include La Roche and Maxonchamp.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps releases additional elements of 1st Armd Div for use on II Corps front, retaining only CCB. S African 6th Armd Div, protecting left flank of II Corps, replaces 11th Armd Brig in line with 12th Motorized Brig; 11th Armd Brig then pushes N along Highway 6620 to S. Ippolito while rest of div pursues enemy up Highways 64 and 66. In II Corps area, 34th Div, driving toward M. Bastione with 168th and 135th Regiments, gains crest of M. Coroncina and holds it against counterattack; overruns Roncobilaccio. 91st Div, attacking with 362nd and 361st Regiments toward M. Oggioli, reaches line from Covigliano westward; during night 24-25, 363rd Inf replaces 362nd in line. While 337th Inf, 85th Div, consolidates positions on M. la Fine and patrols, 338th, to left, continues slowly toward M. Canda and gets into position for assault on it. 88th Div runs into strong resistance at M. Acuto and undergoes vigorous counterattacks as it continues toward Imola. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div takes Palazzuolo and Marradi, but enemy is holding out on M. Gamberaldi. Indian 8th Div reaches Marradi-S. Benedetto road. 6th Armd Div advances to S. Benedetto in Alpe, on Highway 67.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps secures heights N of the Marecchia from Montebello to Poggio Berni to S. Arcangelo, and 46th Div, in center, establishes bridgehead across the Uso, taking Camerano on far bank.
GREECE – RAF personnel arrive at Araxos by sea and together with Special Boat Sq move on to Patras. Commander of Land Forces, Adriatic, controls this operation.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div encounters enemy in strength while probing southward from Namma and suspends forward movement until mid-October.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 321st Inf attacks after air, naval, and arty bombardment, driving through Garekoru to fourth phase line on left. Co E, on right, starts along east-west trail, soon called 321st Inf Trail, through central ridge system running from West Road S of Garekoru to East Road in effort to pocket strong enemy forces in Umurbrogol Mts, S part of the ridge system. Japanese counterattack at fourth phase line causes 321st Inf to fall back a little, but positions are largely restored. Gap develops between infantry and 7th Marines, since latter, to right rear, has to clear ground that 321st Inf should have taken. On Angaur, when appeal to enemy to surrender produces only 2 prisoners, arty fire is placed on the pocket throughout rest of day and ensuing night.
ULITHI – RCT 323, 81st Div, secures rest of Ulithi without opposition. The atoll becomes an excellent base for Pacific Fleet during operations against the Philippines.
25 September
WESTERN EUROPE – New boundary between 21 and 12th Army Groups becomes effective.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3rd Div, having moved up to Calais from Boulogne, begins all-out assault after preparatory bombardment. Pol armor is moving from E flank of 2 Corps to E flank of British 1 Corps.
In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, it is decided to withdraw bridgehead N of the Neder Rijn in Arnhem sector under cover of darkness, 25-26. Leaving wounded behind, British 1st A/B Div starts crossing the river, some by ferry and others swimming. U.S. 101st A/B and British 50th Divs partially envelop enemy’s roadblock near Koevering, and Germans abandon it after nightfall. 30 Corps clears Elst and Bemmel. 8 Corps takes Helmond and Gernert, NE of Eindhoven; makes patrol contact with 30 Corps in St Antonis area.
12th Army Group: Assigns sector now held by V Corps to Ninth Army. First Army is to participate in main drive of 21 Army Group on the Ruhr by taking Aachen and protecting right flank of British.
In U.S. First Army area, XIX Corps takes responsibility for corridor containing Peel Marshes from the British, who by this time have cleared it as far as Nederweert-Wessem Canal except for triangular position about Wessem. Belgian 1st Brig, although attached to British 8 Corps, holds outposts S of the canal within new zone of corps. 7th Armd Div from Third Army and 29th Div from Brest are to be employed by corps in clearing new sector. In VII Corps area, elements of 60th Inf, 9th Div, fighting in forest on S flank of corps, are by this time so weakened that they are almost incapable of continuing the battle.
In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton lists priorities for limited attacks. In XX Corps area, 5th Div, extending southward, completes relief of 7th Armd Div and withdraws to new MLR, pulling back its outpost line. Corny and Pournoy-la-Chétive, secured at great cost, are abandoned in the retrograde movement. 83rd Div, with task of clearing rear guards from N flank of corps W of Sauer and Moselle Rivers, reaches W bank of the Moselle at Remich. TF Polk then moves S to Thionville area. In XII Corps area, 35th Div is relieving 6th Armd Div (-) in Forêt de Grémecey sector. In powerful counterattacks against salient held by CCA, 4th Armd Div, German Fifth Pz Army column drives through Marsal and Moyenvic to Vic-sur-Seille where contact is made with German First Army. Enemy also thrusts sharply at other points of CCA’s perimeter and overruns Moncourt; CCB, turning over its positions W of Château-Salins to 35th Div, moves to S of CCA, between Rethicourt and the canal.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div completes clearing Epinal. 36th Div is attacking toward Bruyères and Tendon. 3rd Div takes over St Amé area from 36th Div.
In French 1st Army area, the 2nd Corps opens limited offensive with 1st Armd Div, whose third combat command has now joined it, and 1st Inf Div. Progress is limited because of firm opposition.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 (Brig Gen John S. Wood, 92nd Div ADC), consisting of 370th Inf of 92nd Div and CCB of 1st Armd Div, takes command of zone previously held by 1st Armd Div. Elements of S African 6th Armd Div move to M. Casciaio, W of M. Coroncina, and relieve 34th Cav Rcn Tr of task of screening left flank of II Corps. In II Corps area, 34th Div progresses slowly toward M. Bastione on left flank of corps. 91st Div takes M. Beni, below M. Oggioli, on right but makes little headway on left under fire from M. Bastione. 338th Inf, 85th Div, attempts to outflank enemy on M. Canda by attacking first toward Torre Poggiolli to NE, but is unable to gain this objective; 3rd Battalion, 339th Inf, tries to assist attack on Torre Poggiolli but is stopped by opposition from Montarello. Boundary between 85th and 88th Divs is altered in preparation for strong effort by 88th Div on 26th to break through last heights before Imola. 337th Inf of 85th Div takes responsibility for M. la Fine, releasing 349th Inf of 88th Div. British 13 Corps battles for heights commanding Palazzuolo, Marradi, and S. Benedetto. Several attempts by 1st Div to take M. Gamberaldi fail. Indian 8th Div begins attack on M. di Castelnuovo, where enemy resists strongly. 6th Armd Div, previously ordered to Eighth Army front, is directed to remain in place and contain enemy on right flank of corps.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div is delayed in crossing the Uso on left flank of corps by fire from Cornacchiara on far bank, but enemy withdraws, night 25-26. 46th Div expands its Uso bridgehead toward Canonica. 1st Armd Div, after establishing bridgehead across the Uso at S. Arcangelo and Highway 9, is relieved there by 56th Div. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 5th Armd Div secures bridgehead across the Uso.
CBI – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek refuses to accept Gen Stilwell as commander of Ch forces.
MOROTAI – TF TRADEWIND is dissolved. Gen Hall, as CG XI Corps, is responsible for continuing base development.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 7th Marines continues to support attack of 321st Inf, 81st Div, and extends left flank to release elements of 321st for main push. On left, 321st Inf patrols northward along coast almost to fifth phase line against light resistance. 5th Marines moves forward to join with 321st Inf in attack to clear N part of island. Right flank elements of 321st Inf continue clearing lateral trail through central ridge system, meeting strong opposition. On Angaur, 322nd Inf, whose efforts to push into the Lake Salome bowl from the S have all ended in failure, attempts in vain to find suitable route of advance into bowl from N coast. Engineers then begin construction of road for an attack from ENE.
26 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 1 A/B Corps area, daylight halts withdrawal of 1st A/B Div; about 300 remain on N bank of the Neder Rijn; some of these later escape southward. Although MARKET-GARDEN has not accomplished major objectives of gaining bridgehead beyond the Neder Rijn, outflanking the West Wall, securing positions from which to attack the Ruhr, or bringing about the collapse of the enemy in this area, it has gained valuable ground and improved Allied positions. Both U.S. divs are still badly needed. 101st A/B Div front is stabilized as engineers remove mines and reopen St Oedenrode-Veghel road.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps, now consisting of 2nd and 8th Divs and corps troops, starts by rail and motor to concentration areas in rear of V Corps, First Army.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, to ease pressure on the weak battalion of 60th Inf, 9th Div, in Huertgen Forest, 60th Inf commander moves 2 battalions – attached battalion of 39th Inf and his reserve battalion – southward from the contested ridge to cut Lammersdorf-Huertgen highway at its junction with road leading NW to Zweifall.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Gen Walker orders limited attack on Fort Driant to begin on 27th, regardless of weather. XIX TAC begins daily attacks on Metz forts. 3rd Battalion of 359th Inf, 90th Div, makes limited attack to clear road between Gravelotte and St Hubert’s Farm in preparation for large-scale attack. In XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div slightly reduces its MLR on right flank of corps in order to improve defensive positions, and enemy quickly moves into Juvelize and Coincourt without opposition. 80th Div makes vain effort to close up to Seille R line in limited attack against well-dug-in enemy: elements of 318th Inf attempt unsuccessfully to take Mt. St Jean while 317th Inf force makes futile effort to push into Moivron. 35th Div completes relief of 6th Armd Div in Forêt de Grémecey area, 6th Armd Div becoming corps reserve, although CCB is still linking 80th and 35th Divs in Leyr corridor. Enemy begins series of attacks to regain Forêt de Grémecey in evening, driving in 35th Div’s outposts.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 begins advance along Serchio valley N of Pescia. Continuing along Highway 6620 on right flank, elements of S African 6th Armd Div reach slopes of M. Gatta. Div halts advance of 24th Gds Brig up Highway 66 NW of Pistoia but continues up Highway 64 with 12th Motorized Brig. In II Corps area, 34th Div meets strong opposition in Bruscoli-Gambellate Creek area. 91st Div, with capture of M. Freddi, is ready to attack M. Oggioli. 85th Div again attacks unsuccessfully toward Torre Poggiolli, employing 1st Battalions of 338th and 339th Regiments; 2nd Battalion of 338th tries in vain to take Sambuco; 3rd Battalion, 339th, seizes Montarello. 88th Div takes M. Pratolungo on left, pushes toward Castel del Rio in center, and on right takes M. del Puntale. 1st Armd Div, less CCB, is gradually being committed to protect exposed right flank of corps. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div continues futile frontal assault on M. Gamberaldi and at night begins moving elements toward M. Toncone in effort to outflank enemy. Indian 8th Div suspends attack on M. di Castelnuovo. On right flank of corps, 6th Armd Div’s 61st Brig drives along Route 67 to Bucconi without opposition.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div establishes bridgehead across the Uso in vicinity of Cornacchiara but meets firm resistance from heights beyond when trying to expand bridgehead. 46th Div crosses additional elements over the Uso and secures Canonica. 56th Div advances along Highway 9 from S. Arcangelo to positions about halfway to Savignano. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 5th Armd Div enlarges bridgehead across the Uso. Brig of NZ 2nd Div reaches the Uso in coastal sector. Greek 3rd Mtn Brig Gp is attached to NZ 2nd Div and takes up positions on right flank.
During meeting at Gen Wilson’s headquarters at Caserta, Italy, final arrangements are made for orderly reoccupation of Greece. Gen Scobie is to control all guerrilla forces operating within Greece. Security battalions – political police formed to eliminate ELAS bands – are outlawed.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 321st Inf and 5th Marines each cut across W arm of Peleliu, forming 2 pockets of enemy. 2nd Battalion, 321st, completes clearing 321st Inf trail, cutting off enemy to S in Umurbrogol Mts. 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, pushes across the peninsula to N, isolating enemy on Amiangal Mt, at N tip. Other elements of 5th Marines drive N along W coast almost to tip of island. On Angaur, 322nd Inf gains
foothold in N part of Lake Salome bowl and clears positions along SE rim.
27 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Field Marshal Montgomery orders Gen Crerar to clear the Schelde as quickly as possible.
In British Second Army area, enemy aircraft make large-scale but futile efforts to destroy Nijmegen bridges.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 359th Inf of 80th Div, after further efforts in greater strength to gain road from Gravelotte to St Hubert’s Farm, breaks off attack; 358th Inf, having been relieved by TF Polk, moves to right of 359th, replacing 3rd Cav Rcn Sq. 5th Div begins limited attacks against Fort Driant, outer bastion of Metz barring N approach to the city; after ineffective aerial bombardment at low level, 2nd Battalion of 11th Inf attacks at 1415 but is unable to reach main works and withdraws to original positions. In XII Corps area, massed enemy tanks again attempt to drive in 4th Armd Div’s salient, making main effort on S flank where they succeed in taking Hill 318, SE of Arracourt, which commands road to Nancy; subsidiary thrusts at Bezange-la-Petite and Xanrey are largely contained. 35th Div, holding Forêt de Grémecey salient with 134th Inf on left and 137th on right, undergoes sharp counterattacks. German columns push toward Grémecey and Pettoncourt from Chambrey, reaching latter. When reinforcements from 320th Inf of 35th Div arrive, enemy falls back toward Chambrey. Other enemy forces make limited penetration into NE edge of the forest after infiltrating from Fort de Château-Salins, but most of lost ground is recovered. 6th Armd Div is alerted for possible action with 35th Div.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 makes substantial progress up Serchio valley; takes responsibility for zone of 24th Gds Brig, which is to assist in drive up Highway 6620. S African 6th Armd Div column, moving along Highway 64, reaches Collina. In II Corps area, 34th Div continues to advance slowly on left flank of corps against strong opposition. 91st Div begins assault on M. Oggioli and makes slow progress with assistance of supporting weapons and aircraft. 85th Div reaches crest of Torre Poggiolli and clears Sambuco. 88th Div takes hill dominating Highway 937 on left, Castel del Rio in center, and M. Battaglia, key feature on road to Imola, on right; 2nd Battalion, 350th Inf, establishes itself on M. Battaglia and soon undergoes the first of a series of determined enemy counterattacks. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div seizes M. Toncone, jeopardizing enemy on M. Gamberaldi. Indian 8th Div begins flanking maneuver against M. di Castelnuovo. 1st Gds Brig returns to 6th Armd Div from 10 Corps front.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div is virtually halted by enemy on ridges on left flank of corps. 46th Div expands its bridgehead slightly and holds gains against counterattacks. 56th Div, finding further progress toward Savignano barred by enemy on Castelvecchio ridge, patrols while awaiting reinforcements. Cdn 1 Corps issues instructions for future action of troops upon relief, scheduled to begin on 29th, by Pol 2 Corps. It is subsequently decided to employ Pol 2 Corps in another sector and keep Cdn 1 Corps in coastal zone. Forward elements of corps are approaching the Fiumicino. S. Mauro di Romagna and La Torre are clear of enemy.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, elements of 321st Inf begin attack on N side of Umurbrogol Pocket, which 7th Marines is helping to contain, and meet intense enemy fire. 1st Battalion drives N, clearing Kamilianlul Mt with ease and making contact with 5th Marines at junction of East and West Roads. Some elements of 5th Marines continue clearing resistance on Amiangal Mt, while others push to end of island, Akarakaro Pt. On Angaur, 322nd Inf surrounds Lake Salome bowl and gains positions along inside of it. Methodical elimination of doomed enemy there ensues.
28 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3rd Div pushes into Calais and takes the Citadel.
In British Second Army area, Germans make particularly strong counterattack against Eindhoven-Arnhem salient in futile effort to take highway bridge at Nijmegen.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, Gen Corlett orders offensive to clear Peel Marshes. 7th Armd Div is to attack from N while Belgian 1st Brig, which comes under corps control, and 113th Cav Gp make secondary effort on S.
U.S. Third Army directive places Metz first on priority list. In XII Corps area, bitter, indecisive fighting occurs on S flank of 4th Armd Div, where enemy makes repeated and determined efforts to break through to Arracourt; CCB gains and then loses crest of Hill 318, as fighting continues into night 28-29, digging in on reverse slope near crest; Germans take Hill 293, to SW, and reach E edge of Bois du Benamont. 35th Div undergoes enemy counterattacks all along line, the most determined being against NE edge of Fort de Grémecey, where
ground is lost but largely regained in counterattack. Attack from Jallaucourt against W flank of div perimeter is broken up by arty fire. Enemy forces again reach Pettoncourt before being checked. XV Corps begins limited attack to clear Forêt de Parroy. 79th Div, with 315th Inf on left and 313th on right, jumps off in afternoon after air preparation, pushing into edge of the forest.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 gains control of east-west Highway 12 along Lima Creek between Fornoli and S. Marcello; takes Lucchio. Units regroup as right boundary of corps is shifted E to Gambellate and Setta Creeks: sector of S African 6th Armd Div on right flank is sharply reduced to permit concentrated effort along Highway 6620 in support of II Corps; right boundary of RCT 6, BEF, is moved eastward to include Serchio R. II Corps finds that enemy has abandoned former strongpoints in Radicosa Pass. 135th Inf, 34th Div, seizes M. Bastione; 361st Inf, 91st Div, gains crest of M. Oggioli; M. Canda falls to 338th Inf, 85th Div. Germans counterattack desperately in effort to force 2nd Battalion of 350th Inf, 88th Div, from its exposed salient on crest of M. Battaglia, driving back forward outposts. Reinforcements (Co K) and supplies are moved forward to 2nd Battalion. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div finds that enemy on M. Gamberaldi has withdrawn.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div suspends operations on left flank of corps while awaiting reinforcements. 46th Div gives a little ground under strong counterattack. 56th Div, beginning assault on Castelvecchio ridge, night 27-28, gets elements to top but is forced to fall back at daylight and break off the attack; elements succeed in reaching the Fiumicino N of Sacignano on right flank. 1st Armd Div hq passes to Eighth Army control. 2nd Armd Brig is put under 46th Div. Cdn 1 Corps reaches positions generally along the Fiumicino. Co of Cdn 5th Armd Div crosses but is wiped out by enemy. Operations, except for patrolling, are almost at a standstill after this because of heavy rains and flooding.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps is ordered to go on the offensive on Arakan front in order to clear Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar as well as Naaf R estuary.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 321st Inf units finish clearing N part of Umurbrogol Pocket to previously designated line. 1st Battalion and 5th Marines continue clearing N part of W arm. 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, lands on 3 small islands off coast – Ngesebus, Kongauru, and an unnamed one – and begins clearing them. On Angaur, 322nd Inf continues clearing enemy pocket inside the bowl, suffering its highest casualties for a single day on the island, about 80.
29 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, armistice for withdrawal of civilians interrupts battle at Calais. In British 1 Corps area, Pol 1st Armd Div moves into line on right flank of corps and begins clearing northward to right of 49th Div.
In British Second Army area, German swimmers damage bridges at Nijmegen with submarine charges, but the bridges are soon repaired. 12 Corps reaches Hertogenbosch-Oss RR, SW of Nijmegen.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, while 7th Armd Div moves through British zone to positions from which to attack southward in Peel Marshes, Belgian 1st Brig and 113th Cav Gp open attacks from S toward Roermond but make little headway against unexpectedly strong resistance. Belgian 1st Brig is held up at triangular position in Wessem area. 29th Div completes move from Brittany into corps zone, and its arty relieves that of 2nd Armd Div. In VII Corps area, 39th Inf of 9th Div, after several days of indecisive fighting, takes Hill 554, within West Wall SE of Lammersdorf. The regiment’s penetration is now a little more than 2 miles wide.
In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton approves plan for XX Corps to attack Fort Driant again, beginning on 3 October. In XII Corps area, CCR of 6th Armd Div returns to parent unit from XX Corps zone; CCA moves to Champenoux, S of Pettoncourt. 4th Armd Div, effectively supported by air, decisively defeats enemy forces attempting to reach Arracourt and drives them southward, where they go on the defensive. Furious and confused fighting rages in Forêt de Grémecey, where 35th Div counterattacks early in morning to regain road to Fresnes-en-Saulnois and enemy pushes S from Fresnes; 137th Inf is unable to clear enemy from E part of the forest, but 3rd Battalion of 320th, counterattacking between 137th and 134th Regiments, reaches N edge of woods, and 134th Inf overruns Han. XV Corps passes to control of U.S. Seventh Army.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, elements of RCT 6, BEF, take Stazzema; 3rd Battalion relieves 3rd Battalion of 370th Inf, TF 92, in place. CCB, 1st Armd Div, is detached from TF 92 and, with British 74th Light AA Regiment under its command, receives mission of driving along Highway 64. S African 6th Armd Div pushes northward along Highway 6620 in effort to come abreast II Corps to right. In II Corps area, 34th Div repels counterattack on left at Montefredente and on right reaches Fornelli. 91st Div, with 362nd and 363rd Regiments in assault, drives about 2 miles N of Radicosa Pass astride Highway 65. 85th Div remains in place,
consolidating and patrolling. Troops of 350th Inf, 88th Div, are still hard pressed on M. Battaglia, where enemy counterattacks continue; entire 350th Regiment is ordered to this position and turns over defense of right flank to CCA, 1st Armd Div. In British 13 Corps area, enemy withdraws from M. di Castelnuovo. Engineers are opening Marradi-S. Benedetto road, which by now is secure. Corps issues instructions for regrouping in order to take over zone E of Firenzuola-Imola road. 1st Div replaces 66th and 2nd Brigs in line with 3rd Brig.
British Eighth Army is hampered all along line by heavy rains and flooding. 5 Corps advances its right flank, night 29-30, taking Savignano and Castelvecchio ridge without opposition, as Germans make limited withdrawal. Patrols cross the Fiumicino.
CBI – Strong Ch labor force begins work on trail between Myitkyina and Kunming via Teng-chung and is assisted by small group of U.S. engineers.
PALAUS – Adm Fort’s Western Attack Force (TF 32) takes command in W Carolines from Adm Wilkinson’s Joint Expeditionary Force (TF 31), releasing Adm Wilkinson for action against the Philippines. On Peleliu, 7th Marines takes responsibility for completing reduction of Umurbrogol Pocket, releasing 3rd Battalion of 321st Inf, which then starts N along route previously taken by 1st Battalion, clearing bypassed resistance as it moves. Other elements of 321st Inf relieve 5th Marines on Ngesebus and Kongauru Islands. 5th Marines continues to clear Amiangal Mt. On Angaur, 322nd Inf clears floor of Lake Salome bowl and forces enemy to NW rim and NW tip of island.
MOROTAI – Pitoe Crash Strip, the original airstrip on Morotai, is ready for use by fighters. This field is subsequently abandoned.
30 September
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 3rd Div resumes attack on Calais after armistice ends at noon. Organized resistance ceases by evening and mopping up is begun. In British 1 Corps area, Pol 1st Armd Div takes Merxplas, NW of Turnhout.
In British Second Army area, 8 Corps is on general line Weert-Meijel-Deurne-Boxmeer and thence along the Maas in Cuijk area.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 7th Armd Div, from positions near Oploo, attacks S in corridor W of the Maas during afternoon, pushing toward Vortum and Overloon and soon running into determined resistance; attacks to clear the corridor from S continue to make little headway. 115th Inf, 29th Div, relieves 2nd Armd Div in Gangelt-Teveren area.
In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 4th Armd Div, after a successful sweep S of Xanrey, goes on the defensive in a quiet sector. In a desperate attempt to recover Forêt de Grémecey, Germans make strong attack against both flanks of 35th Div’s perimeter, breaching lines of 134th and 137th Regiments within the forest. So grave is the situation that the corps commander, about 1420, orders 35th Div to fall back behind the Seille after dark, but Gen Patton directs counterattack by 6th Armd Div to restore situation. 35th Div, committing its last reserves, manages to hang on and enemy begins planned withdrawal.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div continues to meet strong opposition in Forêt de Parroy. Elements of French 2nd Armd Div assist 45th Div of VI Corps in attack on Rambervillers.
RUMANIA-YUGOSLAVIA – Troops of Third Ukrainian Front, having secured the Iron Gate – Turnu-Severin-Orsova area, where the Danube passes through the Transylvanian Alps – cross the Danube in force and push toward Belgrade.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, RCT 6 of BEF advances its right flank to Fornoli, at junction of Serchio R and Lima Creek. TF 92 thrusts to La Lima, at junction of Highways 66 and 12. S African 6th Armd Div, upon reaching upper slopes of M. Catarelto, is abreast II Corps. In II Corps area, 351st Inf of 88th Div seizes M. Cappello after hard fighting. 88th Div troops on M. Battaglia are almost driven off by further enemy attacks. Corps is now ready for drive on Po Valley and Bologna, although wearied by recent fighting and hampered by heavy rains. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div’s 3rd Brig remains on M. Toncone while Marradi-Palazzuolo road is being repaired. 17th Brig, Indian 8th Div, reaches S. Adriano, on road to Faenza.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div clears enemy from Tribola. 46th Div takes Montalbano and patrols as far as the Fiumicino. Corps begins general attack, night 30-1. Indian 4th Div takes M. Reggiano and Borghi before dawn, but 46th Div in center and 56th on right are unable to force the Fiumicino.
MOROTAI – Wama Drome is ready for emergency use.
PALAUS – Adm Fort, Commander of Western Attack Force, declares Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus, and Kongauru occupied. On Peleliu, 1st Battalion of 321st Inf relieves 5th Marines on Amiangal Mt, which is not yet completely clear of organized resistance although marines report over 1,170 Japanese killed or captured there, far more than the 500 recently estimated to be on the mountain. 7th Marines begins
attacks to reduce Umurbrogol Pocket; progress during the next few days is very slow.
1 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, mop-up of Calais is completed during morning. In British 1 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div begins drive W across Antwerp-Turnhout Canal toward Beveland Peninsula through N suburbs of Antwerp. 49th Div is engaging enemy N of St Leonard. Pol armor crosses Dutch frontier on right flank of corps.
In British Second Army area, Germans make another strong but futile attempt to reach Nijmegen bridges, pushing S from Arnhem.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XXIX TAC of U.S. Ninth Air Force, which is to support Ninth Army, is detached from IX TAC and becomes an independent body. VIII Corps, consisting of 2nd and 8th Divs and supporting units, prepares to take over sector of V Corps, First Army.
U.S. First Army spends most of its time during October encircling and reducing Aachen, from which drive on Cologne is to begin. In XIX Corps area, two-pronged attack to clear Peel Marshes continues to gain little ground. Main offensive of corps, attack on West Wall between Aachen and Geilenkirchen, cannot be undertaken as planned on this date because of poor weather conditions.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, elements of 83rd Div (Co C of 329th Inf) reach outskirts of Grevenmacher, on W bank of the Moselle N of Remich. In XII Corps area, 35th Div is clearing enemy from Forêt de Grémecey, thrusting to edge of woods at some points. CCR of 6th Armd Div moves S from Pettoncourt and clears Chambrey, where it is relieved by 137th Inf, and CCA moves around W edge of the forest through Jallaucourt to seize Lemoncourt-Fresnes ridge, which it turns over to 134th Inf. This about ends battle of Forêt de Grémecey. On N flank of corps, 80th Div begins limited attacks to improve positions W of Seille R; Co of 318th Inf attempts unsuccessfully to take farm strongpoint that controls Pont Mousson-Nomeny road.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div commits 314th Regiment in Forêt de Parroy: moving forward from Croismare, 314th gradually pinches out 313th and continues attack to right of 315th. Progress within the forest is still very slow. Elements of French 2nd Armd Div, in conjunction with attack of 45th Div (VI Corps), cut Rambervillers-Baccarat road.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, troops of S African 6th Armd Div on M. Catarelto are forced to give ground under strong enemy counterattacks. TF 45 and RCT 6 of BEF are joined under operational command of Maj Gen Enrice Gaspar Dutra, Brazilian Minister of War. II Corps begins offensive toward Bologna at 0600 after arty preparation. Enemy resists stubbornly from improvised strongpoints. On left flank of the 34th Div, 168th Inf drive down Sambro Valley until stopped by strongpoint on Hill 789; 133rd attempts to take M. del Gallete but is halted short of crest and cannot clear village of Cedrecchia. 91st Div attacks toward Loiano with 363rd Inf on left and 362nd on right but is soon held up in Monghidoro area. 339th Inf, 85th Div, heading for M. Bibele, takes La Martina and begins clearing ridge to E; on right, 337th Inf clears the ridge as far as Spedaletto. 88th Div, although still heavily engaged on right flank at M. Battaglia, attacks with 349th Inf to protect right flank of 85th Div in region E of Sillaro R, taking Belvedere. In British 13 Corps area, work continues on Palazzuolo-Marradi road in 1st Div zone. 19th Brig, Indian 8th Div, begins assault on M. Cavallara.
In British Eighth Army area, Gen McCreery, formerly 10 Corps commander, takes command of Eighth Army, relieving Gen Sir Oliver Leese, who will head Allied Land Forces in Asia. In 5 Corps area, Indian 4th Div, whose scheduled relief by Indian 10th Div must be delayed because of flooding conditions, advances left flank of corps toward the Fiumicino, pushing toward S. Martino and taking Montecchio without opposition. Activity on rest of corps front comes to a standstill along the Fiumicino. In Cdn 1 Corps area, stalemate continues along the Fiumicino. Plans to attack are made and canceled from time to time because of rain.
GREECE – From Kithira I., British Advance Coastal Forces base and 9th Commandos move by sea to Poros Bay to reconnoiter, leaving elements of Greek Sacred Regiment on Kithira. Greek Naval Port parties land on Mytilene (Lesbos), Lemnos, and Levita.
2 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Field Marshal Montgomery decides to drive SE against the Ruhr from Nijmegen rather than continue northward. Gen Eisenhower asks that the 2 U.S. divs with British Second Army be returned as soon as possible.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, after aerial preparation that is none too successful and arty bombardment that virtually eliminates enemy flak, 30th Div begins corps’ assault on West Wall, attacking across the shallow Wurm R between Aachen and Geilenkirchen. 117th Inf of 30th Div, crossing at Marienberg, reduces band of pillboxes within its sector and takes Palenberg;
119th, crossing at Rimburg, is strongly opposed from Rimburg castle and Rimburg woods and cannot get beyond RR embankment. Armor attempts to assist the assault but is mired on E bank of river. Enemy counterattack, delayed until about midnight by interdictory fire, is quickly repelled. Diversionary attack by 115th Inf of 29th Div, NW of Geilenkirchen, overruns Hatterath, Birgden, and Kreuzrath and penetrates into Schierwaldenrath despite strong opposition. 7th Armd Div is assisted by British and U.S. arty as well as aircraft as it continues effort to clear corridor W of the Maas. TF of CCB takes Vortum, but efforts to invest Overloon fail and enemy begins series of counterattacks. To S, Belgian 1st Brig breaks off action in Wessem area since it is greatly outnumbered by enemy. 113th Cav Gp makes little progress toward Roermond; establishes small bridgehead across Saeffler Creek. Corps troops receive heavy volume of arty support during day. V Corps orders attack through West Wall toward Bonn, target date 7 October.
In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, elements of 319th Inf, 80th Div, continuing limited attacks, take the farm strongpoint; 318th makes limited attack on Serrières that is unsuccessful and costly; elements of 317th get into position for attack on Sivry.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div is still strongly opposed in Forêt de Parroy, although 106th Cav Rcn Sq, screening N flank of corps, is assisting in N part of the forest. In VI Corps area, Grandvillers falls to 179th Inf, 45th Div.
POLAND – Germans suppress insurrection of patriots in Warsaw after prolonged and bloody fighting during which possibly 250,000 Poles perish.
ITALY – AAI: Boundary between U.S. Fifth Army and British Eighth Army is moved about a mile E of Highway 67.
In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 24th Gds Brig of S African 6th Armd Div continues futile efforts to take M. Catarelto. In II Corps area, 34th Div clears Cedrecchia but cannot take M. del Galletto or Hill 789 until after enemy pulls back, night 2-3. 91st Div seizes Monghidoro and reduces enemy defenses in this region. 85th Div’s 339th Inf is laboriously clearing enemy from Idice valley; 337th works on ridge between the Idice and Sillaro Rivers, taking Hill 751 but bypassing pockets of enemy. 88th Div’s 349th Inf continues to clear region E of the Sillaro. Enemy maintains pressure on M. Battaglia, where British 6th Armd Div (13 Corps) begins relief of 350th Inf.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div begins relief of Indian 4th Div. Elements of Indian 4th continue drive on S. Martino.
SEAC – British Chiefs of Staff and War Cabinet have decided that DRACULA (attack on Rangoon) cannot be undertaken in March 1945 as hoped without detracting from the main effort in Europe. Adm Mountbatten, having concluded planning for CAPITAL (drive on Mandalay) and DRACULA at reduced cost in response to request from the Prime Minister, issues directives calling for CAPITAL to be undertaken at once and DRACULA about November 1945. NCAC part of CAPITAL is to be conducted in two phases: clearing to line Indaw-Kunchaung-Sikaw-Namhkam by mid-December; to line Lashio-Mongmit-Thabaikkyin by mid-February 1945. General tasks, of NCAC are to defend air route to China and overland communications; secure that part of Assam and upper Burma within its zone.
CBI – On NCAC front, gasoline deliveries to Myitkyina by pipeline are begun.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 321st Inf finishes clearing and mopping up Amiangal Mt on N part of W arm, having killed at least 175 Japanese. 7th Marines continues attacks on Umurbrogol Pocket. On Angaur, 322nd Inf suspends costly assault against enemy pocket on NW part of the island. The pocket, known to cover an area of less than 500 yards from E to W and 150 yards from N to S, is subjected to close-in fire.
3 October
WESTERN EUROPE – RAF BC breaches Westkapelle Dike along W edge of Walcheren I., causing extensive flooding.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 117th Inf of 30th Div reaches Uebach and begins clearing house-to-house resistance; is overtaken there by CCB, 2nd Armd Div, which has crossed the Wurm at Marienberg to expand bridgehead northward while infantry works S to establish contact with VII Corps. The small bridgehead becomes very congested and neither armor nor infantry is able to get beyond Uebach. 119th Inf, 30th Div, takes Rimburg castle and woods, the latter in flanking and frontal assaults, but can go no farther; its bridgehead is only 800 yards deep. On left flank of corps, 7th Armd Div replaces CCA with CCR as efforts to invest Overloon continue.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div begins limited attack toward Maizières-lès-Metz to secure line of approach to Metz from the N and gain experience in attacking fortifications: 2 cos of 357th Inf reach large slag pile overlooking the town from NW with little difficulty. At noon 5th Div renews limited attacks on Fort Driant, S of Metz, with close arty support and smoke screen, although
weather conditions prevent planned aerial bombardment; 2nd Battalion of 11th Inf, reinforced by Co B, combat engineers, and tanks, attacks SW and NW edges; Co B forces gap in S part and Co G follows it through; fighting is confused and costly, with Germans emerging from tunnels to counterattack after nightfall. In XII Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 317th Inf, 80th Div, finishes clearing Sivry by 0555. Corps line in center and on right flank is now firmly re-established.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div, assisted by tanks, makes limited progress in Forêt de Parroy, outflanking enemy roadblock.
ESTONIA – Troops of Leningrad Front land on Dagoe (Hiiumaa), off Estonian coast at entrance to Gulf of Riga, and begin clearing the island.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, enemy withdraws from M. Catarelto early in day. 11th Armd Brig, S African 6th Armd Div, reaches M. Vigese, where enemy is firmly established. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div drives through Campiano to lower slopes of Hill 747; 133rd takes M. del Galletto. 91st Div pursues enemy northward to within a mile of Loiano. 85th Div’s 339th Inf, against weakening resistance, thrusts almost to Quinzano and takes I Boschi; 337th continues to clear ridge between Idice and Sillaro Rivers, beating off counterattacks against Hill 751 and taking Hill 628 to N. 349th Inf, 88th Div, pushes forward to Sassoleone; British 6th Armd Div continues relief of 350th on M. Battaglia, where fighting has been extremely costly. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div’s 3rd Brig begins stiff battle for M. Ceco.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div takes command of Indian 4th Div’s sector on left flank of corps. Latter passes to corps reserve.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 7th Marines gains hold on ridges along E side of Umurbrogol Pocket.
U.S. – JCS direct Gen MacArthur to seize bases on Luzon from which to support future operations. Adm Nimitz is to provide cover and support for the Luzon operation; invade Iwo Jima in January 1945 and the Ryukyus, with assistance of SWPA aircraft, 2 months later.
4 October
WESTERN EUROPE – Bombers widen gap in Westkapelle Dike on Walcheren I.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div, continuing W in region N of Antwerp toward Zuid Beveland, has cleared Merxem-Eekeren area.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps assumes responsibility for sector between First and Third Armies previously held by V Corps.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, enemy, having massed reinforcements, counterattacks strongly, particularly against Uebach, where he is thrown back by combined efforts of 117th Inf of 30th Div, armor, and arty; 119th Inf repels attack on its S flank. After considerable delay because of enemy attacks, CCB of 2nd Armd Div attacks from Uebach – TF Hinds (Col Sidney R. Hinds) on left, taking objective heights about Hoverhof, a mile N of Uebach, and continuing beyond there to high ground E of Zweibruggen, and TF Disney (Col Paul A. Disney) on right, gaining about 800 yards toward Geilenkirchen-Aachen highway at cost of 11 tanks and heavy casualties. 119th Inf is unable to advance from Rimburg woods; at night moves TF Cox (Lt Col William C. Cox), northward to envelop enemy barring advance. 120th Inf attacks W of the Wurm at Kerkrade; Germans counter strongly but withdraw during night. Continuing limited attacks, 115th Inf of 29th Div takes Breberen, on the far side of Saeffler Creek, where it is relieved by 113th Cav Rcn Sq, but is unable to clear woods near Hatterath and loses Co K in Schierwaldenrath. 7th Armd Div continues to fight hard but indecisively near Overloon. 113th Cav Gp, having suffered heavy losses, breaks off action S of Peel Marshes. V Corps changes target date for West Wall offensive to 10 October; directs 28th and 4th Divs to reconnoiter in force to E beginning on 6 October.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div units maintain positions on slag pile NW of Maizières-lès-Metz while plans are being made to attack the town itself. 5th Div sends Co K, 2nd Inf, to Fort Driant to assist hard-pressed elements of 11th Inf there. Enemy positions are slowly and laboriously being cleared. Germans from tunnels again counterattack after nightfall. In XII Corps area, German predawn counterattack isolates elements of 317th Inf, 80th Div, in Sivry. Both sides move up reinforcements. Co E attempts in vain to reach Americans within the town. Remnants of the isolated force succeed in rejoining main body.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 315th Inf of 79th Div reaches N-S road through Forêt de Parroy near its junction with main E-W road, but 314th, to right, is checked by enemy counterattack. In VI Corps’ area, 3rd Div’s 7th Inf begins assault on Vagney, SW of Gerardmer. In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, the French 1st Armd Div begins attack to envelop and take Le Thillot but is soon brought to a halt by determined opposition in Longegoutte and Gehan forest N of the town and in Servance-Château Lambert area to S.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div holds positions on slopes of Hill 747; 133rd clears M. Venere. 91st Div
is halted short of Loiano by stiff opposition. 339th Inf, 85th Div, takes Quinzano and reaches slopes of M. Bibele; 338th moves forward to relieve 339th, night 4-5; 337th gains Hill 566, far in advance of flanking forces. 88th Div gets into position to attack Hill 587, N of Sassoleone. British 13 Corps is reinforced by fresh 78th Div, whose 38th Brig starts forward to relieve 88th Div (II Corps). 3rd Brig, 1st Div, continues futile efforts to take M. Ceco.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps orders attack across the Fiumicino to begin night 6-7. Meanwhile, Indian 10th Div struggles to advance left flank of corps to the river, crossing elements over the Uso early in day and beginning assault on heights (Sogliano al Rubicone-S. Martino ridge) intervening between there and the Fiumicino.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, E African 11th Div overruns Yazagyo, in Kabaw Valley. Indian 5th Div is closing in on Tiddim.
MOROTAI – Gen Krueger declares Morotai operation at an end, although mopping up continues. Japanese dead on Morotai total 102; prisoners, 13. At least 200 are estimated killed on barges between Morotai and Halmahera. Allied casualties number about 30 killed, 85 wounded, and 1 missing. Wama field is put into use by aircraft. Permanent fighter garrison arrives and CVEs are able to leave.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 7th Marines continues attacks on Umurbrogol Pocket but by end of day is so depleted in strength that it is no longer an effective fighting force.
5 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps gets forward elements on left to Alphen, SW of Tilburg.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, CCB of 2nd Armd Div on left flank overruns villages of Zweibruggen and Frelenberg and continues toward Geilenkirchen; on right, cuts Geilenkirchen-Aachen highway but is unable to reach Beggendorf, its objective. CCA, reinforced by 3rd Battalion of 116th Inf, 29th Div, moves into bridgehead at Uebach to assist 30th Div. 117th Inf, 30th Div, attacks SE from Uebach toward Alsdorf but is soon halted; working S from Uebach area, TF Cox of 119th Inf reaches positions E of Merkstein-Herbach and clears ridge behind objective ridge except for a pillbox at its S tip. Strong opposition continues to keep 7th Armd Div from Overloon, though the town is almost encircled. Germans are assisted by heavy arty fire, which corps counters with 99 missions, despite dwindling supply of arty ammunition. German Air Force strikes at Palenberg in some strength but causes little damage. In VII Corps area, adverse weather conditions prevent 9th Div from launching attack toward Schmidt, an important objective commanding Roer R and Schwammenauel Dam, one of a series of Roer dams. V Corps closes in new zone in Monschau-Losheim area.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 5th Div maintains foothold at Fort Driant against heavy fire from surrounding forts. ADC Brig Gen A. D. Warnock takes command of a TF that is being assembled to continue operations against the fort; 1st Battalion (-Co A) of 10th Inf relieves Cos B and G of 11th at the fort, night 5-6. On N flank of corps, elements of 329th Inf, 83rd Div, assisted by arty and fighter bombers, finally clear Grevenmacher after nightfall. XII Corps orders 3-div attack to begin on 8th. Regrouping follows, with 26th Div moving into line. Several days of aerial and ground bombardment serve to weaken enemy positions in zone of projected attack.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 315th Inf of 79th Div makes unsuccessful attempt to outflank enemy at main road junction in Forêt de Parroy and elements become temporarily isolated; 314th is held up near junction and at clearing in S part of the forest. With about half of the forest cleared, 79th Div goes on the defensive while preparing for new effort to break through. In VI Corps area, 7th Inf of 3rd Div continues assault on Vagney; 15th Inf reduces quarry strongpoint near Cleurie after almost a week of hard fighting.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps concentrates against the heights N of the Moselle in Longegoutte and Gehan forest, French 3rd Algerian Div making main effort. Enemy is slowly forced up slopes of the high ground in Fort de Longegoutte.
EASTERN EUROPE – From Siauliai area of Lithuania, troops of First Baltic Front push in force toward the Baltic and East Prussia in effort to cut off German Army Group North, leaving Second and Third Baltic Fronts to continue drive toward Riga. Far to the S, Second Ukrainian forces launch offensive from Arad area of Rumania into SE Hungary, pressing NW toward Szeged and Budapest, on route to Vienna.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues alternative instructions for continuing attack after reaching Highway 9 (Bologna-Faenza) based on assumptions that enemy may or may not have withdrawn from Valle di Commachio-Apennines pocket by that time. IV Corps orders regrouping and continuation of attack toward La Spezia. S African 6th Armd Div, reinforced by CCB of 1st Armd Div presses to direct command of army in order to achieve closer coordination with II Corps to right. This leaves IV Corps so weakened that it is incapable of making a major effort. TF 92, now consisting of 370th Inf and 2nd Armd Gp (434th and 435th AAA Battalions with supporting tanks and TD’s) under command of
Maj Gen Edward M. Almond, turns over sector E of Serchio valley to 107th AAA Gp (British 39th, 47th, and 74th Light AA Regiments) and assumes responsibility for coastal sector previously held by TF 45, with orders to attack for M. Cauala, on approach to Massa. RCT 6 of BEF, as training exercise, is to continue along Serchio valley toward Castelnuovo. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div reaches Hill 661, NW of M. Venere, but enemy retains Hill 747 to rear; 133rd takes Monzuno and finishes clearing M. Venere area. 91st Div, committing 361st Inf on right, attacks with 3 regiments after preparatory arty fire and takes Loiano and M. Bastia. 85th Div takes M. Bibele on left and holds positions on Hill 566 on right. 88th Div is held up by strong opposition on Hill 587. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Div, committing 2nd Brig to left of 3rd, prepares to renew assault on M. Ceco, night of 6th, after strong arty preparation.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div, after bitter fighting, succeeds in taking Sogliano-S. Martino ridge and forcing enemy back across the Fiumicino.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, action against Umurbrogol Pocket is limited as 5th Marines begins relieving 7th Marines.
6 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps opens assault on Breskens Pocket, Cdn 3rd Div forcing Leopold Canal N of Maldegem and establishing small bridgehead against stubborn resistance.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, Gen Corlett issues orders late in day, as corps’ West Wall bridgehead is being firmly established, halting further advance until link-up has been made with VII Corps. 2nd Armd Div, instead of driving E to secure crossings of the Roer, is to maintain current positions on N flank of the bridgehead while assisting 30th Div to push SE. CCB, 2nd Armd Div, is stopped by enemy on left flank less than 1,600 yards from Geilenkirchen; on right takes villages of Beggendorf and Waurichen, the latter NE of Uebach. CCA joins 117th Inf in attack to SE that receives close air support and overruns crossroads hamlet about halfway between Uebach and Alsdorf; CCA column thrusts E almost to Baesweiler. TF Cox of 119th Inf, 30th Div, undergoes counterattack that overruns 4 pillboxes before it is checked; these are later recovered. Battalion of 120th Inf, relieved by 29th Div at Kerkrade, moves to Rimburg woods. Germans are again aided by massed arty fire, but after day’s action offer less resistance. Costly effort to clear Peel Marshes comes to an end as 7th Armd Div breaks off attack. The div has gained less than 2 miles in this operation and is still within British zone. In VII Corps area, 39th and 60th Regiments of 9th Div attack at 1130, after preparatory bombardment, in Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt against tenacious opposition. In V Corps area, Gen Gerow resumes command of corps.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, relief of elements of 357th Inf on N flank of 60th Div by TF Polk permits preparation for attack on Maizières-lès-Metz on 7th. Heavy enemy fire fails to dislodge Americans from the slag pile to NW. TF Warnock, which is strengthened by elements of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Inf, and 7th Combat Engr Battalion, prepares to renew attack on Fort Driant on 7th.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div continues battle for Vagney and clears enemy from positions astride Tendon-Le Tholy road.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, the enemy counterattacks prevent French forces from progressing against heights N of the Moselle and isolate forward elements.
ESTONIA – Soviet forces of Leningrad Front land on Oesel (Saarema), off coast of Estonia, and begin clearing the island.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div takes M. Vigese in surprise attack under cover of heavy mist, and pushes on toward M. Stanco. In IV Corps area, TF 92 begins protracted struggle in coastal sector for M. Cauala. In II Corps area, 168th Inf of 34th Div finishes clearing left flank of corps, Germans having withdrawn from Hill 747; is subsequently withdrawn to reserve; 91st Cav Rcn Sq screens left flank; 133rd Inf, faced with difficult supply problems, presses toward Monterumici hill mass. In 91st Div zone, 363rd Inf, after clearing Monzuno-Loiano road, is pinched out; 362nd attacks enemy delaying line based on M. Castellari; 361st makes slow progress on E flank of div. Withdrawing 339th Inf to reserve, 85th Div continues attack with 338th and 337th Regiments; 338th pushes toward Castelnuovo di Bisano and La Villa in effort to bring left flank abreast 337th Inf. 88th Div continues efforts to take Hill 587 on right flank of corps; relief of 350th and elements of 351st Regiments on right flank of div is completed. In British 13 Corps area, 3rd Brig of 1st Div, attacking in evening, gains precarious hold on slopes of M. Ceco.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps postpones general assault across the Fiumicino for 24 hours. 20th Brig, Indian 10th Div, makes preliminary attack toward M. Farneto, dominating feature NW of Sogliano, pushing through Strigara and gaining crest before dawn of 7th.
CBI – Gen Hurley delivers to Chiang Kai-shek President Roosevelt’s reply, in which the President agrees to recall Gen Stilwell but declines to put another U.S. officer in command of Chinese troops.
Gen Stilwell will command Ch troops in Burma and in Yunnan Province but will be relieved of responsibility for lend-lease matters. Gen Sultan is to be responsible for Hump tonnage.
PALAUS – On Angaur, particularly heavy fire is placed on enemy pocket at NW tip of island, and 322nd Inf feints attack, luring enemy into exposed positions.
7 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div, which is meeting stiff resistance in Woensdrecht region, is transferred to corps from British 1 Corps. 2 Corps is now responsible for first phase of operation to open Antwerp port – clearing Zuid Beveland as well as the Breskens Pocket S of the Schelde. Cdn 3rd Div gets reinforcements to N bank of Leopold Canal against strong resistance that prevents bridging.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div, assisted by CCA of 2nd Armd, makes substantial gains and takes about 1,000 prisoners: 117th Inf thrusts to Aldsdorf; CCA reaches Baesweiler; 119th Inf, assisted by air strike on Merkstein, reaches positions across the Wurm from Kerkrade. This puts 30th Div within about 3 miles of Wuerselen, where contact with VII Corps is expected to be made. 1st Battalion of 115th Inf, 29th Div, makes successful retaliatory raid on Schierwaldenrath. In VII Corps area, 9th Div continues attack in Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt. Forward elements reach edge of woods near Aermeter and Richelskaul, but main body is held up far behind. In V Corps area, 28th and 4th Divs advance to line of departure for West Wall offensive.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 329th Inf, 83rd Div, takes Echternach, on W bank of the Sauer, after nearly a week of fighting. With capture of Wormeldange by 331st Inf, region W of the Moselle in Luxembourg area is cleared. Germans strongly counterattack Co F of 357th Inf, 90th Div, on slag pile NW of Maizières-lès-Metz. While enemy is thus engaged, Cos E and G bypass the slag pile and push into the town, clearing N half and gaining foothold in factory area. Germans move up reinforcements at night. TF Warnock, employing 1st Battalion of 10th Inf, 5th Div, attacks to expand positions at Fort Driant, making limited progress at great cost; 2 platoons are cut off and destroyed; at night, 3rd Battalion of 2nd Inf is committed.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, Vagney falls to 7th Inf of 3rd Div.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div gets 2 cos of Frontier Force Rifles to crest of M. Stanco, where they are out of communication with main body and are forced back to Prada. In IV Corps area, TF 92 tries in vain to reinforce troops driving on M. Cauala with tanks and TD’s, but the weapons are unable to cross swollen streams. In II Corps area, 133rd Inf of 34th Div continues toward Monterumici hill mass; 1st Battalion blocks Highway 6620 at Gardeletta; 135th Inf relieves elements of 133rd in order to maintain pressure from S while 133rd makes outflanking movement to W, night 7-8. Attack by 362nd Inf, 91st Div, on M. Castellari fails. 338th Inf, 85th Div, takes Castelnuovo di Bisano but is still short of La Villa; 337th is unable to advance from Hill 566. 349th Inf, 88th Div, continues to attack on Hill 587 and seizes ridge below Il Falchetto Hill; to right, 351st is able for the first time to attack in force. In British 13 Corps area, 3rd Brig of 1st Div maintains weak hold on slopes of M. Ceco. 19th Brig, Indian 8th Div, clears M. Cavallara.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps opens attack across the Fiumicino in evening with heavy volume of arty support. Assault is preceded by light and fighter bomber strikes on enemy positions. Indian 10th Div and 46th Div make the attack while 56th Div simulates attack in Savignano area. 20th Brig, Indian 10th Div, under heavy enemy pressure on M. Farneto, is unable to gain the initiative, but 25th Brig secures positions on ridge between Roncofreddo and S. Lorenzo. 128th Brig of 46th Div seizes Montilgallo and pushes W toward Longiano and S toward S. Lorenzo.
CBI – In NCAC area, Ch 22nd Div, which has been training for fall offensive since capture of Myitkyina, begins movement to Kamaing.
MOROTAI – Fighters based on Morotai begin covering AAF bomber attacks against the Philippines.
POA – CINCPOA publishes Joint Staff Study that is based for preliminary planning for invasion of Iwo Jima, Volcano Is., in Nanpo Shoto.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, ground attacks are temporarily suspended after futile attempt by 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, assisted by tanks, to compress Umurbrogol Pocket.
8 October
WESTERN EUROPE – Boundary between 21 and 12th Army Groups is moved back to former position, giving British responsibility for Peel Marshes corridor W of the Maas.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army Area, 8 Corps takes command of U.S. 7th Armd Div and Belg 1st Brig, including U.S. attachments. These units, upon relief in current positions by 11th Armd Div, start relief of British units within their zone.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div’s hopes of making a speedy junction with VII Corps at Wuerselen are soon
dashed by enemy opposition on E flank. 119th Inf, following Wurm R valley southward, gets 1½ miles beyond Herzogenrath; 120th Inf, whose relief at Kerkrade has been completed by 29th Div, is committed between 119th and 117th and takes 2 hamlets; 117th Inf, upon reaching railroad W of Mariadorf, is counterattacked strongly by fresh enemy forces from Mariadorf, part of whom push to Alsdorf, where they are halted. Both sides suffer heavy losses and 117th Inf pulls back to edge of Alsdorf; battalion of 120th Inf moves up to reinforce 117th Inf. CCA, 2nd Armd Div, seizes Oidtweiler, NE of Alsdorf. In VII Corps area, 1st Div begins attack to encircle Aachen in conjunction with XIX Corps: while 18th Inf pushes northward through Verlautenheide, 26th is getting into position to drive through heart of the city from E; 16th Inf holds defensive line near Eilendorf. Tanks and TD’s arrive by nightfall to help assault regiments of 9th Div break out of Huertgen Forest toward Schmidt. In V Corps area, 28th Div encounters outlying positions of enemy’s West Wall defenses.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 357th Inf, 90th Div, fights from house to house within Maizières-lès-Metz for some time to come without clearing rest of the town. Confused and bitter fighting continues at Fort Driant without much change in positions. In XII Corps area, after an hour of preparatory bombardment, corps begins concerted drive toward Seille R at 0615. 6th Armd Div, making main effort, takes Moivron, where it is relieved by 80th Div; in conjunction with 80th Div envelops and takes Jeandelincourt, clears Bois de Chenicourt, though enemy retains town of Chenicourt, and seizes Arraye-et-Han. To left, 80th Div’s 318th Inf takes Manoncourt; 319th seizes Lixières, Mt Toulon, and Sivry; 317th clears Mt St Jean. 35th Div closes up the Seille on its left flank, taking Ajoncourt and Fossieux. P-47’s assist with attacks on heights between Moivron and Jeandelincourt.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 7th Inf of 3rd Div moves from Vagney NE to Sapois.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, the 3rd Algerian Div gains crest of Longegoutte heights after several days of bitter fighting.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 reaches slopes of M. Cauala but is forced back by enemy fire. In II Corps area, CCA of 1st Armd Div is attached to 34th Div. 34th Div continues attack on Monterumici hill mass, 135th Inf working slowly forward from S and 133rd from W. 362nd Inf, 91st Div, gets elements to crest of M. Castellari, night 8-9; 361st makes substantial progress to E, clearing villages E of M. Castellari, cutting Highway 65 at La Fortuna, and pushing to edge of Livergnano escarpment, a feature strongly favored by nature for defense. 338th Inf, 85th Div, forces enemy back to M. delle Formiche; 337th is still unable to progress appreciably from Hill 566. 349th Inf, 88th Div, upon reaching crest of Hill 587, finds it undefended; elements seize Il Falchetto Hill. In British 13 Corps area, 3rd Brig of 1st Div gains summit of M. Ceco, but enemy retains heights nearby. On right flank of corps, 6th Armd Div thrusts along Highway 67 to edge of Portico but cannot force an entrance; elements probe toward Tredozio.
In British Eighth Army’s 10 Corps area, hq, 1st Armd Div, arrives and takes command of corps forces. In 5 Corps area, since 20th Brig of Indian 10th Div is still held up on M. Farneto, 10th Brig is committed to outflank enemy, some elements pressing toward Montecodruzzo on left and others taking S. Paola on right. Indian 25th Brig takes S. Lorenzo and drives toward Roncofreddo. 46th Div is working toward Longiano.
GREECE – British forces from Araxos have reconnoitered along N coast of the Peloponnesus to Corinth, which is free of enemy; elements of 9th Commandos are in Nauplia, on Gulf of Nauplia S of Corinth.
9 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps continues clearing Breskens Pocket. Amphibious assault force of Cdn 3rd Div lands at E end of the pocket, taking enemy by surprise and establishing bridgehead; other elements of div expand holdings N of Leopold Canal in Maldegem area. 4th Armd Div exerts pressure on enemy positions at E end of the canal. Germans continue vigorous defense of Zuid Beveland causeway, holding 2nd Div to slight gains in Woensdrecht area.
In British Second Army area, 1 A/B Corps returns to United Kingdom.
12th Army Group: Gen Bradley decides to shift Ninth Army hq to N flank of army group, where it is to take command of XIX Corps of First Army in place; leave VIII Corps in current positions and attach it to First Army. These changes are to become effective on 22 October. 12th Army Group takes direct control of 94th Div from Ninth Army.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 119th Inf of 30th Div drives through Bardenberg to N Wuerselen; 120th is kept from Euchen and Beek, villages astride road to Bardenberg, by enemy force crossing its front en route to Bardenberg; 117th clears Schaufenberg and tries unsuccessfully to reach Mariadorf, then is authorized to go on the defensive in Alsdorf-Schaufenberg region. At night, enemy force reaches Bardenberg and routs small holding force of 119th Inf, isolating main body of that regiment in N Wuerselen; 119th Inf reserves
attempt to regain Bardenberg from the N but are stopped at the village. In VII Corps area, 1st Div continues operations against Aachen. 9th Div attacks to break out of Huertgen Forest; assisted by tanks, forward battalion of 60th Inf emerges in Richelskaul area and 2 platoons of 39th Inf at Wittscheidt. In V Corps area, planned attack on West Wall is postponed until 11 October.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, it is decided to break off costly action against Fort Driant. Indecisive fighting continues within Maizières-lès-Metz. In XII Corps area, CCA of 6th Armd Div, attacking through CCB attempts to take final objective of div, plateau W of Létricourt; elements clear woods SW of Létricourt but column to right comes under heavy fire from Chenicourt and cannot reach Létricourt; CCB sends reinforcements forward. To left, 80th Div advances abreast or nearly so of armor. This ends corps’ offensive toward the Seille. 80th Div gradually takes over positions won by armor and improves them. Germans retain Létricourt and from time to time mount small, ineffective counterattacks. Enemy force breaks into Fossieux, where it is engaged by 35th Div. Corps front is largely quiet for rest of month and early days of November. Regrouping and rotation of front-line troops is thus possible.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div makes all-out effort to clear rest of Forêt de Parroy, gaining main road junction in center and thereby making enemy positions untenable. Germans withdraw from the forest after nightfall.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, the 3rd Algerian Div forces the Moselotte in Thiéfosse-Saulxures region and takes village of Trougemont.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, boundary between U.S. II and British 13 Corps is altered to permit 88th Div, on right flank of II Corps, to concentrate fully on northward drive and to give 13 Corps for Santerno R valley. S African 6th Armd Div regroups for another effort against M. Stanco, giving CCB responsibility for left flank along Highway 64. In IV Corps area, TF 92 pushes to top of M. Cauala without opposition but later in day is forced to withdraw. Next 2 days are devoted to preparations for another assault. RCT 6 of BEF, pushing northward along the Serchio, halts near Barga to avoid possible enemy counterattack. In II Corps area, 34th Div continues to make slow progress against Monterumici hill mass. 91st Div repels counterattack from Livergnano, mops up, and prepares for coordinated effort against formidable Livergnano escarpment: Co K of 361st Inf reconnoiters to edge of Livergnano, where it is cut off from main body; Cos E and G move to positions above Bigallo and are pinned down. 338th Inf, 85th Div, now well ahead of 337th, prepares to attack M. delle Formiche in conjunction with attack of 91st Div; 1st Battalion outflanks La Villa. 337th Inf prepares for full-scale effort against Hill 578, peak of Monterenzio hill mass. 349th Inf, 88th Div, begins clearing ridge leading to M. delle Tombe; 351st reaches edge of Gesso. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div, reinforced, takes responsibility for M. Battaglia and M. Cappello, on left flank of corps; 1st Gds Brig, 6th Armd Div, remains on M. Battaglia but comes under command of 78th Div. Indian 8th Div gets into position for attack on M. Casalino.
In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps, upon regrouping in connection with arrival of 1st Armd Div hq, pursues retreating enemy northward along Highway 71; rcn elements find M. Castello and Mercato Saraceno clear. In 5 Corps area, hard fighting develops at S. Paola as Germans make unsuccessful attempt to recover it. 138th Brig, 46th Div, relieves 25th Brig, Indian 10th Div, on ridge N of Roncofreddo.
SEAC – Prime Minister Churchill asks Adm Mountbatten to meet him in Cairo to consider premonsoon operations. T. V. Soong presents to Gen Hurley an aide memoire from Chiang Kai-shek denouncing Allied strategy in southeast Asia. Gen Stilwell is blamed for loss of E China but the criticism falls indirectly upon President Roosevelt.
POA – In Warning Order for invasion of Iwo Jima, CINCPOA designates Fifth Fleet Commander, Adm Spruance, as commander of the operation (CTF 50); Vice Adm Richmond K. Turner, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific, to command joint Expeditionary Force (TF 51); Lt Gen Holland M. Smith, USMC, CG, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, as commander of Expeditionary Troops (TF 56). 20 January 1945 is set tentatively as invasion date. Expeditionary troops are to be mounted in Hawaiian area and in the Marianas.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 5th Marines renews attack on Umurbrogol Pocket but makes little headway.
MARCUS I. – Bombarded by warships of Third Fleet task group.
10 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, after further efforts to clear Bardenberg, reserve battalion of 119th Inf, 30th Div, withdraws at night to permit shelling of enemy there; 120th Indian seizes Birk crossroads, which controls road to Bardenberg, thus jeopardizing enemy forces at Bardenberg; 30th Div claims 20 German tanks during fighting on 9th and 10th. In VII Corps area, so favorable do the prospects of closing the Aachen gap appear that 1st Div delivers ultimatum calling for surrender of the city within 24 hours. In Huertgen Forest, Germans overrun the
2 forward platoons of 39th Inf of 9th Div in Wittscheidt area early in day; 39th Inf later recovers lost ground and takes Germeter without opposition; 60th Inf units re-enter the woods and seize road junction almost a mile SW of Richelskaul.
In U.S. Third Army area, III Corps hq (Maj Gen John Milliken), which has recently arrived on the Continent, is assigned to Third Army. In XII Corps area, 35th Div clears enemy from Fossieux.
6th Army Group: In French 1st Army area, the 2nd Corps expands Moselotte bridgehead to Planois, on E-W road to La Bresse. Hopes of a quick lateral thrust to secure that communications center are dashed when corps is asked to extend northward to line Fougerolles-Remiremont-Le Tholy-Gerardmer, effective on 14th, to relieve S flank units of U.S. Seventh Army. No further effort is made at this time to extend holdings along N bank of the Moselotte.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet troops of First Baltic Front break through to the Baltic Sea near Memel (Lithuania), which is being invested; to left thrust to Niemen R at NE border of Prussia. Forces of Third Ukrainian Front cut Nis-Belgrade RR at Velika Plana (Yugoslavia).
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div makes another futile attempt to take M. Stanco, getting almost to crest before being driven back. II Corps opens third phase of offensive toward Bologna. 34th Div tries in vain to outflank the Monterumici hill mass. In 91st Div zone, 361st Inf makes main effort against Livergnano escarpment without appreciable gains. Efforts to relieve Co K in Livergnano fail; most of the co is captured by enemy. 2nd Battalion of 338th Inf, 85th Div, its left flank protected by 2nd Battalion of 363rd Inf, 91st Div, attacks lofty M. delle Formiche but, although strongly supported by air and arty, is stopped short of crest; 337th, reinforced by 1st Battalion of 338th, makes some progress toward Hill 578 of Monterenzio hill mass. In 88th Div zone, 350th Inf attacks through 349th on left flank of div in effort to come abreast 85th Div to left, reaching Hill 339, above Il Falchetto Hill, on left and positions near M. delle Tombe on right; 351st Inf makes little headway against Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area, 2nd Brig of 1st Div takes command of div front, relieving 3rd Brig. Indian 8th Div gains positions near top of M. Casalino.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, German opposition along the Fiumicino collapses with capture of Spaccato by Indian 10th Div. 46th Div takes Longiano and La Crocetta. 56th Div patrols across the river on right flank of corps. Cdn 1 Corps regroups for drive across the Fiumicino. Rcn elements of 1st Div cross at Savignano di Romagna without opposition; bridging is begun at the crossing site.
RYUKYU IS. – Fast carrier task force of Third Fleet successfully attacks Okinawa, depleting enemy’s air and surface strength there and damaging airfields and facilities. Aerial photographs of the island are obtained.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 5th Marines makes limited progress against Umurbrogol Pocket.
11 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, reserve battalion of 120th Inf, 30th Div, captures Bardenberg with little difficulty, opening route to N Wuerselen. In VII Corps area, with expiration of surrender ultimatum, Aachen is subjected to heavy aerial and arty bombardment; patrols of 1st Div probe enemy defenses. 60th Inf, 9th Div, holds road junction in Huertgen Forest against counterattack and tries unsuccessfully to take another, between first junction and forester’s lodge of Jaegerhaus. Enemy resistance to rear is weakening. 39th Inf tries in vain to cross open ground between Germeter and Vossenack; elements, moving along draw from Wittscheidt, gain positions N of Vossenack.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 83rd Div reverts to VIII Corps, Ninth Army, in place and XX Corps’ N boundary is moved S to Sierck-les-Bains. TF Polk is given mission of defending N flank of corps W of the Moselle.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps issues instructions for drive to the Meurthe, calling for capture of Bruyères and Brouvelieures, followed by attack on St Dié. To deceive enemy, heavy program of fire is begun against approaches to Gerardmer.
In French 1st Army area, the 2nd Corps concentrates on clearing region S of the Moselotte.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet troops of Second Ukrainian Front force the Tisza (Tisa) River on broad front at Szeged, Hungary’s second largest city, seriously threatening Budapest; others are battering Debrecen, in region E of Budapest; still others, assisted by Rumanians, take Cluj, capital of Transylvania.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 begins another assault on M. Cauala in evening. RCT 6, BEF, takes Barga. In II Corps area, 133rd Inf of 34th Div withdraws to reserve upon relief by CCA, 1st Armd Div. Further efforts to clear Monterumici hill mass accomplish little. 91st Div strengthens its assault on Livergnano escarpment, committing 363rd on right, but makes slow progress; elements of 363rd reach top of escarpment. 2nd Battalion of 338th Inf, 85th Div, gains crest of M. delle Formiche in costly fighting while 3rd Battalion clears E slopes; 337th
Inf inches forward toward Hill 578 of Monterenzio hill mass. 350th Inf, 88th Div, gains foothold on M. delle Tombe; 351st continues efforts to clear Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area final enemy counterattack against M. Battaglia is repelled.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div, upon relief on right flank of corps by 1st Div of Cdn 1 Corps, is withdrawn to reserve and reduced to a skeleton force. Boundary between 5 Corps and Cdn 1 Corps is altered to place Highway 9 within zone of Cdn 1 Corps. Indian 10th Div and 46th Div continue toward the Savio and Cesena, seizing Montecodruzzo, heights E of the Rubicone at Montiano, and Montenovo. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div strengthens and expands bridgehead across the Fiumicino, moving along Highway 9 almost to the Rigossa. NZ 2nd Div establishes 2 bridgeheads across the Fiumicino N of Savignano without opposition and, during night 11-12, takes Gatteo.
CBI – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek asks that President Roosevelt recall Gen Stilwell immediately.
P.I. – Carrier aircraft of Third Fleet attack Luzon to neutralize enemy airpower there.
12 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3rd Div attacks southward against Peel Marshes salient, clearing Overloon. U.S. 7th Armd Div provides diversionary demonstration along Deurne-Venray road.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div with objective of taking Wuerselen and closing Aachen gap, is prevented from doing this by series of enemy counterattacks aimed at widening the Aachen corridor and forcing corps back to line Bardenberg-Euchen. Germans are thrown back at Birk, SE of Bardenberg, and at N Wuerselen with aid of aircraft and arty, but new panzer units are identified, indicating major reinforcement of the region. Corps regroups to meet this threat. In VII Corps area, in preparation for main assault on Aachen, 3rd Battalion of 26th Inf, 1st Div, clears factory district between Aachen and Haaren. Air and arty bombardment of Aachen continues. In Huertgen Forest, German counterattack severs MSR of 39th Inf, 9th Div, on E-W trail leading into Germeter. Forward elements N of Vossenack, although not under attack, are recalled to help restore situation. In V Corps area, CCA of 5th Armd Div leaves for XIX Corps sector, where it will be held in army reserve.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 357th Inf, 90th Div, moves into Maizières-lès-Metz to bolster weary 2nd Battalion. Last elements of 5th Div withdraw from Forêt Driant, night 12-13. In XII Corps area, 26th Div relieves 4th Armd Div on right flank of corps.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Second Ukrainian Front take Oradea (Transylvania), continue battle for Debrecen (Hungary), and cut Belgrade-Budapest RR at Subotica (Yugoslavia).
ITALY – AAI: In U.S Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 92 pushes to crest of M. Cauala but is again forced to retire. Efforts to take M. Cauala are suspended for next few days. In II Corps area, 135th Inf of 34th Div extends eastward as it continues, in conjunction with CCA of 1st Armd Div, to attack Monterumici hill mass. 91st Div get additional elements up Livergnano escarpment but is unable to clear it. 3rd Battalion of 338th Inf, 85th Div, attacks N through 2nd Battalion on crest of M. delle Formiche; Germans defend Hill 578 against attacks of 337th Inf. 88th Div continues to attack M. delle Tombe and clears Gesso ridge. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div is assigned positions SW of M. Ceco to ease strain on 1st Div.
British Eighth Army is ordered to release Indian 4th Div and Greek 3rd Mtn Brig for service outside Italy. In 5 Corps area, corps presses from the Rubicone toward the Savio and Cesena. Indian 10th Div advances its left flank to M. dell’Erta, E of the Savio; elements crossing the Rubicone to N are held up in Sorrivoli. Attacking across the Rubicone on right flank of corps, 46th Div takes Casale.
CORFU-ALBANIA – British commando force from Land Forces, Adriatic, lands on Corfu and in Sarande area of S Albania.
GREECE – Advance detachment of British 4th Para Battalion and Royal Engrs is dropped in Megara area to secure and repair airfield. Piraeus and Kalamata are found to be clear of enemy.
FORMOSA – In preparation for invasion of Leyte, TF 38, Third Fleet, begins series of powerful carrier aircraft strikes against Formosa to neutralize enemy air and naval power, evoking strong opposition.
SWPA – Gen MacArthur issues orders for invasion of Luzon, to be undertaken by U.S. Sixth Army’s I Corps (6th and 43rd Divs, reinforced) and XIV Corps (37th and 40th Divs, reinforced). 25th Inf and 11th A/B Divs, RCT 158, 6th Ranger Battalion, and 13th Armd Gp constitute reserve and follow-up forces. Various service units are assigned as army and corps troops.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, Gen Geiger opens III Amphib Corps CP ashore and declares assault and occupation phase at an end. 1st Mar Div is now responsible only for the Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st Inf takes responsibility for eastern arm of the island and begins relieving Marine units. Island Garrison Force takes over region S of the Umurbrogol Pocket.
13 October
WESTERN EUROPE – Germans launch first V-bomb against Antwerp, which, next to London, proves to be the primary target for these weapons.
21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3rd Div attacks from Overloon toward Venray, 3 miles distant, against strong opposition.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div, having turned over positions W of the Wurm at Kerkrade to 1104th Combat Engr Gp, takes over attack to close Aachen gap: reinforced by tanks from 2nd Armd Div, 116th begins frontal assaults against Wuerselen on narrow front that invites concentrated enemy fire; little progress is made during this and the next two days. In VII Corps area, 26th Inf of 1st Div begins all-out assault on Aachen: while 2nd Battalion fights from house to house within the city, 3rd pushes to base of Observatory Hill, one of 3 heights commanding the city from the N, the others being Salvator Hill and the Lousberg. In Huertgen Forest, 60th Inf, 9th Div, gains its objective, Road Junction 471; 39th seals off enemy penetration and begins drive to recover lost ground.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps’ plan for stronger assault on Maizières-lès-Metz is abandoned as result of Third Army order freezing all arty ammunition above 3-inch.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div, working eastward from Forêt de Parroy, takes Emberménil.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet troops of Second and Third Baltic Fronts overrun Riga, capital of Latvia and important naval base on Gulf of Riga. This success, coupled with recent drive to the Baltic in Memel area of Lithuania, has trapped a large German force in W Latvia. Soviet offensive on Baltic front is soon suspended.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 12th Motorized Brig of S African 6th Armd Div renews attack on M. Stanco early in morning after arty preparation and, assisted by diversionary thrust to E of Grizzana, captures objective; CCB, on left flank, takes Bombiana, on Highway 64. In II Corps area, 34th Div partially outflanks enemy on Monterumici hill mass from E; 168th Inf is shifting eastward to M. delle Formiche. Enemy hold on Livergnano area is beginning to weaken under blows of 91st Div and arty and aerial bombardment. 361st Inf of 91st Div gains Hill 603, above Livergnano, and village of Casalino, NW of Livergnano; 363rd Inf clears E part of the plateau. 337th Inf, 85th Div, at last takes Hill 578 and reduces opposition on Monterenzio hill mass; during night 13-14, is relieved by 339th Inf. 2nd Battalion of 350th Inf, 88th Div, crosses Sillaro R W of Hill 339, night 13-14, and drives northward through weak spot in enemy defenses; 351st Inf thrusts toward M. Spadura from Gesso ridge until stopped by counterattack. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div begins attack on M. la Pieve.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div takes Sorrivoli but is held up near M. delle Vacche. 46th Div seizes Carpineta, night 13-14. In Cdn 1 Corps area, some elements of NZ 2nd Div are held up by strongpoint at S. Angelo, but others patrol to the Rigossa.
GREECE – British commandos (9th Cdo) and Sq B of Greek Sacred Regiment land at Piraeus and secure Kalamata airfield in preparation for main landing on 15th. Rest of 4th Para Battalion and Royal Engr force are dropped at Megara; after securing the airfield these forces move overland to Athens and Kalamata without opposition. U.S. 51st Troop Carrier Wing participates in British occupation of S Greece (Operation MANNA) during period 13-18 October, taking in personnel and equipment.
CBI – Gen Hurley recommends to President Roosevelt that Gen Stilwell be relieved and that another U.S. officer be named to command Chinese Army.
FORMOSA – TF 38 continues air strikes to neutralize Formosa. Cruiser is badly damaged by enemy torpedo.
SWPA – VII Amphibious Force, with elements of Leyte invasion force embarked, sails from Hollandia for target. GHQ issues instructions for capture of air base in San Jose area of Mindoro, from which further operations against the Philippines will be supported and small shore-to-shore operations will be conducted to deceive enemy on Luzon. For this task, Sixth Army forms Western Visayan Task Force under Brig Gen William C. Dunckel during early November. The force eventually consists primarily of RCT 19 of 24th Div and 503rd Para RCT, a separate unit. 21st Inf of 24th Div, less 3rd Battalion, is allocated as the reserve force; 3rd Battalion is to conduct deceptive operations.
MOROTAI – Medium bombers begin operations from the island.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, RCT 321 is alerted to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket, where some progress is being made against W side. On Angaur, 322nd Inf begins final push to eliminate enemy pocket on N Angaur.
14 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn 2 Corps area, land approach to Breskens Pocket from E is secured by Cdn 3rd Div at Isabella, tip of Savojaards Plaat.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 26th Inf of 1st Div continues to make
slow progress in Aachen and on Observatory Hill. 9th Div commits elements of 47th Inf to insure safety of Road Junction 471 in Huertgen Forest.
6th Army Group: In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, 3rd Algerian Div finishes clearing Forêt de Gehan and takes Cornimont, but by this time is so weakened that offensive is broken off.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div finds Grizzana undefended. In II Corps area, enemy clings to Monterumici defenses despite attacks by 135th Inf of 34th Div and CCA of 1st Armd Div. At noon 1st Armd Div takes command of 135th Inf and CCA. 133rd Inf shifts eastward to 91st Div zone. 91st Div improves positions in Livergnano area and takes Querceta. Germans abandon Livergnano village. 339th Inf, 85th Div, pushes northward from Hill 578. 2nd Battalion of 350th Inf, 88th Div, takes Hill 373, N of Hill 339; 351st Inf, ordered to consolidate on Gesso ridge, breaks off attacks. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div continues attacks toward M. la Pieve.
In British Eighth Army area, 2 Pol Corps takes command of 10 Corps sector and troops on left flank of army with orders to drive on Forlì. 5 Corps continues to clear heights E of the Savio, 46th Div seizing M. dei Pini, beyond Carpineta. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div takes village of Bulgaria. Elements of NZ 2nd Div clear S. Angelo, night 14-15.
YUGOSLAVIA – Soviet and Yugoslavia forces are converging on Belgrade, which is encircled.
CBI – Gen Stilwell flies to E China, where Chinese are preparing to take the offensive.
FORMOSA – TF 38 achieves its purpose of neutralizing Formosa, where some 280 enemy planes have been destroyed since 12th, but another cruiser, Houston, is damaged by Japanese torpedo. Part of the TF withdraws from Formosa area in effort to lure enemy fleet into the open.
SWPA – III Amphibious Force, with elements of Leyte invasion force that have reached Manus from Hawaii aboard, sail for Leyte.
POA – CG, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, designates CG, V Amphibious Corps (Gen Schmidt, USMC) as Landing Force Commander (CTG 56.1) for Iwo Jima operation and directs him to prepare plans.
PALAUS – Adm Fort turns over control of all operations in the Palaus to Adm Hoover, heading Forward Area Central Pacific (TF 57). On Peleliu, 81st Div prepares to relieve marines at Umurbrogol Pocket while defending eastern arm of the island, recalling 2nd Battalion of 321st Inf from offshore islands. On Angaur, attack and occupation phase is terminated by III Amphib Corps, although pocket still remains at NW tip.
15 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Is strengthened by attachment of U.S. 104th Div from Ninth Army. Div is to join British 1 Corps under Cdn First Army in action to open port of Antwerp.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, VIII Corps is reinforced by newly arrived 9th Armd Div.
In U.S. First Army’s XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div and supporting tanks from 2nd Armd Div continue efforts to close Aachen gap with frontal attacks but by this time have gained only 1,000 yards. New plan of attack to speed line-up with VII Corps is formulated. In VII Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 26th Inf, 1st Div, gains most of Observatory Hill, N of Aachen, but Germans counterattack sharply and recover positions in N part; since 16th Inf line near Eilendorf is under strong enemy pressure, 1st Div is ordered to suspend Aachen offensive temporarily. 9th Div’s drive on Schmidt ends far short of objective; both sides have suffered heavy casualties; 39th Inf recovers all ground lost recently and still holds Wittscheidt and Germeter. V Corps releases CCB, 5th Armd Div, which moves to VII Corps area as First Army reserve.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area 313th Inf of 79th Div tries in vain to dislodge enemy from hill mass E of Forêt de Parroy. VI Corps opens drive on Bruyères from N, W and S. 179th Inf, 45th Div, begins clearing woods N of the town in effort to cut Bruyères-Brouvelieures road. 36th Div attacks on W with attached 442nd Inf (Nisei), which includes 100th Battalion, recently arrived from Italy, and on S with 143rd Inf along road from Fays. 3rd Div begins secret move N in preparation for drive on St. Dié.
FINLAND – Soviet forces of Karelian Front clear enemy from port of Petsamo.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div comes up abreast II Corps to right; with occupation of heights NE of Grizzana, gains control of lateral Highway 6424. In II Corps’ 1st Armd Div sector, enemy continues to defend Monterumici, although this position is being outflanked. 34th Div, less 135th Inf, prepares to attack in new zone. 91st Div consolidates positions N of Livergnano. 85th Div holds line astride Idice R beyond M. delle Formiche and Monterenzio hill mass. 88th Div extends its left flank northward beyond Hill 369 to positions abreast 85th Div while regrouping and consolidating on right flank. British 13 Corps, ordered to take responsibility for Gesso ridge from II Corps, begins relief of U.S. 88th Div there with 78th Div.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps takes M. delle Vacche and M. Burratini without opposition but is halted short of M. Reale and M. Romano. In Cdn 1
Corps area, Gambettola falls to NZ 2nd Div without a fight.
GREECE – After delay while mines are being cleared, Gen Scobie’s Force 140 (British 3 Corps and Greek troops) arrives off Piraeus in evening and goes ashore. Gen Scobie, upon landing, sets up his hq in Athens and orders retreating enemy pursued by land and harassed by air.
SEAC – Adm Mountbatten leaves Kandy (Ceylon) for Cairo to meet Prime Minister Churchill.
CBI – NCAC opens offensive to clear N Burma and open supply route to China (CAPITAL), pushing southward from Myitkyina toward line Katha-Shwegu-Bhamo almost unopposed. British 36th Div, which has been moving S in Burma Railway corridor during the monsoon season, continues drive with 29th Brig from Namma area and is followed by Ch 50th Div. In center, Ch 22nd Div moves SE from Kamaing area in region between the RR corridor and Myitkyina-Bhamo road in effort to secure bridgehead over the Irrawaddy at Shwegu. Ch 38th Div attacks on E flank to secure Bhamo-Mansi area, with 113th Regiment leading. In addition to Ch New Sixth and New First Armies, NCAC now has under its command Ch 1st Separate Regiment, U.S. 475th Inf (containing GALAHAD survivors) and U.S. 124th Cav (Texas National Guard), which is to be combined into 5332nd Brig (Prov), later called TF MARS, with strength of about a div.
ANGAUR – First plane lands on airfield.
P.I. – Task group of TF 38 attacks Luzon airfields.
16 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Field Marshal Montgomery halts offensive operations except those to speed opening of Antwerp port.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Zuid Beveland Isthmus is virtually sealed off with capture of Woensdrecht by Cdn 2nd Div. Cdn 3rd Div continues to reduce Breskens Pocket S of the Schelde. The pocket is about half its original size.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 3rd Div reaches outskirts of Venray. CCB, U.S. 7th Armd Div, establishes bridgehead across canal on Deurne-Venray road.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, army closes ring about Aachen as patrols of XIX and VII Corps establish contact on Ravels Hill at 1615. In XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div continues to batter Wuerselen, 30th Div attacks southward astride Wurm R with 119th Inf; patrol makes contact with a patrol of 18th Inf, 1st Div, VII Corps. 120th and 117th Regiments of 30th Div make limited attacks within their respective sectors. In VII Corps area, Germans react promptly and vigorously to closing of Aachen gap, attempting to overrun roadblock on Aachen-Wuerselen highway, night 16-17. 16th Inf, 1st Div, stabilizes positions in Eilendorf area.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th and 36 Divs, against firm opposition, close in on Bruyères, column from S pushing through Laval.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, 3rd Algerian Div and French 1st Armd Div begin attack to pierce enemy’s winter line in the Vosges, pressing toward heights E of the Moselotte against violent opposition.
EASTERN EUROPE – Forces of Third White Russian Front launch offensive to break into East Prussia, which Germans are prepared to defend.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 6th S African Armd Div, in conjunction with II Corps to right, renews northward attack between the Reno and Setta Rivers. II Corps begins final phase of attack toward Bologna, making main effort in center; left flank is still held up below Monterumici hill mass. 91st Div drives N astride Highway 65: passing through 361st Inf, 362nd heads for Lucca; 361st attacks along Highway 65 in center, elements pushing W of Casalino to protect left flank; 363rd advances toward M. Belmonte to help 34th Div take the feature. 34th Div attacks with 2 regiments abreast: on left, 133rd drives through 91st Div on narrow front toward M. Belmonte, target for arty and aerial bombardment. Searchlights provide illumination for night action. At this time the use of artificial moonlight is still in the experimental stage. 168th Inf of 34th Div attacks through 338th Inf of 85th Div on broad front between Zena Creek and Idice R, heading for M. della Vigna, N of M. delle Formiche. E of the Idice, 85th Div’s 338th Inf attacks toward M. Fano while 339th attacks toward ridge above Monterenzio, taking Hill 622. 88th Div drives toward M. Cuccoli-M. Grande ridge on right flank of corps: 350th Inf makes no headway toward M. Cuccoli, but 349th takes M. delle Tombe and reaches S. Clemente. New boundary between II and British 13 Corps, effective 2330, passes between M. delle Tombe and M. Spadura, sharply reducing zone of 88th Div. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div completes relief of U.S. forces on Gesso ridge.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps clears M. Romano and M. Reale, night 16-17. Elements of 20th Brig, Indian 10th Div, establish small bridgehead across the Savio near its confluence with the Borello on S flank of corps. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div advances quickly toward Cesena, elements crossing Pisciatello R. Orders are issued for concerted attack on Cesena by Cdn 1 and British 5 Corps. NZ 2nd Div takes Bulgarno without opposition.
YUGOSLAVIA – Soviet and Yugoslav forces are fighting side by side in streets of Belgrade. Nis, on Sofia-Belgrade RR line, is now free of enemy.
CAROLINE IS. – On Peleliu, RCT 321 of 81st Div, takes responsibility for completing reduction of Umurbrogol Pocket and is relieving marines there. Fresh forces, 1st Battalion of 323rd Inf, from Ulithi are assisting 321st Inf. At Ngulu Atoll, elements of 81st Div begin clearing the atoll, which lies between Yap and the Palaus.
17 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Venray falls to 3rd Div. 11th Armd Div attacks E through bridgehead of CCB, U.S. 7th Armd Div; latter pushes S along E bank of canal.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div, untried in combat, closes in Lunéville area; 114th is attached to 79th Div. In VI Corps area, 45th and 36th Divs are slowed by strong opposition as they continue to close in on Bruyères.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, 3rd Algerian Div and French 1st Armd Div make limited gains but at such high cost that Gen de Lattre calls a halt and corps goes on the defensive. Army commander decides to drive on Belfort in 1st Corps zone.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, patrol of TF 92 reaches crest of M. Cauala, night 17-18. In II Corps area, coordinated attack by CCA, 1st Armd Div, and 135th Inf against Monterumici hill mass makes little progress. 91st Div takes Lucca and improves positions to E. 91st Inf and 1st Armd Divs are alerted to expect enemy spoiling attack and take precautionary measures to insure continuance of corps offensive to E. Particularly heavy enemy fire is directed against Livergnano area. 34th Div is clearing slopes of M. Belmonte and takes crest of M. della Vigna. 85th Div continues forward above Monterenzio. 350th Inf, 88th Div, presses on toward M. Cuccoli and 349th comes up abreast. In British 13 Corps area, 21st Brig of Indian 8th Div begins assault on M. Pianoreno. 1st Div’s 66th Brig attacks in M. Ceco area.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps opens offensive toward Forlì in evening, although all its forces have not yet assembled. 5th Kresowa Div leads off, pushing toward Galeata from S. Piero in Bagno area, its right flank protected by British 1st Armd Div. 5 Corps is meeting strong opposition at Acquarola and Celincordia. 4th Div begins relief of 46th Div, night 17-18.
GREECE – Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece (until 3 October designated Allied Military Liaison Headquarters, Greece) begins arriving in Athens to distribute relief supplies.
P.I. – To insure safe passage of main Leyte invasion force into Leyte Gulf, 6th Ranger Battalion makes preliminary landings on small islands at approaches to the gulf after preparatory bombardment. Co D lands on Suluan I., and rest of 6th Ranger Battalion, less Co B, lands on Dinagat I. Neither landing is opposed, and channel light is set up on Dinagat. Landing of Co B on Homonhon I., is postponed because of rough sea. Mine sweeping is begun off Leyte. Leyte convoys of III and VII Amphibious Forces make visual contact. Elements of TF 38 continue to neutralize Luzon.
18 October
WESTERN EUROPE – At conference in Brussels, Gen Eisenhower issues plan for offensive, with tentative dates. First priority for 21 Army Group is to open Antwerp port. British Second Army is to be prepared to drive SE between the Meuse and Rhine about 10 November to support U.S. advance across the Rhine. U.S. First Army is to cross the Rhine in Cologne area between 1 and 5 November. U.S. Ninth Army, after covering N flank of First Army while it is pushing to the Rhine, is to help First Army envelop and clear the Ruhr. U.S. Third Army will cover right flank of First Army and refrain from offensive operations until it has sufficient logistical support.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, Maj Gen Raymond S. McLain succeeds Gen Corlett, whose health is impaired, as CG XIX Corps. In VII Corps area, Germans are making strenuous efforts to break encirclement of Aachen. 1st Div, strongly reinforced, renews assault on Aachen; 26th Inf takes Observatory Hill and is methodically clearing heart of the city. TF Hogan, 3rd Armd Div, is committed to help 26th Inf clear commanding ground overlooking the city. Battalion of 110th Inf, 28th Div, is brought from V Corps sector to reinforce 1st Div and close gap between 26th Inf elements within Aachen and 1106th Engrs S of the city. Although this battalion is given a defensive role, it is soon drawn into battle for the city.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 36th Div breaks into Bruyères and clears most of town.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 34th Div makes limited progress on slopes of M. della Vigna but cannot break through enemy positions on M. Belmonte. 339th Inf, 85th Div, reaches fork in main ridge between Idice and Sillaro Rivers N of Monterenzio. 88th Div is slowly clearing approaches to M. Cuccoli-M. Grande ridge and bringing reserves forward. In British 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div, turning over responsibility for right flank of corps along Highway 67 to 26th Armd Brig Gp, takes over right flank of 78th Div sector from M. Battaglia to the Imola road and resumes command of 1st Gds Brig, already disposed on M. Battaglia; 61st Brig relieves 38th Brig of 78th Div on M. Cappello
and latter moves to Gesso ridge. 36th Brig, 78th Div, finds M. la Pieve undefended. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, gains ground S of M. Pianoreno, from which enemy has withdrawn.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div takes Galeata without opposition. In 5 Corps area Acquarola and Celincordia fall to Indian 10th Div and 46th Div, respectively. Indian 10th Div is ordered to attack across the Savio. In Cdn 1 Corps area, NZ 2nd Div begins crossing the Pisciatello at 2300. Cdn 1st Div takes Ponte della Pietra. Greek 3rd Mtn Brig is withdrawn from line in preparation for departure from Italy.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA – Fourth Ukrainian Front pours into E Czechoslovakia on broad front from Poland, driving through Carpathian passes.
GREECE – Greek Government returns to Athens.
CBI – Gen Stilwell is ordered to return to Washington. President Roosevelt informs Chiang Kai-shek of Stilwell’s recall, adding that while no other U.S. officer will be named to command Ch forces, Gen Wedemeyer is available to act as the Generalissimo’s chief of staff, a proposal that is acceptable to Chiang Kai-shek.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, after hard fighting on approaches to Tiddim earlier in the month, Indian 5th Div enters the town without opposition.
JAPAN – Tokyo orders major counter offensive, SHO, against forces threatening inner defense of Japan to begin upon spotting U.S. invasion force en route to Leyte, P.I. This is to affect operations not only in the Pacific but on the Asiatic mainland as well.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 321st Inf completes relief of 1st Mar Div elements at Umurbrogol Pocket and continues attacks to reduce it. The pocket is now about 400 yards from E to W and about 850 yards from N to S, 1st Mar Div has suffered 6,526 casualties on the island, a large portion of them at the pocket. On Angaur, enemy pocket on NW tip of island is compressed into small zone about 100 yards long and 50 yards wide.
P.I. – Co B, 6th Ranger Battalion, lands on Homonhon I., without opposition and sets up channel light. Underwater demolition teams begin uneventful rcn of landing areas under cover of naval gunfire bombardment. Seventh Fleet protects assault convoy as it approaches Leyte and begins preinvasion bombardment. Third Fleet continues neutralization of Luzon and guards San Bernardino and Surigao Straits.
19 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, newly arrived 52nd Div enters action, taking over Cdn 3rd Div’s bridgehead N of Leopold Canal and continuing reduction of Breskens Pocket. Junction is made between Leopold Canal and Savojaards Plaat bridgehead forces.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, German resistance at Aachen is diminishing rapidly; efforts to break encirclement from outside the city cease and the garrison is told to fight to the finish. 26th Inf, 1st Div, continues to clear the city and takes Salvator Hill. TF Hogan, 3rd Armd Div, seizes Lousberg heights and is given task of cutting Aachen-Laurensberg highway.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 36th Div completes capture of Bruyères. 3rd Div – less 30th Inf, which remains in Le Tholy area – closes in assembly area behind 45th Div in preparation for drive on St Dié.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of 6th S African Armd Div gain positions on slopes of M. Salvaro, though elements to right are still short of M. Alcino, SE of M. Salvaro. In II Corps area, since 34th Div has been unable to break through in center of corps front, main effort is shifted to right flank toward M. Grande and M. Cerere. After reaching favorable positions for attack and saturation bombardment of M. Grande area by aircraft and arty, 88th Div attacks in evening, taking M. Cerere with ease and reaching crest of M. Grande by dawn of 20th, 24 hours ahead of schedule. 85th Div assists 88th and gains lower slopes of M. Fano. 34th Div, still short of M. Belmonte and to rear of 85th Div, pauses to regroup. Positions of 91st Inf and 1st Armd Divs on left flank of corps are virtually unchanged. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div attacks toward M. Spadura and M. dell’Acqua Saluta with 38th and 36th Brigs, respectively, taking latter and gaining precarious hold on M. Spadura. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, clears M. Pianoreno. 77th Brig gets elements to top on M. Casalino, but they are driven off. 1st Div’s 66th Brig gains firm hold on M. Ceco and pushes toward M. delle Valle.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div finds Civitella di Romagna undefended. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div closes in on Cesena; elements push into S part of the city in vain effort to take bridge. 4th Div takes command of 46th Div sector, but elements of 46th Div remain in S part of Cesena. Indian 10th Div moves rest of 20th Brig across the Savio to Falcino area; establishes another small bridgehead across the Savio with elements of 25th Brig from Roversano, night 19-20. Cdn 1 Corps releases Greek 3rd Mtn Brig to Eighth Army control. Rapid progress is made all along front except in coastal region. While Cdn 1st Div is closing in on Cesano, NZ 2nd Div reaches road extending NE from there.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 29th Brig of British 26th Div takes Mohnyin, where enemy has abandoned large supplies of stores and ammunition.
P.I. – Leyte assault convoy moves safely to Leyte under protection of Seventh Fleet. Underwater demolition teams complete rcn of assault areas. Preinvasion bombardment continues.
20 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps, protecting right flank of I Corps, opens drive toward Bergen-op-Zoom-Tilburg highway with Cdn 4th Armd Div on left, 49th Div in center, and Pol 1st Armd Div on right.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 26th Inf of 1st Div, which is being assisted by elements of 110th Inf, 28th Div, forces enemy to W and SW suburbs of Aachen.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy heavily shells 90th Div elements at Maizières-lès-Metz. In XII Corps area, P-47’s of XIX TAC breach dam and release waters of Etang de Lindre to forestall later flooding of Seine R by Germans.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, two fresh U.S. divs (100th and 103rd) arrive at Marseille. In VI Corps area 179th Inf of 45th Div attacks for Brouvelieures after preparatory fire and gains heights commanding the town; 180th Inf, which has been pushing toward the Mortagne R from Fremifontaine area, tries in vain to break through enemy defenses along the river. 3rd Div begins drive on St Dié, employing 7th Inf, which heads for Vervezelle, NE of Bruyères.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div maintains positions on M. Salvaro under repeated enemy counterattacks and gains slopes of M. Alcino. In II Corps area, 88th Div continues offensive on right flank of corps, 350th Inf reaching top of M. Cuccoli and taking Farneto. To forestall enemy counterattacks against M. Grande hill mass, aircraft and arty interdict all approaches. 88th Div is reinforced by 337th Inf of 85th Div, which gradually relieves 350th Inf of positions on ridge W of Farneto. Rest of corps front is virtually static. In British 13 Corps area, Germans recapture M. Spadura from 8th Div. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, begins drive on M. Romano.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Germans destroy bridge in Cesano as 4th Div reaches it, but elements of 12th Brig wade the river near bridge site. 25th Brig, Indian 10th Div, strengthens bridgehead in Castiglione area and takes S. Carlo; to S, elements of 20th Brig secretly cross the Borello. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div attacks across the Savio with 2 cos but cannot hold bridgehead. In coastal sector, Cesenatico is occupied after enemy withdraws.
HUNGARY – Germans are forced from Debrecen.
YUGOSLAVIA – Belgrade falls under combined blows of Third Ukrainian Front and Marshal Tito’s Yugoslav Army. Yugoslavs announce capture of Dalmatian port of Dubrovnik.
EGYPT – Prime Minister Churchill arrives in Cairo from Moscow and discusses strategy for southeast Asia with Adm Mountbatten.
PALAUS – Gen Mueller, 81st Div commander, takes responsibility for ground operations in the Palaus from III Amphib Corps. Elements of 81st Div seize Pulo Anna I., in Sosoral Group, between Palaus and Morotai.
P.I. – U.S. Sixth Army invades Leyte, landing on E coast in vicinity of Tacloban, the capital, and Dulag at approximately 1000. Two firm beachheads are established, but at end of day they are nearly 10 miles apart. In a preliminary operation, 21st Inf of 24th Div lands well to S in vicinity of Panaon Strait at 0930 and secures the strait without opposition. Before landings, naval guns pound assault zone, beginning at 0600, and lifting for a time at 0850 for air strike on Dulag area. Aircraft provide close support throughout day. Advance echelon of GHQ opens on Leyte at noon. X Corps lands 2 divs abreast on N in vicinity of Tacloban. On N flank, 1st Cav Div, with 7th Cav of 2nd Brig and 12th and 5th Cav of 1st Brig, lands and clears San Jose, Tacloban airstrip, and Cataisan Peninsula; makes contact with 24th Div to left. 24th Div, with 34th Inf on N and 19th on S, meets heavy fire after initial waves have landed; against strong opposition seizes Hill 522, key terrain feature N of Palo commanding N entrance to Leyte Valley, and secures bridgehead averaging a mile in depth. XXIV Corps lands near Dulag with 96th Div on N and 7th on S. 96th, with 383rd Inf on N and 382nd on S, is slowed by harassing fire and difficult terrain but takes San Jose, positions astride Labiranan R, and Hill 120; pushes inland about 2,500 yards on N and 1,300 on S; makes contact with 7th Div to left. 7th Div lands with 32nd Inf on N and 184th on S; gets forward elements on N across Highway 1 and on S takes Dulag and reaches edge of airstrip, where counterattacks are repelled, night 20-21. 3rd Battalion, 17th Inf, lands in afternoon and secures right flank by establishing bridgehead S of Daguitan R at Dao.
21 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: Gen Bradley orders Ninth, First, and Third Armies to prepare for drive to the Rhine, 5 November target date for Ninth and First and 10 November for Third.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, German commander of Aachen garrison surrenders at 1205, concluding struggle that has cost enemy heavily in badly needed reserve strength.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 9th Div launches full scale assault on heights E of Forêt de Parroy, with 313th Inf on left, 315th in center, and 314th on right. Some progress is made against strong opposition. In VI Corps area, 179th Inf of 45th Div enters Brouvelieures after main body of enemy has withdrawn and begins to clear rear-guard opposition. As 7th Inf continues toward St Dié, clearing Domfaing, 3rd Div commits 15th Inf to left; 15th Inf pressure S of Brouvelieures aids 45th Div. 36th Div is improving positions E of Bruyères.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div commits fresh troops on M. Salvaro and completes capture of M. Alcino. II Corps positions remain virtually the same. In British 13 Corps area, 38th Brig of 78th Div makes another unsuccessful attempt to take M. Spadura. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, pushes almost to summit of M. Romano.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div, pressing NW toward Route 67, which leads to Forlì, takes Strada S. Zeno in Rabbi R valley and summit of M. Grosso. 5 Corps expands its 3 bridgeheads across the Savio despite heavy rainfall and rapidly rising water. Indian 10th Div’s 20th Brig pushes toward M. Cavallo on left flank of corps while 25th Brig attacks to expand bridgehead from S. Carlo. 4th Div completes capture of Cesena and crosses additional forces over the Savio there, although handicapped by lack of permanent bridge. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div at 2000 begins attack across the Savio with 2nd Brig, supported by diversionary fire of 3rd Brig, and secures bridgehead.
HUNGARY – Elements of Second Ukrainian Front pushing W from Szeged reach the Danube at Baja, S of Budapest.
LEYTE – Japanese decide to make a strong effort to defeat Americans instead of fighting delaying action as planned.
U.S. Sixth Army: Generals Krueger, Sibert, and Hodge take command ashore of Sixth Army, X Corps, and XXIV Corps, respectively. In X Corps area, 2nd Brig (7th Cav) of 1st Cav Div seizes Tacloban and S half of hill to SW; 1st Brig (12th Cav on right and 5th on left) drives W, taking Utap and Caibaan. 34th Inf, on N flank of 24th Div, undergoes determined enemy counterattack, beginning at 0100, in Pawing area. Arty and Seventh Fleet aircraft assist after daylight in routing enemy, more than 600 of whom are killed. 2nd Battalion then attacks ridge to W but cannot take it. 19th Inf clears far slope of Hill 522 and, with strong fire support, takes Palo. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div’s 383rd Inf begins working around Catmon Hill, which is actually a series of hill positions. 1st Battalion secures Labiranan Head but, since Japanese remain in this area, pulls back to Labiranan R. 2nd Battalion gains positions 300 yards N of Tigbao and 3rd Battalion, positions 1,110 yards NE of the barrio. 382nd Inf drives an Tigbao but is slowed by pillboxes as well as swampy terrain. 7th Div attacks toward Dulag and Burauen airfields with 32nd and 184th Regiments. 32nd, against considerable opposition, gets forward elements (2nd and 3rd Battalions) to regimental beachhead line. 184th Inf easily takes Dulag airstrip by 0900 and continues W to positions about 1,000 yards beyond beachhead line, but gap exists between it and 32nd Regiment.
PALAUS – On Angaur, opposition, except from stragglers, is overcome by this time. Airfield is ready for bombers. About 1,300 Japanese have been killed and 45 captured on Angaur to date. Total U.S. casualties through this date are 264 killed and 1,355 wounded or injured.
22 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Breskens falls to Cdn 3rd Div. Breskens Pocket is now less than half its original size. In British 1 Corps area Cdn 4th Armd Div reaches Esschen.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps begins westward offensive to clear region W of the Maas. 15th Div heads for Tilburg and 7th Armd and 53rd Inf Divs, followed by 51st Inf Div, towards Hertogenbosch.
12th Army Group: Major regrouping is begun in preparation for offensive toward the Rhine. Ninth Army hq moves from positions in Luxembourg between First and Third Armies to left flank of First Army, where it takes command of zone and troops of XIX Corps. N boundary of VII Corps thus becomes N boundary of First Army. First Army takes control of zone and troops of VIII Corps, placing new S boundary of First Army along previous boundary between Ninth and Third Armies.
In U.S. Third Army’s XII Corps area, 26th Div, untried in combat as a unit, makes limited attack to gain experience and to improve positions E of Arracourt, securing ground W of Moncourt with support of troops from 704th TD Battalion.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div finishes clearing high ground E of Forêt de Parroy. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div advances steadily NE along Mortagne R toward St Dié. 179th Inf, 45th Div, completes mop up of Brouvelieures; 180th forces the Mortagne E of Fremifontaine but falls back under enemy fire.
FINLAND – From Petsamo, troops of Soviet Karelian Front drive on to Norwegian frontier.
EAST PRUSSIA – Soviet forces, after penetrating outer defense lines along NE frontier of East Prussia, are brought to a halt short of Insterburg. Activity in this area soon subsides and positions remain about the same until January 1945
YUGOSLAVIA – With the fall of Sombor, SW of Subotica, Allied forces control most of E bank of the Danube as far N as Hungarian town of Baja.
MEDITERRANEAN – Lt Gen Joseph T. McNarney replaces Gen Devers as head of NATOUSA.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div continues toward crest of M. Salvaro in drenching rain. II Corps receives verbal orders to continue offensive on right flank to line Ribano Hill-M. Castelazzo, then to Highway 9. Accordingly, 88th and 85th Divs jump off, night 22-23, and get about a mile beyond M. Grande by dawn, taking Hill 568, M. Castellaro, and Hill 459. Rest of corps regroups to provide reserve force. 91st Div is reinforced by 135th Inf of 34th Div; 362nd and 363rd Regiments are withdrawn from line and Div zone is narrowed. 34th Div is gradually to extend its front, under cover of darkness, to include part of that formerly held by 91st Div. British 13 Corps is ordered to take M. Spadura and continue northward between Imola and Castel San Pietro roads. 78th Div places fire on M. Spadura. Enemy withdrawal to E permits other units of corps to advance. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, takes M. Romano without opposition.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div expands its Savio bridgeheads westward, 20th Brig pushing almost to crest of M. Cavallo. 4th Div is unable to progress from its bridgehead until heavy equipment can be crossed to it. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div is handicapped by the swollen Savio and is unable to cross supporting weapons into bridgehead. Cdn 5th Armd Div relieves NZ 2nd Div in line and resumes command of 5th Armd Brig, previously known as Cumberland Force; elements moving up coast take Cervia and Pisignano.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 7th Cav of 2nd Brig, 1st Cav Div, mops up Tacloban and takes rest of hill to SW. 8th Cav is placed under control of 2nd Brig and takes up positions W of 7th Cav, except for Tr C, which moves to Anibong Pt. 5th Cav of 1st Brig, after laborious effort to advance over difficult terrain W of Caibaan, is ordered to halt and maintain current positions. 34th Inf, 24th Div, assisted by arty fire and naval aircraft, secures Pawing area with capture of hill to W. 19th Inf repels counterattacks against Palo, killing 91 Japanese, and mops up. In XXIV Corps area, after night-long shelling of Labiranan Head, 1st Battalion of 383rd Inf, 96th Div, recaptures it while other elements of regiment seize San Roque on Highway 1. 382nd Inf takes Tigbao and Canmangui and sets up 3 night perimeters: one at Mati, one 800 yards E of Bolongtohan, and one 500 yards SE of Tigbao. 32nd Inf, 7th Div, gets about halfway to Burauen against sporadic resistance. 184th, assisted by aircraft of Seventh Fleet, advances more rapidly, gaining 2,800 yards before being ordered to halt until 32nd Inf can come abreast. 17th Inf, less 3rd Battalion, assembles in Dulag airfield area.
23 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Div, inexperienced in combat, begins moving into line along Antwerp-Breda highway between 49th Div and Pol 1st Armd Div. On left flank of corps, Cdn 4th Armd Div swings W from Esschen toward Bergen-op-Zoom to seal off Beveland Isthmus, along which Cdn 2nd Div of 2 Corps is preparing to drive.
12th Army Group: Front is generally quiet as preparations for offensive in November continue.
6th Army Group: Gen Eisenhower, in personal letter to Gen Devers, orders Sixth Army Group to protect S flank of 12th Army Group in coming offensive toward the Rhine.
In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div commits 71st Inf to action, relieving elements of 79th Div of newly won positions E of Forêt de Parroy. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div is meeting stronger resistance as it approaches Les Rouges Eaux, on road to St Dié. To left, 180th Inf of 45th Div succeeds in establishing bridgehead across Mortagne R E of Fremifontaine, from which to push NE toward Raon-l’Etape. On right flank, 36th Div extends positions E of Bruyères to Biffontaine; 1st Battalion of 141st, attempting to secure heights N of La Houssière, becomes isolated in Forêt Domaniale de Champ.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Div, attacking in force toward M. Salvaro, drives to summit; elements to right begin assault on M. Termine. In IV Corps area, TF 92, after unsuccessful attempt to push NE from M. Cauala, goes on the defensive in coastal sector. In II Corps area, enemy counterattacks and recovers Hill 459 from 85th Div. Elsewhere on right flank of corps, counterattacks are repulsed and bypassed pockets cleared. At night, 2nd Battalion of 351st Inf, 88th Div, attacks toward Vedriano and Co G takes Vedriano by dawn of 24th. 133rd Inf, 34th Div, seizes M. Belmonte. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div, renewing assault on M. Spadura with 11th and 38th Brigs, clears this feature. 1st Div takes M. Cornazzano without opposition; gains ground N of M. Ceco. 21st Brig, Indian 8th Div, seizes M. Giro and pushes on toward M. Colombo; 17th takes M. Casalino.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div reaches crest of M. Cavallo ridge, which extends northward to Bertinoro, commanding Highway 9; enemy begins to pull back. Savio R is subsiding and reinforcements are crossed into 4th Div’s bridgehead. In Cdn 1 Corps area, Cdn 1st Div maintains bridgehead across the Savio but is unable to strengthen it. 11th Brig, Cdn 5th Armd Div, reaches the Savio to R.
BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF – Major 3-day naval battle opens as submarines discover and attack elements of Japanese Combined Fleet steaming toward the Philippines to eliminate U.S. threat to Leyte. Surface vessels and carrier aircraft of Third and Seventh Fleets and Japanese land-based planes later join in the action.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: At ceremony in Tacloban, Gen MacArthur restores Philippine Civil Government under President Sergio Osmena. In X Corps area, 8th Cav of 2nd Brig, 1st Cav Div, charged with task of securing control of San Juanico Strait between Leyte and Samar and cutting off Japanese movement, begins operations toward this end. Rcn party moves by LCI from Tacloban through San Juanico Strait to Babatngon, on N coast, and on return reconnoiters ferry termini that connect Leyte and Samar, the Leyte terminus being at Guintiguian and the Samar terminus at La Paz, without incident. Other elements of the regiment move to Diit R and secure bridge in preparation for drive on Santa Cruz, on Carigara Bay. Japanese party raids Palo at night, using Filipinos to deceive Americans, but is dispersed and leave behind 60 dead. 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, begins attack on Hill C, blocking passage into Leyte Valley on N side of Highway 2 at W edge of Palo, a strongly defended feature. 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, reaches what it believes to be crest of Hill B, which also blocks entrance into Leyte Valley. 2nd Sq of 12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, relieves 1st Battalion, 19th Inf, on Hill 522; 1st Battalion of 19th Inf is ordered to attack Hill 85, S of Palo. XXIV Corps area, 96th Div is facing acute supply shortage, which limits forward movement. 383rd Inf, less 1st Battalion, attacking at noon, crosses Guinarona R and reaches positions W of Pikas. 382nd is largely engaged in patrolling. Tanks of 767th Tank Battalion act as spearhead for 7th Div as it continues drive on Burauen in effort to take San Pablo airfield. 17th Inf (-), reinforced by 2nd Battalion of 184th, leads troops, attacking through 32nd and 184th Regiments, which then follow. Tanks arrive at Burauen and scatter enemy forces. Infantrymen drive through Julita and San Pablo and seize San Pablo airfield.
PALAUS – AT and Cannon Cos relieve infantry of responsibility for eliminating the few remaining enemy on Angaur.
24 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, methodical reduction of Breskens Pocket continues. Cdn 2nd Div begins drive along Beveland Isthmus, leaving containing forces at its neck.
12th Army Group: Front remains generally static.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div, committing 324th Inf, completes relief of 79th Div. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div commits its full strength to drive on St Dié as 30th Inf, having moved N, joins in attack to right of 7th. 179th Inf, 45th Div, takes town of Mortagne, on enemy side of Mortagne R.
In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre issues secret instructions to 1st Corps for offensive toward Belfort, INDEPENDENCE. 1st Corps is to be strongly reinforced for the operation. Extensive deceptive measures are taken to conceal place of projected attack and take enemy by surprise.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, M. Termine falls to S African 6th Armd Div. In II Corps area, Germans regain Vedriano and capture most of Co G, 351st Inf, 88th Div, there. 88th and 85th Divs continue attack on right flank of corps during night 24-25 but make little headway. In British 13 Corps area, 78th Div consolidates positions on M. Spadura. 61st Brig, 6th Armd Div, pushes toward M. Taverna, reaching Orsara.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div drives quickly toward Ronco R on S flank of corps; 4th Div advances its left flank to road junction of Madonna di Cerbiano and its right, along Highway 9, to Castellaccio. Cdn 1 Corps pursues retreating enemy toward Ronco R.
CBI – Theater is split in two theaters, India-Burma Theater (IBT) and China Theater (CT), to be headed respectively by Lt Gen Daniel I. Sultan and Maj Gen Albert C. Wedemeyer. Gen Chennault is temporarily in charge of China Theater, pending assumption of command by Gen Wedemeyer.
BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF – Seventh Fleet units engage and destroy Japanese naval force moving against Leyte via Surigao Strait, night 24-25. Third Fleet elements, after crippling another Japanese naval force, moving toward San Bernardino Strait, sails northward to attack enemy decoy force that has been sighted, thus leaving San Bernardino Strait unguarded.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, moves by water to Babatngon and sets up defense perimeter, from which patrols move along N coast. Tr C, reinforced, of 8th Cav, after delay because of Japanese air attack on shipping in Tacloban harbor, which causes minor damage, sails to La Paz, Samar; establishes beachhead
and blocks road to Basey; after nightfall repels enemy thrust against the block. Main body of 1st Sq, 8th Cav, begins overland journey northward along Highway 1 and reach Guintiguian. Control of Juanico Strait is thus secured. In Palo area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf takes Hill Nan without opposition; is passed through by 3rd Battalion, which takes the next Hill, Mike – before Hill C – also without opposition, preliminary fires having been highly effective. 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, continues efforts to take Hill B, finding enemy well entrenched on a crest higher than its own. Co K, 19th Inf, moving S along Highway 1 in effort to make contact with XXIV Corps, takes San Joaquin, S of Palo. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div’s 383rd Inf, still beset by supply problems, holds current positions and patrols to locate possible supply routes to rear. Patrol finds enemy established at Tabontabon. 382nd takes Anibung and Hindang. In 7th Div zone 17th Inf clears Burauen and, after brief pause, starts toward Dagami. 1st Battalion, 32nd Inf, turns NW toward Buri airstrip from San Pablo airfield but is so strongly opposed that it falls back to San Pablo with assistance of 3rd Battalion.
25 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div, working slowly W along Beveland Isthmus, reaches Rilland. In British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Div drives N with 3 regiments abreast toward Zundert.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, boundary between VII and V Corps is temporarily altered to give V Corps responsibility for Schmidt. V Corps takes command of 9th Div, less 47th Inf which is at Schevenhuette. 28th Div begins relief of battle-worn 9th Div in preparation for drive on Schmidt.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div withstands repeated counterattacks against its positions E of Forêt de Parroy. French 2nd Armd Div is ordered to attack on right flank of corps in support of VI Corps before 1 November. In VI Corps area, Gen Brooks, former commander of V Corps, takes command of corps, replacing Gen Truscott. 36th Div attempts in vain to relieve isolated battalion of 141st Inf N of La Houssière.
NORWAY – Driving into Norway from Finland, Soviet forces of Karelian Front clear Kirkenes.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of S African 6th Armd Div wade Setta Creek and take Hill 501, below M. Sole. In II Corps area, further efforts to deepen M. Grande salient, night 25-26, are costly failures. 362nd Inf, 91st Div, is attached to 88th Div and prepares to assist in attack. In British 13 Corps area, 61st Brig of 6th Armd Div gets elements to M. Taverna, night 25-26, but withdraws them because of tenuous supply situation.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps reaches the Ronco from heights across from Meldola to Highway 9. 4th Div, which replaces 12th Brig with 10th, takes Forlimpopoli without a fight. Attack across the Ronco begins night 25-26, Indian 10th Div establishing small bridgeheads S and N of Meldola and 4th Div crossing 2 cos NW of Selbagnone and 2 others at Highway 9. Cdn 2 Corps continues to pursue enemy toward the Ronco, coastal elements reaching the Bevano.
BURMA – NCAC offensive continues against light resistance. 29th Brig of British 36th Div, which has progressed 23 miles from Namma against negligible opposition, skirmishes with enemy in Mawpin area.
BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF – Aircraft and surface forces of Third and Seventh Fleets decisively defeat Japanese Combined Fleet and continue to attack it as it begins to retire. Seventh Fleet units defeat a force that has moved through San Bernardino Strait while Third Fleet turns back the decoy force to N.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: Patrol contact is established between X and XXIV Corps at 1430. In X Corps area, on N Leyte, Japanese aircraft attack Babatngon harbor. 1st Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, during the next few days explores coast of Carigara Bay and finds few Japanese there. 8th Cav is consolidating and improving positions in Juanico Strait area. 2nd Sq of 8th Cav, because of supply difficulties, is ordered to remain in position along Diit R and patrol rather than continue drive toward Santa Cruz. In Palo area, 3rd Battalion of 34th Inf takes Hill C. 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, gains crest of Hill B after enemy defenders have followed their customary practice of retiring from it for the night. 1st Battalion, 19th, takes Hill 85. Reduction of these heights clears entrance into N Leyte Valley. 3rd Battalion, 19th Inf, starts toward Pastrana, reaching Castilla. In XXIV Corps area, patrol of 383rd Inf, 96th Div, moves N through Tanauan and makes contact with Co K of 19th Inf, 24th Div. Co. K, reinforced, attacks Tabontabon but withdraws when it finds the town too strongly held to take. 382nd Inf seizes Aslom and Kanmonhag. After preparatory bombardment, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, preceded by tanks, continue attack toward Buri airstrip. 3rd Battalion reaches edge of the field but 2nd is halted by elaborate defenses at edge of woods to N. 17th Inf, opposed from ridge N of Burauen and E of the road to Dagami, makes limited advance while concentrating for another drive toward Dagami, clearing E spur of the ridge and probing road to barrio of Buri.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, 323rd Inf, which has arrived from Ulithi begins relieving 321st Inf.
26 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, brig of 52nd Div makes amphibious assault on Beveland from Terneuzen landing on S coast near Baarland and establishing bridgehead. Cdn 2nd Div continues to push W along Beveland Isthmus. Cdn 3rd Div is steadily reducing Breskens Pocket. In British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Div gets into position for attack on Zundert.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 53 Div overruns ‘s Hertogenbosch.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, troops of 102nd Div enter combat for first time, 406th Inf attached to 30th Div, 405th to 2nd Armd, and 407th to 29th Div.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 28th Div takes responsibility for zone previously held by 39th and 60th Regiments of 9th Div. 9th Div (-) goes back to Camp Elsenborn. 5th Armd Div, to which CCA reverts from attachment to XIX Corps, moves to rear of 4th Div.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, action at Maizières-lès-Metz centers about strongly held Hôtel de Ville. Co K of 357th Inf, 90th Div, reaches the hotel but is driven back.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div continues toward St Dié under exceptionally heavy arty fire, 7th Inf, in center, overrunning Les Rouges Eaux. On left flank of corps, 45th Div is clearing Forêt d’Housseras and working toward Raon-l’Etape. 36th Div, on S flank, is relieving its isolated 141st Inf force, which begins drive to W in effort to break out.
HUNGARY – Soviet forces of Fourth and Second Ukrainian Fronts link up near Mukacevo in E Hungary.
ITALY – AAI: Heavy rains and flooding slow operations all along line.
In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Div halts efforts to take M. Sole; elements on Hill 501 are virtually isolated. In II Corps area, flash flood prevents commitment of 362nd Inf across the Sillaro as planned. 88th and 85th Divs are given verbal orders to break off offensive and organize defensive positions on more tenable ground. In British 13 Corps area, 17th Brig of Indian 8th Div pushes to Lutirano and Tredozio. 61st Brig, 6th Armd Div, after repelling attack against Orsara and making another futile attempt to take M. Taverna, confines its activities to patrolling.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div, having cleared M. Mirabello-M. Colombo ridge, sends elements into Predappio Nuovo, on Rabbi R, but is forced back. In 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div consolidates bridgeheads across the Ronco, but 4th Div is unable to hold on without tank support and suffers heavy losses while withdrawing. Since the river is now in flood, corps operations temporarily come to a standstill. Cdn 1 Corps makes little progress because of flooding.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 22nd Div, attacking in center of NCAC front, reaches old Chindit airstrip, BROADWAY, 27 miles SE of Hopin, where it remains for a few days to recover from arduous march over hills.
BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF – Battle ends as Japanese Fleet retires with the following losses: 3 BB’s, 1 large and 3 light carriers, 6 heavy and 4 light cruisers, and 9 DD’s. U.S. losses are 1 light carrier (), 2 escort carriers, 2 DD’s, and 1 DE.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 24th Div, having cleared northern approaches to Leyte Valley, attacks inland. 2nd Battalion, 34th Inf, drives steadily along Highway 2 to Santa Fe. From Castilla, 3rd Battalion of 19th continues to outskirts of Pastrana, where entrance into the town is barred by a strong fortress. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div attempts to take Tabontabon, Japanese supply center, but after reaching edge of the barrio is forced back to Guinarona R. Div arty shells the barrio through night 26-27. 383rd Inf’s Co E conducts rcn in force against San Vicente Hill, N tip of Catmon Hill, but is forced to withdraw. Japanese withdraw main body of troops from Catmon Hill. 3rd Battalion, 381st Inf, starts N along Highway 1 toward Tanauan to secure N flank of beachhead along road Tanauan-Dagami. 32nd Inf, 7th Div, continues battle for Buri airfield with 2nd and 1st Battalions, moving through fortifications to positions around edge of the field. 17th Inf, leaving 2nd Battalion of 184th Inf behind to contain enemy on ridge and moving its 3rd Battalion forward by truck from Dao, attacks with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions toward Dagami, reaching positions about 600 yards S of Guinarona.
PALAUS – On Peleliu, RCT 323 takes control of operations against Umurbrogol Pocket. 321st Inf has lost 146 killed and 469 wounded on Peleliu. Umurbrogol Pocket now averages about 600 yards from N to S; although about 475 yards wide on N, deep salients have been driven southward into it; Japanese retain a few caves along E side; S part of the pocket is less than 350 yards wide. A period of unfavorable weather conditions begins, during which RCT 323 improves defenses.
27 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, forward elements of Cdn 2nd Div reach Beveland Canal, at W end of Beveland Isthmus, and cross during night 27-28. 52nd Div expands Baarland bridgehead to Oudelande. In British 1 Corps area, Bergen-op-Zoom falls to Cdn
4th Armd Div, 413th Inf of U.S. 104th Div, assisted by effective arty preparation and attached British tanks, takes Zundert by storm.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Germans, following heavy arty barrage, open strong tank-infantry attack toward Asten in effort to divert Allied strength from main battle front, penetrating lightly held positions of U.S. 7th Armd Div along Canal de Deurne and Canal du Nord, W of Venlo. Germans take Meijel, near junction of the two canals, and penetrate line at Heitrak, on Meijel-Deurne highway, and near Nederweert. CCA of U.S. 7th Armd Div seals off penetration pear Nederweert; CCB is relieved by British 11th Armd Div in order to counterattack on 28th.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf of 80th Div, employing 4 small teams, again attempts in vain to take Hôtel de Ville in Maizières-lès-Metz.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div presses slowly in on St Dié against heavy fire. 36th Div’s isolated battalion is too weak to break out, but some progress toward it is made by Nisei troops. First efforts to drop supplies by air fail. Subsequent attempts achieve some success.
In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre, at conference with Gen Devers at Vittel, presents his plan for offensive toward Belfort and gains Gen Devers’ approval. The French drive is to coincide with general Allied offensive in November and is to open on 13th.
HUNGARY – Troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front take Ungvar (Uzhorod) on NE border. This completes Soviet conquest of Carpatho-Ukraine (Ruthenia before March 1939).
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 26th Armd Brig Gp, following up enemy withdrawal on right flank of corps, occupies Rocca S. Casciano, on Highway 67.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, elements of 5th Kresowa Div recapture Predappio Nuovo. In 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div crosses additional elements over the Ronco, night 27-28. In Cdn 1 Corps area, plans to relieve Cdn 1st Div and Cdn 5th Armd Div cannot be carried out at this time because of weather conditions. Advance elements of corps across the Bevano in coastal sector are withdrawn.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cav arrives in training area.
CHINA – Japanese renew offensive to take U.S. air bases in E China (ICHIGO), heading toward Kweilin and Liuchow.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, advances through 2nd Battalion to Mudburon R without opposition. After night-long shelling of Pastrana, 3rd Battalion of 19th Inf enters the town and with assistance of 1st Battalion mops up. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div again attacks Tabontabon. 1st and 3rd Battalions push through NW part of the town to positions about a mile to NW, but 2nd Battalion is held up in the town and establishes night perimeter in center of it. 383rd Inf patrols in vicinity of San Vicente and San Vicente Hill in effort to locate enemy positions. Sixth Army releases 381st Inf from reserve to corps. 32nd Inf, 7th Div, against surprisingly light resistance, clears Buri airstrip by 1130. 17th Inf, reinforced by platoon of engineers to repair bridges, continues drive on Dagami, reaching positions some 2,200 yards S of the town.
28 October
WESTERN EUROPE – Gen Eisenhower issues directive for November offensive, calling for destruction of enemy W of the Rhine, establishment of bridgeheads across the river, and drive into Germany.
21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s British 1 Corps area, U.S. 104th Div takes Rijsbergen, about halfway between Zundert and Breda, and pushes toward Rosendaal-Breda highway.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, Tilburg falls to 15th Div. In 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th Armd Div begins two-pronged attack to recover Meijel, CCB driving SE along Deurne-Meijel highway and CCR TF moving along Asten-Meijel road. Small gains are made against severe opposition.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, one co of 357th Inf, 90th Div, makes diversionary attack N of Hotel de Ville in Maizières-lès-Metz, while 3 cos enter factory area in preparation for attack.
6th Army Group: Issues letter of instruction for reduction of enemy W of the Rhine and capture of Strasbourg.
In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, enemy makes limited withdrawal, night 28-29, pulling back to line Leintrey-Blémerey.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, RCT 6 of BEF outflank Gallicano, in Serchio Valley. II Corps, now greatly understrength after six weeks of hard fighting, is ordered in writing to halt offensive and establish defensive positions.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div crosses more elements over the Ronco, night 28-29, and begins attack from bridgehead S of Meldola. Cdn 1 Corps is withdrawn into reserve as 12th Lancers, under 5 Corps command, relieves Cdn 1st Div on left flank and TF known as Porter Force, under Eighth Army command, takes over coastal sector from Cdn 5th Armd Div.
BULGARIA – Signs armistice with Allies. By its terms, Bulgaria will relinquish portions of Greece and Yugoslavia acquired in 1941, make certain
reparations yet to be determined, and place armed forces at the disposal of the Soviet high command.
YUGOSLAVIA – Announces capture of Split, capital of Dalmatia and Adriatic port, to Partisan forces.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 713th Regiment of Ch 38th Div encounters patrols from enemy’s OPL along Taping R near Bhamo but routs them in order to reach the river at Myothit. 112th and 114th Regiments are to make wide enveloping maneuver in order to turn the enemy line.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, followed by 2nd Battalion, drives through Alangalang to Mainit R and dislodges enemy from steel bridges spanning it. 3rd Battalion makes contact with 79th Inf S of Santa Fe. 1st Battalion, 79th Inf, blocks road N of Binahaan R near Macalpe; 2nd establishes perimeter at Tingib. 1st Cav Div regroups: 1st Sq of 12th Cav moves to Castilla to relieve 24th Div of responsibility for rear areas so that latter may drive on Jaro; 2nd Cav Brig is ordered to advance on Carigara; 2nd Sq of 8th Cav is to establish base at San Miguel, secure Cavite, and patrol as far N and NW as Barugo road, maintaining contact with 1st Sq, 7th Cav; 1st Sq of 7th Cav, while holding positions at Santa Cruz and Babatngon, is to concentrate in Barugo-Carigara area and patrol S and SE. Tr C of 7th Cav moves by water from Babatngon to Barugo and overland to Carigara, where prolonged fire fight ensues; withdraws to Barugo late in afternoon. In XXIV Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 382nd Inf, 96th Div, finishes clearing Tabontabon and continues toward Kiling. 381st Inf begins attack on E slopes of Catmon Hill at noon. 2nd Battalion gets almost to Labir Hill, but 1st receives such accurate fire at foot of the hill that it pulls back to vicinity of line of departure. 2nd Battalion of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, is alerted for drive on Abuyog on 29th. 3rd Battalion is ordered to Guinarona. 17th Inf makes slow progress toward Dagami. 2nd Battalion, in the lead, suffers heavy casualties.
29 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps is rapidly clearing S Beveland and completing reduction of Breskens Pocket. 52nd Div and Cdn 2nd Div establish contact on S Beveland and 52nd Div takes Goes. British 1 Corps, upon reaching Bergen-op-Zoom-Tilburg road, is directed northward to secure crossings of Mark R. Breda falls to Pol 1st Armd Div.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, Germans attack in force from Meijel toward Liesel and Asten, taking Liesel from CCB, U.S. 7th Armd Div, and pushing CCR units back about halfway up road toward Asten. During night, 15th Div (which has completed its mission with 12 Corps) and a tank brig are sent to reinforce corps. 75th Div relieves CCB near Liesel and CCR SE of Asten. U.S. 7th Armd Div, upon relief, concentrates about Nederweert and Weert.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3 cos of 357th Inf, 90th Div, omitting arty preparation, attack from factory area at Maizières-lès-Metz into section S of Hôtel de Ville; 2 others attack from N. Most of the town is cleared by dark.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 45th Div moves into Bru and Jeanménil, which enemy has successfully defended for the past month, without opposition. Drive on Raon-l’Etape continues to right. 3rd Div improves positions near St Dié. In 36th Div zone, 442nd Inf pushes closer to isolated 1st Battalion of 141st Inf in Forêt Domaniale de Champ.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, elements of CCB, S African 6th Armd Div, on left flank of div, take Palazzo, W of Highway 64.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, enemy garrison at Meldola is threatened with encirclement as Indian 10th Div begins attacks from bridgeheads and S of the town. 4th Div prepares for another attack across the river since flood waters are subsiding.
INDIA-BURMA – On Salween front, Gen Wei Lihuang’s Chinese Expeditionary Force, closely supported by U.S. Fourteenth Air Force, renews offensive, attacking toward Lung-ling with Ch 200th Div in the lead. Japanese have been thinning out.
In NCAC area, British 36th Div, having paused briefly at Mawpin, resumes southward drive down RR corridor.
LEYTE – Since 77th Div will apparently not be needed on Leyte, Gen MacArthur transfers it from control of Gen Krueger to that of Adm Nimitz.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, takes the lead in drive to Jaro, reaching the town at 1700 after having cleared opposition en route to Galotan. 19th Inf defends S flank of div; Co K establishes roadblock at Ypad. 2nd Cav Brig, 1st Cav Div, continues assembling in Barugo area, 1st Sq joining Tr C there. In XXIV Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 381st Inf, 96th Div, takes Labir and Catmon Hills with ease. 1st Battalion jumps off at noon and makes contact with 2nd Battalion. 1st Battalion, 383rd Inf, is relieved on Labiranan Head and passes to Sixth Army reserve. Withdrawing depleted 2nd Battalion to reserve, 17th Inf of 7th Div continues attack toward Dagami with 1st and 3rd Battalions and breaks into S part of town. From Burauen, 2nd Battalion of 32nd Inf moves without incident along Highway 1 to Abuyog. 7th Cav Rcn Tr, preceding it, pushes on toward Baybay.
30 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div completes drive across S Beveland, reaching E end of Walcheren causeway. Cdn 3rd Div is nearing end of action to reduce Breskens Pocket. In British 1 Corps area, 415th Inf, spearheading for U.S. 104th Div, reaches the Mark and attempts to take bridge near Standdaarbuiten, but Germans blow it.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps makes patrol contact with 1 Corps. 7th Armd Div drives W to Oosterhout and makes contact with Pol 1st Armd Div of 1 Corps there. In 8 Corps area, enemy makes final effort to advance in Peel Marshes but is brought to a halt.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V Corps outlines further action to be taken by 28th Div after it seizes its first objective, line Vossenack-Schmidt.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf of 90th Div completes capture of Maizières-lès-Metz, thus opening route to Metz from the N.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, elements of 45th Div seize St Benoit, on Rambervillers-Raon-l’Etape road. 3rd Div now holds broad salient W of St Dié and the Meurthe from vicinity of Nompatelize on N to Traintrux on S. In 36th Div zone, 442nd Inf at last makes contact with and relieves 1st Battalion of 141st Inf.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, Germans begin series of counterattacks toward Palazzo that last for several days, but CCB of S African 6th Armd Div holds firm. In IV Corps area, RCT 6 of BEF seizes Lama hill mass, N of Barga. During October corps has conducted a training program for inexperienced 1st Div, BEF, and 92nd Div as the units arrived.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, Germans withdraw from Caminata region. In 5 Corps area, 10th Div takes Meldola, from which enemy has withdrawn, but runs into strong opposition as it pushes on toward Rabbi R. 4th Div tries in vain to get patrols across the Ronco on N flank of corps.
P.I. – AAF SWPA issues instruction for air support of the Mindoro operation by Gen Kenney’s U.S. Far East Air Force, comprising Fifth and Thirteenth Air Forces. Fifth Air Force is to be the “assault air force” but Thirteenth Air Force, RAAF, carrier-based planes of U.S. Third and Seventh Fleets, and land-based planes of Seventh Fleet are also to assist as are B-29’s of U.S. Twentieth Air Force.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, starts toward Carigara along road from Jaro but is halted almost at once by Japanese. 2nd and 1st Battalions are given supporting roles as 3rd Battalion renews efforts to advance up the road without getting beyond outskirts of Jaro. Co K, 19th Inf, makes contact with elements of XXIV Corps at Lopdak. Co C skirmishes with enemy at Rizal. Gen Krueger orders relief of 21st Inf, 24th Div, in the quiet Panaon Strait area by a battalion of 32nd Inf. In XXIV Corps area, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 383rd Inf, 96th Div, attack San Vicente from Guinarona R and find the barrio and hill of the same name undefended. 17th Inf, 7th Div, completes capture of Dagami in morning and spends rest of day mopping up. Contact is made with X Corps units across Binahaan R north of Dagami by means of message dropped by air and with 96th Div on E by patrols, concluding current mission of 17th Inf. 7th Div, on its beachhead line, is ordered to move elements from Abuyog to Baybay and be prepared to move to W coast.
31 October
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 2nd Div starts W across Walcheren causeway from S 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 coastal area. Cadzand and Knocks are free of enemy. In British 1 Corps area, while main body of corps is closing along the Mark, advance elements attempt unsuccessfully to establish bridgeheads. 1st Battalion of 415th Inf, U.S. 104th Div, crosses NE of Standdaarbuiten in assault boats early in day but is encircled by enemy counterattacking force and withdraws after nightfall. Elements of Pol 1st Armd Div cross the river E of Zevenbergen, but they too are forced back to S bank. Enemy fire prevents bridging.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps overcomes opposition at Raamsdonk; releases 53rd Div, which has completed its current mission with corps, to 8 Corps for action in Peel Marshes. In 8 Corps area, Maj Gen Lindsay McD. Silvester is replaced as commander of U.S. 7th Armd Div by Maj Gen Robert W. Hasbrouck, former CCB commander. Div front is confined to Nederweert area as Belgian 1st Brig, along Nederweert-Wessem Canal, is detached. The Belgian force is augmented by a British armored brig. 15th Div regains Liesel.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div, with CCV on left and CCD on right, drives SE from Forêt de Mondon, taking enemy by surprise and overwhelming his forward positions. Montigny, Merviller, and N part of Baccarat are cleared; other elements of div provide diversion on S flank, taking Menarmont and Nossoncourt, SW of Baccarat. In VI Corps area, 15th Inf of 3rd Div attacks at night, turning northward in region W of the Meurthe.
HUNGARY – Broadening operations toward Budapest, elements of Second Ukrainian Front force the Tisza and push into Kecskemet, where street fighting ensues.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div progresses rapidly toward the Rabbi as enemy resistance weakens. 4th Div establishes 2 bridgeheads across the Ronco between Selbagnone and Highway 9.
SEAC – Adm Mountbatten, having returned to Kandy from meetings with Prime Minister Churchill at Cairo, at or near this time proposes to CCS that Phases 1 and 2 of CAPITAL be completed; Arakan and Akyab be cleared (Operations ROMULUS and TALON, respectively) in order to release main body of 15 Corps for use elsewhere; forward base on Kra Isthmus be seized in March 1945; Rangoon be taken after the 1945 monsoon; Malaya be invaded regardless of the monsoon.
INDIA-BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps hq returns from India and opens near Imphal with Indian 19th Div under command about this time.
In NCAC area, British 36th Div, against stiffening resistance, reaches Mawlu.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer assumes command of U.S. Forces, China Theater. His primary task is to conduct air operations from China, with logistical support from IBT.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, while 3rd Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, is engaged in clearing hill around Jaro, 2nd Battalion passes through in attack toward Tunga. 19th Inf protects S flank of 24th Div and blocks enemy escape routes. Elements move up to Jaro and make contact with 24th Div. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div is mopping up Catmon Hill sector. Co G of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, starts from Abuyog toward Baybay.
1 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps begins an all-out assault on Walcheren. Continuing attack on causeway from S Beveland, Cdn 2nd Div gains a few hundred yards but is forced back. From Breskens, Cdn 4th Cdo of 4th Sp Service Brig, under 52nd Div command, followed by 155th Brig of 52nd Div, crosses estuary to S coast near Flushing and begins clearing that town. From Ostend, 41st, 47th, and 48th Cdos of 4th Special Service Brig and Dutch cdo force move to W coast, land at gap in Westkapelle dyke, and seize Westkapelle; some elements turn NE along coast while others drive SE toward Flushing, Rcn force is sent to N Beveland. Planned air support is curtailed when missions from U.K. are canceled because of weather conditions. Warships and support craft provide close naval support, but latter suffer heavily from enemy fire and mines. British 1 Corps prepares for coordinated attack across the Mark.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps finishes clearing its sector S of the Maas except for small region between Afwaterins Canal and the river. In 8 Corps area, 53rd Div goes into line on right flank of corps along Wessem Canal SE of Nederweert and Belgian 1st Brig and British 4th Separate Armd Brig are attached to it. U.S. 7th Armd Div prepares for limited offensive to secure NW bank of Canal du Nord.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton and his commanders draw up plans for Third Army offensive. After First Army’s attack on D Day, XII Corps will attack on D plus 1, XX Corps on D plus 2, and III Corps will eventually be responsible for mopping up Metz pocket. Regrouping is in progress. In XX Corps area, 5th Div reoccupies Arnaville bridgehead S of Metz, relieving 95th Div. XII Corps, in preparation for offensive, makes limited attack with 319th Inf, 80th Div, to clear Seille R bend in Létricourt-Abaucourt area and quickly takes both towns.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div, after completing capture of Baccarat, driving to the Blette R at Herbéviller and Mignéville, and helping 117th Cav Rcn Tr (VI Corps) take Bertrichamps, halts to await relief. In VI Corps area, 100th Div arrives in corps zone to relieve 45th Div on N flank. 3rd Div’s 15th Inf seizes La Bourgonce, in valley NW of St Dié.
MEDITERRANEAN – North African Theater of Operations (NATOUSA) is redesignated Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTOUSA).
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div reaches the Rabbi at Collina and Grisignano, but 4th Div is halted short of Forlì airfield by sharply increased resistance.
HUNGARY – Germans are driven from Kecskemet, communications center SE of Budapest.
GREECE – With withdrawal of enemy from Florina and Salonika, only rear-guard forces remain S of Yugoslav border.
LEYTE – Japanese land reinforcements at Ormoc.
In U.S. Sixth Army’s X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, executes wide flanking movement through Tuba; 2nd Battalion followed by 3rd continues along Jaro-Carigara road and finds that enemy has withdrawn hastily. By end of day, 1st Battalion, in the lead, is within 1,000 yards of Sagkanan. As plans for concerted assault on Carigara are being made, Japanese begin undetected withdrawal from the town toward hills near Limon. In XXIV Corps area, 96th Div completes mop up of entire Catmon Hill area. 1st Battalion of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, relieves 21st Inf of 24th Div in Panaon Strait area.
2 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Field Marshal Montgomery orders extensive regrouping after Schelde Estuary and SW Holland are cleared in preparation for offensive by British Second Army to destroy enemy bridgehead W of the Maas as prerequisite for Rhineland battle.
In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, 157th Brig of British 52nd Div relieves Cdn 2nd Div forces at Walcheren causeway, where enemy continues to resist tenaciously; to ease pressure, elements of 156th Brig cross Slooe Channel about 2 miles S of the causeway after nightfall; Flushing is cleared of enemy. British 1 Corps attacks across the Mark late in day after heavy arty preparation. 49th and U.S. 104th Divs establish bridgeheads, 104th in Standdaarbuiten area and 49th to W. 104th, with 413th and 415th Regiments in assault, clears village of Standdaarbuiten.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, CCA of U.S. 7th Armd Div begins limited attacks to clear enemy from Canal du Nord. 53rd Div makes patrol contact with U.S. XIX Corps near Maeseyck.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 28th Div, after hour-long arty preparation, begins drive on Schmidt: 2nd Battalion, 112th Inf, with tank support, seizes Vossenack ridge, but main effort by rest of regiment to drive SE from Richelskaul toward Kommerscheidt and Schmidt is stopped at once; 109th Inf gets elements to woods line overlooking Huertgen on N flank, but 110th is unable to advance on S flank.
In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Bradley, while visiting Army hq, asks if Third Army can begin offensive alone, since First Army cannot attack until British release 2 U.S. divs; he is told that Third Army can attack on 24-hour notice. Third Army offensive will begin when weather conditions permit softening of enemy; in the event of poor weather conditions, XII Corps will attack on 8 November. In XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div enters line in Fort Driant sector.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, elements of VI Corps begin relieving French 2nd Armd Div in SE part of XV Corps sector, but French retain positions along the Blette for some days to come. In VI Corps area, 100th Div begins relief of 45th Div, 399th Inf replacing 179th in line. Pushing northward NW of St Dié, 15th Inf of 3rd Div takes Nompatelize without opposition, but enemy still holds La Salle, to S.
In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre is charged with conduct of Operation INDEPENDENCE.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army issues instructions, confirming verbal orders of 30 October, for future operations during current winter lull, calling for consolidation of the Bologna salient and limited action on its flanks. In British 13 Corps area, on right flank, command of 26th Armd Brig’s sector on Highway 67 passes to Pol 2 Corps and intercorps boundary is adjusted accordingly. Indian 8th Div’s zone is broadened to include M. delle Valle area, previously held by 1st Div.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps remains in place because of tenuous communication lines. 128th Brig, 46th Div, relieves Indian 10th Div, which withdraws to reserve.
YUGOSLAVIA – Partisans seize Dalmatian port of Zara.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Indian 5th Div reduces enemy strongpoint, known as Vital Corner, below Tiddim, with assistance of air and arty bombardment.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: With clearance of entire Leyte Valley, army completes second phase of battle for Leyte. In X Corps area, 1st Cav and 24th Inf Div forces converge on undefended Carigara, near N entrance to Ormoc Valley, and make contact. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div relieves 3rd and 1st Battalions of 17th Inf, 7th Div, in vicinity of Dagami and engages enemy W of Dagami. Co G of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, reaches Baybay, on W coast, at 2200. Main body of 32nd Inf is alerted for move to Abuyog.
PALAUS – As weather conditions improve, 323rd Inf of 81st Div opens attack to complete reduction of Umurbrogol Pocket on Peleliu but makes little headway.
3 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 3rd Div finishes clearing Breskens Pocket. Some 12,500 prisoners have been taken during the operation. Substantial progress is made by British 52nd Div, reinforced by 4th Special Service Brig, on Walcheren I. Assault forces from Westkapelle join with those from Flushing. Positions in E Walcheren are extended. In British 1 Corps area, German delaying line along the Mark collapses as 49th Div and U.S. 104th Div expand bridgeheads, but many strongpoints remain. Pol 1st Armd Div establishes bridgehead near Zevenbergen on right flank of corps; Cdn 4th Armd Div, on left flank, improves positions in Steenbergen area.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, CCA of U.S. 7th Armd Div continues to clear NW bank of Canal du Nord, overrunning villages of Horik and Ospel.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 112th Inf of 28th Div crosses Kall R and takes Kommerscheidt and Schmidt, but 110th and 109th Regiments make little or no progress on flanks. Schmidt is on MSR of enemy in Lammersdorf Corridor.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX and XII Corps issue orders for offensive. XX Corps is to eliminate the Metz garrison, secure crossing of the Sarre in Saarburg area, and, upon order, continue offensive toward NE. XII Corps, attacking between 5 and 8 November, is to seize Faulquemont, secure Rhine bridgehead between Oppenheim and Mannheim, and, tentatively, push to Darmstadt area. In XX Corps zone, 3rd Cav Gp moves forward at night to eliminate small enemy pocket W of the Moselle at Berg-sur-Moselle.
6th Army Group: In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, 3rd Algerian Div, in limited attack toward Gerardmer, arouses strong opposition.
ITALY – AAI: U.S. Fifth Army is assigned 366th Inf, a separate regiment, but the unit does not arrive at Leghorn until 91st.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, local attack by 4th Div brings such sharp enemy reaction that it is decided to attack in strength when weather conditions improve. Positions across the Ronco are gradually strengthened during the next few days in preparation for renewing offensive.
INDIA-BURMA – On Salween front, Ch Hon 1st Div recovers Lung-ling, scene of hard fighting for some months.
In NCAC area, Ch 22nd Div reaches the Irrawaddy in vicinity of Shwegu without opposition and prepares to cross.
LEYTE – Japanese reinforcements moving up Ormoc Valley are hit with good effect by aircraft.
U.S. Sixth Army: Issues order for converging drive on Ormoc by X and XXIV Corps. In X Corps area, 34th Inf of 24th Div takes Capoocan with ease and continues toward Pinamopoan until held up by enemy strongpoint. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Battalion of 382nd Inf, 96th Div, attacks W of Dagami toward ridge, later called Bloody Ridge, moving through rice paddy, but is so heavily opposed that it withdraws after nightfall. One 2nd Battalion column advances to Patok and another moves up to reinforce 1st Battalion. 1st Battalion withstands strong counterattack, night 3-4.
4 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, first mine sweepers reach Antwerp. In 2 Corps area, British 52nd Div and commandos are methodically clearing Walcheren. Junction is made between forces at causeway and those who have crossed Slooe Channel. Enemy is being cleared from N coast. In British 1 Corps area, 49th and U.S. 104th Divs continue to push N toward the Maas in center of corps. Pol 1st Armd Div, on right flank, takes Geertruidenberg. Steenbergen, on left flank, is encircled. 104th Div is directed to move to Aachen when released from current mission.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, CCA of U.S. 7th Armd Div continues to clear NW bank of Canal du Nord.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, Germans counterattack vigorously toward Schmidt and Kommerscheidt, regaining former. A few tanks that have reached Kommerscheidt help materially in turning enemy back. 109th Inf, 28th Div, withstands determined enemy attack to N; on S, 110th makes limited progress and takes Simonskall.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3rd Cav Gp takes hill overlooking Berg but is driven off in counterattack.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 3rd Div continues to clear Forêt de Mortagne W of St Dié and open ground to N, where La Salle is now clear. 36th Div is clearing Forêt Domaniale de Champ and pushing toward Corcieux on S flank of corps.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, IV Corps takes command of S African 6th Armd Div’s sector and U.S. troops (CCB, 1st Armd Div) attached to that div; releases 92nd Div to Fifth Army control to hold Serchio Valley and coastal sector on left flank of army. In British 13 Corps area, 1st Gds Brig of 6th Armd Div completes relief of 1st Div in line. 1st Div then moves to relieve 88th Div and elements of 85th Div, U.S. II Corps, to W.
HUNGARY – Soviet forces of Second Ukrainian Front seize Cegled and Szolnok, on rail line to Budapest. Autumn rains and stiffening opposition in environs of Budapest are beginning to slow Red Army.
YUGOSLAVIA – Sibenik, on Dalmatian coast, falls to Partisans.
BURMA – 11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Indian 5th Div clears Kennedy Peak, another enemy strongpoint S of Tiddim.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps, directed to take up defensive role against seaborne attack in Carigara area and to patrol to locate sites for arty within range of Ormoc, regroups. After patrol of 34th Inf, 24th Div, finds that enemy has fallen back, advance continues through Colasian and Pinamopoan to edge of ridge later called Breakneck Ridge. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Battalion of 382nd Inf, 96th Div, continues attack W of Dagami toward Bloody Ridge and gains about 1,000 yards against light opposition. Main body of 2nd Battalion moves up behind 1st. Japanese counterattacking on night 4-5 are turned back by arty fire and leave 254 dead behind.
5 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps continues to make rapid
progress on Walcheren I. British 1 Corps gets forward elements to the Maas. U.S. 104th Div, less elements of 414th Inf that are to help Pol 1st Armd Div take Moerdijk, prepares to move to Aachen.
In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 51st Div finishes clearing enemy from S bank of the Maas. In 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th Armd Div approaches Meijel area from S, and 15th Div begins drive on Meijel from N.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 28th Div withstands infantry counterattacks against Kommerscheidt, but Germans infiltrate MSR and gain control of Kall bridge. Steady enemy fire on Vossenack is weakening U.S. defenders there. To help 112th Inf in drive on Schmidt on 6th, TF R (Col Ripple, CO of 707th Tank Battalion) is formed, containing battalion of 110th Inf, tanks, and TD’s. In VII Corps area, poor weather conditions prevent opening of offensive.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 3rd Cav Gp, after heavy fire on enemy positions, clears Berg and hill to N. XII Corps is ready to open offensive, but awaits order from Gen Patton. Rain falls intermittently.
6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army directive calls for reduction of enemy W of the Rhine and capture of Strasbourg. XV Corps is to attack on D Day, taking Sarrebourg and forcing the Saverne Gap. VI Corps, not later than D plus 2, is to attack through Vosges passes to take Strasbourg. In VI Corps area, 45th Div, into whose line additional elements of 100th Div are gradually being introduced, pushes in slowly toward Raon-l’Etape. 3rd Div continues to clear region W of the Meurthe from St Dié area northward. 36th Div is still engaged in Forêt Domaniale de Champ.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, 3rd Algerian Div, continuing limited offensive toward Gerardmer, gains Rochesson, Menaurupt, and heights near these villages.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, 1st Div of BEF takes command of CCB, 1st Armd Div, in place. Corps zone, from W to E, is now manned by 107th AAA Gp, Brazilian 1st Div, and S African 6th Armd Div.
In British Eighth Army area, improving weather conditions permit Allied aircraft to begin softening up strikes in preparation for attack by 5 Corps on Forlì.
LEYTE – U.S. aircraft attack enemy forces moving up Highway 2.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Cav Div begins prolonged program of patrolling in central mountains of Leyte. 21st Inf returns to 24th Div and relieves 34th Inf at Breakneck Ridge, W of Pinamopoan. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div continues attack on Bloody Ridge after arty preparation and, with assistance of co of tanks, is reducing enemy positions there.
6 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, 2 Corps clears Middelburg, on Walcheren I. British 1 Corps continues to eliminate scattered strongpoints S of the Maas. Pol 1st Armd Div, assisted by elements of U.S. 104th Div, begins attack on Moerdijk, on enemy’s escape route. Main body of 104th Div starts to Aachen.
In British Second Army area, U.S. 7th Armd Div is ordered to return to 12th Army Group in preparation for offensive. 15th Div continues limited action N of Meijel.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 4th Div, moving from V Corps zone to Zweifall area, is ordered to release 12th Inf, which, under command of 28th Div, V Corps, is to begin relief of elements of 28th Div at once. In V Corps area, 28th Div repels further attacks against Kommerscheidt but is forced from E end of Vossenack. Relief of 109th Inf by 12th Inf of 4th Div cannot be accomplished on night 6-7 as planned. Attack on Schmidt by TF R is postponed.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45 assumes command of coastal sector from 107th AAA Gp. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div takes M. Monsignano without opposition.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps moves forward following limited enemy withdrawal. In region W of Highway 67, 3rd Carpathian Div takes M. Chioda and M. Pratello. 5th Kresowa Div, E of the highway, seizes M. Testa, E of Dovadola.
INDIA-BURMA – In NCAC area, 64th Regiment of Ch 22nd Div crosses the Irrawaddy and overcomes light opposition in Shwegugale.
CHINA – Japanese threat to Kunming, which is besieged, is by now a matter of serious concern to China Theater hq.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps is ordered by Gen Krueger to drive as quickly as possible down Highway 2 to secure Ormoc. 21st Inf, 24th Div, probes Breakneck Ridge in preparation for attack southward. Forward elements of 3rd Battalion are forced back to beach near Colasian by intense enemy fire. 1st Battalion attempts in vain to get into position to support assault on Breakneck Ridge. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div clears all but isolated pockets on Bloody Ridge, despite well-prepared enemy positions.
7 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Cdn First Army takes direct control of final mopping up operations
on Walcheren I. British 1 Corps sector is now largely clear, although Germans continue to hold out in Moerdijk. Elements of 414th Inf, U.S. 104th Div, upon relief by British in Moerdijk area, rejoin parent div.
In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, U.S. 7th Armd Div reverts to 12th Army Group. Final assault on Meijel is delayed to await 12 Corps’ drive from SW.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V Corps, after disastrous enemy counterattacks against 28th Div, decides to withdraw Kali R bridgehead. 28th Div loses Kommerscheidt but holds along N woods line overlooking the village. Force of engineers and tanks clears E part of Vossenack and turns defense of the village over to 2nd Battalion, 109th Inf. 12th Inf, 4th Div, relieves 109th Inf on N flank N of Germeter.
In U.S. Third Army area, Gen Patton orders offensive to open on 8th, although heavy downpour of rain at this time gives little promise of air assistance.
6th Army Group: In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps is beating off counterattacks SW of Gerardmer. Noise of this action helps cover movement of units southward in preparation for attack by 1st Corps toward Belfort.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps opens offensive toward Forlì at 2250 after heavy arty preparation. While 4th Div attacks Forlì airfield, 46th Div, to left, drives N from Grisignano toward S. Martino in Strada.
INDIA-BURMA – In NCAC area, Shwegu falls to Ch 22nd Div, which is ordered to garrison it with 64th Regiment while attacking with 65th and 66th toward Man-tha.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps begins southward drive on Ormoc along Highway 2. 21st Inf, 24th Div, reinforced by 3rd Battalion of 19th, attacks toward spur of the ridge 400 yards to its front after massed fire on enemy positions but cannot take it; establishes night perimeters at edge of Breakneck Ridge. Co G, 19th Inf, advances toward Hill 1525, about 2,600 yards SE of Limon, in support of 21st Inf’s attack, but halts far E of objective. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div, with all 3 battalions in assault, continues attack on Bloody Ridge, overrunning enemy positions and killing an estimated 474 Japanese. Co E remains in Patok area.
8 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Begins extensive regrouping in order to place British Second Army along the Meuse facing eastward.
Cdn First Army completes mop up of Walcheren I., where prisoners total about 8,000, concluding offensive to secure approaches to Antwerp. British 1 Corps extends E, taking over sector formerly held by 12 Corps of British Second Army, and assumes command of 7th Armd Div and attachments.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIII Corps (Maj Gen Alvan C. Gillem, Jr.) enters line on extreme left of army group, occupying narrow sector between XIX Corps and British 30 Corps. Under XIII Corps command are 102nd Div, less 406th Inf – attached to 2nd Armd Div of XIX Corps – and 84th Div.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div is attached to corps and begins relief of 1st Div. V Corps begins withdrawing Kali bridgehead.
U.S. Third Army opens offensive toward the Sarre. XX Corps makes final preparations for assault on Metz fortified area. By dawn 60th Div, which is to make main effort, completes secret move to Forêt de Cattenom in preparation for attack across the Moselle through Koenigsmacker and the Maginot Line. 10th Armd Div is moving N to attack in conjunction with 60th Div. 95th Div begins diversionary action (CASANOVA) at 2100 when Co C, 377th Inf, crosses the Moselle in assault boats just S of Uckange after an engineer detachment clears E bank; against light resistance Co C moves inland some 400 yards, but accurate enemy fire prevents bridging; simultaneously with the river crossing, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 377th Inf begin clearing enemy pocket W of the Moselle in vicinity of Maizières-lès-Metz. 83rd Div is transferred to XX Corps from VIII Corps but because of restrictions on its use will provide only fire support. XII Corps begins drive toward the Sarre at 0600 after preparatory fire. 80th Div, with 3 regiments abreast on N flank, attacks across Seille R, taking Eply, Nomeny, and Aulnois-sur-Seille. 35th Div, with 137th Inf on left and 320th on right, 320th having passed through 134th, attacks in center: 137th seizes Malaucourt and Jallaucourt; 320th, in conjunction with 26th Div to right, attempts to reach Morhange plateau but is stopped at Fresnesen-Saulnois on left and short of Bois d’Amélécourt on right. 26th Div employs 3 regiments abreast on right flank of corps: 104th Inf, reinforced by 2 small TF’s, seizes Vic-sur-Seille and Seille bridges there; 101st overruns Moyenvic and takes its bridge, then begins costly action for Hill 310 (Côte St Jean); feinting toward Dieuze on right flank of corps, 328th Inf seizes Bezange-la-Petite and Moncourt; 2nd Cav Gp, attached to 26th Div, protects S flank of corps along Marne-Rhine Canal.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps issues field order for offensive to begin on 13 November. Infantry of 44th and 79th Divs are to breach enemy positions; French 2nd Armd Div is then to drive through the gap to exploit.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 3rd Carpathian Div is clearing hills between Modigliana and Dovadola and takes Dovadola. 5th Kresowa Div presses toward Castrocaro, gaining M. delta Birra without opposition. 5 Corps makes slow progress in Forlì area. After nightfall, 46th Div begins attack across the Rabbi, 128th Brig crossing at S. Martino in Strada and 138th Brig, upstream from there.
GREECE – Indian 4th Div arrives in Salonika; elements move to Thrace to avert threat of civil war between EAM, now in control there, and nationalist guerrillas.
BURMA – Adm Mountbatten issues directive calling for Operation ROMULUS, to clear Arakan coastal sector.
11 Army Group: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Indian 5th Div finishes clearing enemy from region S of Tiddim with unopposed occupation of Fort White, previously an enemy strongpoint.
LEYTE – Japanese land another div at Ormoc about this time and send it into mountains of central Leyte.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 24th Div’s 21st Inf, despite a raging typhoon, continues attack on Breakneck Ridge with 2nd Battalion assisted by Co L but cannot force enemy back. 2nd Battalion of 19th Inf succeeds in clearing ridge, which has been barring its advance, but is still short of Hill 1525; elements move 1,000 yards W to occupy the next ridge. 1st Battalion of 21st Inf drives to Hill 1525. In XXIV Corps area, patrols of 382nd Inf, 96th Div, locate enemy force about 2,600 yards W of Patok.
9 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army area, British 1 Corps finishes clearing region S of the Maas. 2 Corps takes over Nijmegen sector from 30 Corps and assumes command of U.S. 82nd A/B, U.S. 101st A/B, Gds Armd, 43rd Inf, and 50th Inf Divs and of 8th Separate Armd Brig.
In British Second Army area, 12 Corps enters line along the Meuse to right of 8 Corps and takes command of 53rd and 51st Divs and Belgian 1st and 8th Separate Armd Brigs in place.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 7th Armd Div arrives in corps zone from British Second Army Sector.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps launches full-scale attack to encircle and reduce Metz and is assisted by powerful air attacks by Eighth and Ninth Air Forces on Metz-Thionville region. At 0330 assault battalions of 359th and 358th Regiments, 90th Div, start across the Moselle at Malting and Cattenom, surprising enemy and gaining bridgehead. Since the swollen river and enemy fire prevent immediate construction of bridges, supporting weapons cannot be crossed. 359th Inf takes Malting, Hunting, Petite-Hettange, Métrich, and Kerling; to S, 358th clears Basse Ham and gains hold on W part of Fort Koenigsmacker; 357th (-), crossing later in day, takes town of Koenigsmacker without opposition. 95th Div expands and strengthens its small Uckange bridgehead, bypassing Bertrange; elements of 377th Inf W of the river take woods N of Semécourt, slag pile S of Maizières-lès-Metz, Château Brieux. 5th Div begins attack across Seine R south of Metz by footbridge and assault craft: 2nd Inf and 2 battalions of 10th Inf establish bridgehead 6,000 yards deep and 5,000 yards wide, 2nd Inf on right taking Cheminot without opposition and 10th clearing resistance at Hautonnerie Farm. In XII Corps area, 80th Div, assisted by aircraft and advance of friendly forces on its flanks, gains most of Delme Ridge. 6th Armd Div crosses the Seille in 80th Div sector in preparation for drive on Faulquemont; advance party of CCB advances to positions W of Alemont while armored infantry assists 80th Div in mopping up Nomeny area. In 35th Div sector, CCB of 4th Armd Div is committed through 137th Inf, which then follows armor, and drives forward in 2 columns, one reaching Hannocourt and the other halting short of Fonteny, where enemy holds prepared positions. 137th Inf, 35th Div, takes Delme village in conjunction with attack by 80th Div on Delme Ridge; 320th Inf, after clearing Fresnes area, concentrates on Bois d’Amélécourt and pushes into the forest, where enemy is well entrenched; 134th Inf is committed to right with mission of clearing E part of Forêt de Château-Salins. 100th Inf, 26th Div, clears enemy from Château-Salins; attached TF takes Morvillelés-Vic and continues toward Hampont; 101st Inf is attempting to outflank Hill 310 and seizes Salival. CCA, 4th Armd Div, is ordered to attack through 100th Inf on 10th.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 100th Div completes relief of 45th Div and takes over its mission of protecting N flank of corps and clearing Raon-l’Etape area W of the Meurthe. 45th Div moves to rest area and passes to Seventh Army control. 103rd Div enters line in 3rd Div sector, relieving 7th Inf.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, II Corps front is narrowed as 1st Div of British 13 Corps takes command of sector previously held by 88th Div and elements of 85th. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div, pushing northward as enemy makes limited withdrawals, takes M. Budriatto.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 4th Div clears enemy stragglers from Forlì. 46th Div reaches Montone R at S. Varano, where it is held up by enemy from opposite bank; platoon crosses later at Terra del Sole but is isolated and lost.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div resumes advance with 72nd and 29th Brigs, 72nd on W. 72nd Brig has moved forward during lull in Mawlu sector.
CHINA – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, urged by Gen Wedemeyer to order Y-Force troops to exploit retreat of Japanese from Lung-ling to Mangshih, agrees to do so. After the order is issued, Ch XII Group Army (53rd, 2nd, and 71st Armies) starts toward Mangshih.
LEYTE – Japanese convoy lands reinforcements at Ormoc but is forced to withdraw under air attack before equipment and ammunition can be unloaded. The vessels are destroyed on their return journey by U.S. aircraft.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 24th Div is ordered to make coordinated effort to clear Breakneck Ridge and commanding ground S of Limon on 10th. 21st Inf continues bitter struggle for the ridge, gaining ground slowly in frontal attacks. To assist 91st Inf, 34th Inf is ordered to move elements into position to harass enemy rear. 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, is placed under control of 21st Inf and moves toward Hill 1525 to relieve 1st Battalion, 21st Inf. 1st Battalion, leaving Co A to await arrival of 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, begins attack to cut Ormoc road S of Limon, but is recalled to help Co A beat off counterattack against Hill 1525. 1st Battalion is forced to fall back to Pinamopoan area. In XXIV Corps area, heavy rainfall prevents 382nd Inf, 96th Div, from attacking enemy W of Patok.
10 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: U.S. First Army alters boundary between VII and V Corps to give V Corps responsibility for Huertgen in Kleinhau. In VII Corps area, 12th Inf, which reverts to 4th Div from attachment to 28th Div of V Corps, undergoes a determined counterattack on plateau SW of Huertgen that engulfs 2 cos and forces remnants back to S third of the plateau. Because of weakened state of the regiment, CCR of 5th Armd Div is attached to corps. 104th Div completes relief of 1st Div. In V Corps area, elements of 28th Div make limited progress toward woods line near Huertgen.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, enemy mounts tank-infantry counterattack at 0300 that overruns Kerling and threatens Petite-Hettange before 359th Inf of 90th Div, helped by massed arty fire on Kerling, contains the onslaught; 357th begins assault on Métrich group of fortifications SE of Koenigsmacker, partially reducing it; 358th continues efforts to take Fort Koenigsmacker, elements bypassing the fort to reach Bois d’Elzange ridge. 1st Battalion of 377th Inf, 95th Div, maintains Uckange bridgehead and is supplied by air; action to finish clearing enemy salient W of the Moselle has been broken off by rest of 377th Inf since Hauconcourt is now flooded; 2nd Battalion, 378th Inf, starts to Thionville to reconnoiter in force across the Moselle. Bridge is completed at Malling site about midnight. 2nd Inf of 5th Div, its left flank covered by 10th, continues NE to left and rear of XII Corps’ CCB, 6th Armd Div, taking Pagny-lès-Goin, Silly-en-Saulnois, and road junction E of latter; relieves armor at Vigny and Buchy, on intercorps MSR. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd and 80th Inf Divs advance rapidly on N flank of corps in spite of mud, mines, and congestion on highways. CCB of 6th Armd Div, in conjunction with 5th Div (XX Corps), drives through Vigny and Buchy while CCA pushes to Luppy. 80th Div gains nearly 8 miles. CCB, 4th Armd Div, attempts to swing elements from Hannocourt to Fonteny but finds enemy blocking route at Vivièrs. 137th Inf of 35th Div moves up behind armor, clearing Vivièrs in hard fight and pushing beyond Laneuveville-en-Saulnois to Fonteny area; 320th Inf drives from Bois d’Amélécourt into Forêt de Château-Salins while 134th advances on Gerbécourt. CCA, 4th Armd Div, drives through left flank of 26th Div, forward elements reaching Hampont. 101st Inf of 26th Div continues flanking attacks toward crest of Hill 310, gaining ridge NE of the hill and positions in Bois St Martin.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, enemy resistance W of the Meurthe is weakening noticeably. Continuing northward along the river, 15th Inf of 3rd Div takes Etival. 103rd Div relieves 30th Inf, 3rd Div, in line. 142nd Inf of 36th Div, which has been inching SE through Forêt Domaniale de Champ from Les Rouges Eaux, finds Vanemont and La Houssière, at SE edge of the forest, undefended.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div finds M. Ponpegno clear and pushes on to M. Bassana.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 4th Div runs into intense opposition as it attempts to advance from Forlì.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div comes up against enemy’s MLR in Pinwe area of RR corridor. Ch 38th Div successfully turns enemy OPL along the Taping in Bhamo area and emerges onto Bhamo plain.
CHINA – Japanese take Kweilin and Liuchow from Ch garrisons without difficulty. Next Japanese objective is Kweiyang.
PACIFIC – 77th Div, en route to New Caledonia, is ordered to Leyte.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, elements of 1st Cav Div begin extensive patrolling of central mountains. 24th Div opens all-out effort to clear enemy from rest of Breakneck Ridge. While
21st Inf continues frontal attacks, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf and 2nd Battalion of 19th attack toward commanding ground S of Limon. From Capoocan, 1st Battalion of 34th moves by LVTs along coast of Carigara Bay for 7 miles, lands, and advances inland to ridge near Belen. In XXIV Corps area, 382nd Inf of 96th Div renews attack with 1st and 3rd Battalions and completes occupation of Bloody Ridge and its sector without opposition.
11 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: British Second Army continues to regroup in order to help U.S. Ninth Army in offensive in Roer Valley NE of Aachen. 30 Corps takes up positions on S flank of army, including region formerly held by U.S. XIII Corps from Maeseyck to Teveren, 2 miles SW of Geilenkirchen. Corps takes operational control of U.S. 84th Div, less 335th Inf.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 335th Inf of 84th Div is attached to 30th Div at Wuerselen. 102nd Div turns over part of its sector to British 30 Corps.
In U.S. First Army area, VIII Corps takes command of 83rd Div from XX Corps.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div nearly doubles size of its bridgehead: 359th Inf, after repelling local counterattacks, pushes to ridges ahead, blocks crossroads SE of Rettel, and outposts Kerling, but enemy retains Oudrenne on its S flank; 357th, leaving elements behind to complete reduction of Métrich works, drives quickly to high ground NW of Breistroff-la-Petit, well ahead of flanking regiments; on S flank, where Fort Koenigsmacker surrenders, main body of 358th Inf works along Bois d’Elzange ridge, taking Hill 254. Moselle flood waters reach their crest and begin to subside. 2nd Battalion of 378th Inf, 95th Div, supported by combat engineers, establishes bridgehead across the Moselle at Thionville and begins assault on Fort Yutz; 377th maintains small bridgehead in Bertrange area. Continuing quickly NE on S flank of corps, 2nd Inf of 5th Div reaches Aube and Dain-en-Saulnois, near Nied Française R. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd Div, assisted by 80th Div, drives to Nied Française R and establishes bridgeheads. One CCB TF of 6th Armd Div takes bridge near Sanry-sur-Nied and crosses while another reaches W bank of the river at Remilly; CCA column and 317th Inf of 80th Div seize bridge at Han-sur-Nied and establish bridgehead; another CCA force and 318th Inf reach the river at Baudrecourt 2 miles S of Han-sur-Nied, and construct treadway bridge. CCB 4th Armd Div, and elements of 137th Inf, 35th Div, are still held up at Fonteny but push into the village. 320th and 134th Regiments, 35th Div, continue through Forêt de Château-Salins, from which enemy begins withdrawing main forces. CCA, 4th Armd Div, and 104th Inf, 26th Div, push forward on S flank of corps, CCA to positions between Conthil and Rodalbe and 104th Inf taking Rodalbe. 101st Inf, 26th Div, completes capture of Hill 310 and secures firm positions on Koecking ridge.
6th Army Group: In French 1st Army area, 1st Corps commander requests and receives permission to postpone INDEPENDENCE from 13th to 14th in order to complete preparations.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, limited attack by Indian 8th Div from M. S. Bartolo fails.
In British Eighth Army’s Corps area, 4th Div breaks through just beyond Forlì and advances toward the Montone.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div halts after futile efforts to outflank enemy in Pinwe area.
CHINA – U.S. Fourteenth Air Force planes attack Heng-yang with such success that Japanese are forced to confine future operations from this field to army cooperation flights.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 21st Inf of 24th Div continues assault on Breakneck Ridge after preparatory bombardment, 1st Battalion gaining ridge that is its immediate objective but halting short of crest. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, which is out of rations, moves to Agahang, about 3,800 yards NW of Limon, and obtains food from Filipinos.
VOLCANO IS. – Warships of Third Fleet and land-based bombers bombard Iwo Jima airfields.
12 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps takes responsibility for U.S. Ninth Army’s N flank as far S as Wurm R.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, two cos of 12th Inf, 4th Div, break through to the isolated forces on plateau SW of Huertgen, but they too become encircled.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, the Germans, in effort to reach Malling bridge, counterattack in regimental strength with support of tanks and assault guns against 359th Inf, 90th Div, forcing outposts from Kerling and again threatening Petite-Hettange, but are driven off with heavy losses. Malling bridge is destroyed by enemy arty fire after 2 TD’s have crossed. 357th Inf of 90th Div, which has been joined by its reserve battalion, continues attack along Bois de Koenigsmacker ridge, pushing beyond Breistroff-la-Petit to positions overlooking Inglange; 358th gains line Elzange-Valmestroff and both of these villages. Bridge construction is begun at Cattenom. On S flank of corps 2nd Inf, 5th Div, crosses into 6th Armd Div’s bridgehead at Sanry-sur-Nied (XII Corps zone) and during night 12-13 repels enemy counterattack. 5th Div regroups for
northward drive on Metz, 11th Inf extending its right flank to the Seille. In XII Corps area, CCB of 6th Armd Div expands Sanry bridgehead and outposts main road junction between Bazoncourt and Berlize. One CCA TF attacks toward Faulquemont from Han-sur-Nied bridgehead, overcoming strong resistance at Herny; another crosses the Nied Française at Baudrecourt. German efforts to stop 50th Div in triangle between Nied Française R and Rotte Creek subside when 6th Armd Div TF pushes S and outflanks enemy, and the creek is bridged at points. Corps alters plan of attack, giving 6th Armd Div mission of securing high ground S of Faulquemont and extending its zone southward. After 137th Inf of 35th Div seizes Faxe, restoring contact between columns of CCB, 4th Armd Div, CCB pursues enemy to Oron and takes bridge across Nied Française at Oron while 137th advances in region to E; 320th Inf clears rest of Forêt de Château-Salins and is withdrawn to reserve; 134th drives to Bellange, where it halts upon order. 26th Div, having regrouped to turn 101st Inf E along S slopes of Koecking ridge and place 328th in center on Koecking ridge, continues attack on S flank of corps. Germans, committing armored reserve, succeed in halting CCA, 4th Armd Div, and 104th Inf, 26th Div: CCA column drives through Rodalbe toward Bermering but is forced back to Bois de Conthil to await tank replacements; all-out German counterattack regains Rodalbe and virtually destroys 3rd Battalion of 104th Inf there; right flank column of CCA takes Hill 337, SE of Lidrezing; elements recover Conthil and reopen MSR. 104th Inf, badly depleted in strength, establishes itself along Conthil-Lidrezing road, where it forms an exposed salient. 328th Inf of 26th Div, reinforced by battalion of 101st, begins clearing forest on Koecking ridge, reaching Berange Farm, where stubborn strongpoint is overrun; 101st attempts unsuccessfully to take St Medard and then breaks off attack.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 100th Div begins attack on N flank of corps to outflank Raon-l’Etape with 399th and 397th Regiments, leaving 398th and rcn tr to maintain current positions along the Meurthe: assault regiments cross the river at Baccarat to attack Raon from the rear and block enemy movement. 103rd Div takes command of sector W of St Dié between 15th Inf of 3rd Div and 36th Div. 36th Div is slowly improving positions near Corcieux.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps attacks toward line Castrocaro-Converselles-Lucia, S of Faenza, in conjunction with 5 Corps. In 5 Corps area, 4th Div is held up N of Highway 9 at S. Tome, a little short of the Montone. 138th Brig, 46th Div, attacks across the Montone SW of Forlì.
YUGOSLAVIA – Kumanovo, on Skoplje-Nis rail line, is now in Allied hands.
SEAC – Allied Land Forces South East Asia (ALFSEA) is activated under Lt Gen Sir Oliver Leese. The new hq consists of former Hq, 11 Army Group, previously under Gen Giffard, and some U.S. officers; has control over British troops, NCAC, CAI, and Ch forces within SEAC. Lt Gen Raymond A. Wheeler takes over Gen Stilwell’s former post of Deputy Supreme Allied Commander, SEAC.
CHINA – East China Air Task Force, formed by Gen Chennault to help Ch troops defend E China airfields from bases W and E of enemy-held corridor, begins arriving at Suichwan and goes into action within a week.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 21st Inf of 24th Div gains crest of Breakneck Ridge shortly after noon but is unable to advance S along Highway 2 from there. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, after receiving its first airdrop of supplies, moves through Consuegra to Cabiranan. 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, blocks Highway 2 south of Limon and maintains the block with difficulty until 23rd.
13 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Cdn 3rd Div takes over sector formerly held by U.S. 82nd A/B Div; A/B div reverts to First Allied Airborne Army.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 359th Inf of 90th Div recovers Kerling and moves through dense mine fields to establish contact with 357th near Oudrenne; 358th continues down Bois d’Elzange ridge, hampered more by mines than by enemy, to positions near Inglange. Cattenom bridge is opened to traffic, and vehicles and weapons begin crossing in a steady stream. 2nd Battalion of 378th Inf, 95th Div, completes reduction of Fort Yutz and takes Basse Yutz; final elements of 1st Battalion, 377th, cross into Uckange bridgehead, where Bertrange and Imeldange are easily cleared and enemy counterattack is repulsed. 5th Div drives N on Metz: 11th Inf, on left, takes ground around Fey, Pournoy-la-Chétive, and Coin-lès-Cuvry; 10th overruns Forts Aisne and Yser, S of Bois de l’Hôpital; elements of 2nd, having crossed the Nied Française S of Sanry-sur-Nied, take Ancerville. Engineers construct bridge near Ancerville. Enemy efforts to drive 2nd Inf of 5th Div back across the Nied during night fail. In XII Corps area, German counterattack against Sanry bridgehead forces outpost of CCB, 6th Armd Div, back, but main line holds; CCB is ordered to turn over Sanry bridgehead to 5th Div (XX Corps) and move SE; one CCA column continues toward Faulquemont assisted by 317th Inf of 80th Div; another clears enemy from Arraincourt.
CCB, 4th Armd Div, and 35th Div begin drive on Morhange, important communications center: CCB, followed by 137th Inf, pushes through Villers-sur-Nied to positions N of Marthille on left and to ridge commanding Achain on right; 134th Inf clears Achain on left and reaches Rougemont Ridge on right. 328th Inf, 26th Div, continues slowly through woods on Koecking ridge under heavy fire; 101st is still checked to right rear at St Médard and Haraucourt, exposing right flank of 328th.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps begins offensive NE toward Sarrebourg with 44th Div on left, 79th on right, and 106th Cav screening N flank. 44th, with 324th and 71st Regiments in assault, attacks toward Avricourt from Leintrey area, coming under heavy fire. 79th Div attacks with 314th and 315th Regiments from Montigny area and drives to outskirts of Ancerviller. In VI Corps area, attack of 100th Div on N flank of corps is delayed by German counterattack, which is repelled with aid of arty fire. Germans begin burning St Dié in preparation for withdrawal.
In French 1st Army area, Prime Minister Churchill and Gen de Gaulle visit Gen de Lattre at Besançon. In 1st Corps area, blizzard prevents even limited action.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div renews assault on M. S. Bartolo and takes it in hard fighting.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 138th Brig of 46th Div expands Montone bridgehead to M. Poggiolo area; 128th Brig takes S. Varano. Depleted 167th Brig, 56th Div, is committed on Highway 9, between 4th and 46th Divs.
GREECE – Anglo-Greek agreement of 9 March 1942 is amended in order to place Greek armed forces under British high command. All of Greece has now been liberated.
BURMA – ALFSEA: In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Indian 5th Div and E African 11th Div make patrol contact near Kalemyo.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 21st Inf of 24th Div gains 400-600 yards as it continues to clear Breakneck Ridge. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf reaches its objective, Kilay Ridge (named for Henry Kilay, a Filipino soldier who owned it), without opposition. This commanding position lies about 700 yards W of Highway 2 where 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf, is maintaining roadblock.
14 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 12 Corps opens offensive to reduce enemy bridgehead W of the Maas in Roermond-Venlo area, attacking across Nord and Wessem Canals with 53rd and 51st Divs while 7th Armd Div takes locks at Panheel.
12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, greatly weakened 28th Div begins moving to VIII Corps sector; 109th Inf relieves 112th, the first unit to be withdrawn, and is reinforced by 2nd Ranger Battalion.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Oudrenne falls to 359th Inf, 90th Div; 358th cuts Inglange-Distroff road and clears Distroff. 90th Rcn Tr links bridgeheads of 80th and 95th Divs, providing 10th Armd Div a protected route of advance. Bailey bridge is completed at Thionville during morning, and CCB of 10th Armd Div starts across it in afternoon. CCA of 10th Armd Div and 3rd Cav Gp cross at Malling, latter to screen in Sarre-Moselle triangle. 95th Div, which has been engaged largely in containing enemy bridgehead W of Metz, begins attacks W of the river with 379th Inf after arty preparation: while 2nd Battalion works around to rear of Forêt Jeanne d’Arc and holds off counterattacks, 1st Battalion begins reduction of fortifications known as the Seven Dwarfs, taking the 3 northern works and attempting in vain to gain the next, Forêt Bois la Dame. The regiment is isolated in these advanced positions, though, and must be supplied by air. E of the Moselle, 2nd Battalion of 378th Inf, 95th Div, takes Haute-Yutz and opens assault on Forêt d’Illange; 1st Battalion, 377th Inf, is heavily engaged at Bertrange and Imeldange. 10th and 11th Regiments, 5th Div, drive northward abreast toward Metz while 3rd Battalion, 2nd Inf, moves to Sorbey area; 11th clears woods SW of Fort Verdun and takes Prayelle Farm; 10th cleans out S half of Bois de l’Hôpital. In XII Corps area, Gen Eddy limits 80th Div’s mission to clearing high ground S of Faulquemont. CCA of 6th Armd Div attacks toward Côte de Suisse, a ridge extending from Landroff to Thicourt, taking Brulange, Suisse, and Landroff. Germans begin series of determined attempts to recover Landroff at dusk, pushing into the village. CCB, 4th Armd Div, and 137th Inf, 35th Div, close in on Morhange, seizing Destry and Baronville in bitter fighting. 134th Inf, 35th Div, moves forward to right. CCA, 4th Armd Div, sweeps through Bois de Kerpeche, extending NE from Koecking ridge, and gets elements to Guebling. 328th Inf, 26th Div, continues to clear Koecking forest, from which enemy begins withdrawing, night 14-15.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div continues to battle enemy near Leintrey. 79th overcomes opposition at Ste Pôle and Ancerviller.
In French 1st Army area, 1st Corps opens offensive toward Belfort Gap, attacking astride the Doubs at noon with 2nd Moroccan Div assisted by 5th Armd Div on left and 9th Colonial Div on right. Tactical
surprise is achieved and gains are made all along front.
NORWAY – Norwegian government-in-exile announces that Norwegian troops under Col Arne Dahl have landed in Norway to operate with Soviet Karelian forces against Germans on Arctic front.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 4th Div reaches the Montone in region N of Highway 9. Advancing along the highway, 167th Brig of 56th Div crosses the Montone. S of Highway 9, 46th Div continues toward Samoggia R.
YUGOSLAVIA – Yugoslavs announce fall of Skoplje, which has been main staging point for enemy forces withdrawing from Greece.
SEAC – Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory is lost in air crash while en route to take over position as Air Commander in Chief, SEAC. Air Marshal Sir Guy Garrod is later appointed to this position.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 22nd Div, upon taking Mantha with ease and blocking road from Bhamo, is ordered to continue drive to Si-u. Ch 38th Div’s 114th and 113th Regiments are converging on Bhamo: 114th, pressing W toward the town, is bitterly opposed by enemy in Momauk area, 8 miles E of Bhamo; 113th, upon crossing the Taping at Myothit, moves W along S bank of the river toward Bhamo.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, Gen Krueger orders Gen Sibert to commit 32nd Div, originally intended to operate on S Samar, in zone of 24th Div in order to relieve elements of that div. Cav RCT regiment arrives on Leyte and is placed under corps control. Breakneck Ridge is now largely clear, but Japanese still retain several adjacent spurs. 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, patrols actively on Kilay Ridge. Supplies for the battalion are hand carried by Filipinos from Consuegra. In XXIV Corps area, 32nd Inf of 7th Div is ordered to start N to Damulaan-Caridad area and upon order to advance upon Ormoc.
15 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 12th Inf of 4th Div breaks through to the 4 encircled cos on plateau SW of Huertgen and withdraws them, but by now the regiment holds only S edge of the plateau.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf of 80th Div is hit hard by counterattack that reaches Distroff, but forces enemy to retire; 357th attacks toward ridge between Budling and Buding until stopped by fire from Hackenberg works; 359th passes into reserve as 10th Armd Div begins to attack. CCB of 10th Armd Div drives slowly along road E of Kerling hampered by obstacles; pushing SE toward Bouzonville, CCA takes Lemestroff. 95th Div troops E of the Moselle are formed into TF Bacon (Col Robert L. Bacon) to drive S on Metz, although 2nd Battalion of 378th Inf and 1st Battalion of 377th are not yet in contact; 2nd Battalion of 378th captures Illange forts, ending organized resistance in N part of div zone; 1st Battalion of 377th joins TF Bacon after enemy is finally cleared from Bertrange and Imeldange. 95th Div broadens offensive W of Metz, employing 378th and 377th Regiments, less elements attached to TF Bacon: 378th takes Fort de Fèves, at N end of Canrobert works, and heights SW of Bois de Woippy; 377th, making main effort, drives S of Maizières-lès-Metz to La Maxe and Woippy, seizing La Maxe and beginning assault on Woippy; after dark patrol contact is made between 377th and 378th Regiments; enemy pressure against 379th Inf, on S, eases somewhat. 5th Div improves positions and regroups for final push to Metz: 11th Inf takes Augny and reaches edge of Frescaty airport; 10th finishes clearing Bois de l’Hôpital and enters Marly, where bitter fighting ensues; 2nd repels enemy drives toward Sanry bridge from Sorbey area and clears Mécleuves. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd Div, assisted by elements of 319th Inf of 80th Div, drives enemy from Landroff; armored TF takes Côte de Suisse. CCB, 4th Armd Div, reaches Metz-Sarrebourg RR but is ordered to halt since its flank is exposed and since its movement is confined to roads. 35th Div advances through Morhange, which enemy has abandoned, to Metz-Sarrebourg RR. Against light resistance, 328th Inf of 26th Div pushes forward in E part of Koecking woods; 2nd Cav Gp and 101st Inf are pursuing retreating enemy toward Dieuze. CCA, 4th Armd Div, is forced to yield Guebling, since enemy cannot be driven from ground commanding the village, and withdraws this salient won at great cost.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div continues toward Avricourt. 79th presses northward toward Vezouse R, clearing Halloville, NE of Ancerviller. In VI Corps area, 100th Div penetrates enemy positions N of Raon-l’Etape. 103rd Div prepares for its first offensive mission – to clear hill mass just SW of St Dié.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps, with 3rd Algerian Div on N and 1st Div on S, moves forward to keep pace with friendly forces on flanks. 3rd Algerian Div reaches Le Tholy. 1st Corps makes excellent progress except on extreme right along Swiss frontier. 2nd Moroccan Div, assisted by 5th Armd Div, drives beyond Arcey, on road to Héricourt. 9th Colonial Div, with capture of Colombier-Fontaine, Ecot, and Ecurcey, opens route to Hérimoncourt.
HUNGARY – Pushing toward Budapest from E, Soviet forces take Jaszbereny.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 8th Indian Div troops push into Modigliana, where contact is made with Pol 2 Corps.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf begins march from Camp Landis to help Ch 22nd Div in Si-u area. Ch 38th Div has blocked main routes from Bhamo.
In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, British role in Phase 1 of CAPITAL is nearly completed with unopposed capture of Kalemyo. 15 Corps passes to direct command of ALFSEA.
MAPIA IS. – U.S. Eighth Army, in its first offensive, begins amphibious assault to clear islands, 160 nautical miles NE of Sansapor. Little opposition is met by the assault force, elements of 31st Div. Captain Lord Ashbourne (RN) heads naval forces during this and subsequent operations against Asia Is.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 112th Cav is attached to 1st Cav Div and given responsibility for Capoocan-Carigara-Barugo area of N coast on 16th. 128th Inf, 32nd Div, is to attack S through 21st Inf, 24th Div, toward Ormoc. Forward elements of 21st Inf are about 1,500 yards N of Limon. 24th Cav Rcn Tr joins 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, on Kilay Ridge to patrol westward. 1st Battalion patrols push E toward Ormoc road in futile effort to make contact with 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf.
16 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 15th Div finds Meijel clear of enemy. In 12 Corps area, patrols reach Zig Canal, SE of Meijel.
12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth and First Armies open coordinated offensive to clear Roer Plain between the Wurm and the Roer. Combined air-ground effort is called Operation QUEEN. Air phase of QUEEN marks greatest close support effort yet made by Allied air forces, British and U.S. strategic and tactical air forces joining in the assault on relatively small zone of attack and dropping 10,000 tons of bombs.
In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIX Corps attacks for crossing of the Roer at Juelich at 1245. CCB, 2nd Armd Div, pushes toward Gereonsweiler on left flank of corps from Waurichen and Beggendorf, seizing Immendorf, Floverich, and Puffendorf. Puffendorf is in outer ring of Juelich defenses. Efforts of one column to take Apweiler are costly and unsuccessful, but another column seizes hill 700 yards NE of Puffendorf on highway to Gereonsweiler. In center, 29th Div, committing a battalion each from 115th and 175th Regiments, attacks from Baesweiler-Oidtweiler area toward Aldenhoven en route to Juelich but is stopped close to line of departure near villages of Siersdorf and Bettendorf. 30th Div, reinforced by regiment of 84th, attacks S in Wuerselen area with 3 regiments abreast, 117th taking Mariadorf and 120th overrunning Euchen; little progress is made in Wuerselen.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps opens attack of First Army at 1245, pushing toward Dueren and Cologne to secure Roer R crossings, with 104th Inf, 3rd Armd, 1st Inf, and 4th Inf Divs from left to right. 104th Div makes main effort on right with 414th Inf, reinforced by battalion of 415th, driving toward the Donnerberg (Hill 287) and Eschweiler Woods; enemy opposition from commanding ground of the Donnerberg limits progress, but elements secure weak hold on Birkengang, suburb of Stolberg NW of the Donnerberg; rest of 104th Div conducts limited actions to N without making appreciable headway. CCB, 3rd Armd Div, attacks in Stolberg corridor toward 4 villages at W base of Hamich Ridge. TF Mills loses 15 tanks in vain effort to take Hastenrath and Scherpenseel. TF Lovelady seizes Kottenich and Werth. 1st Div, reinforced by 47th Inf of 9th Div, makes main effort of corps from Schevenhuette, pressing through Huertgen Forest toward Langerwehe and Juengersdorf; 47th Inf gets battalion into Gressenich; 16th and 26th Regiments attack in Huertgen Forest astride Schevenhuette-Langerwehe highway, 26th Inf on right, but lack tank support and advance slowly; 16th reaches edge of woods overlooking Hamich. 4th Div, reinforced by CCR of 5th Armd Div, attacks on broad front in Huertgen Forest at scene of earlier battles in effort to break through between Schevenhuette and Huertgen, making main effort on left in order to support 1st Div: elements of 8th Inf on N and 22nd Inf in center make extremely slow progress against well-organized positions within the forest; 12th Inf can scarcely move on plateau SW of Huertgen.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf of 90th Div, silencing guns of the Hackenberg, takes ridge beyond; 358th seizes Inglange and Metzervisse. CCB, 10th Armd Div, reaches Kirschnaumen; CCA’s TF Chamberlain (Lt Col Thomas C. Chamberlain) gets beyond Laumesfeld while TF Standish (Lt Col Miles L. Standish) takes Ste Marguerite. TF Bacon, 95th Div, starts S toward Metz along E bank of the Moselle, advancing steadily 4½ miles to Trémery. In region W of the Moselle, 377th and 378th Regiments take up pursuit as Germans begin withdrawing their bridgehead, abandoning Woippy; 379th Inf, strengthening its attack, takes St Hubert Farm and Moscou Farm. 5th Div attacks N toward Metz: 11th Inf contains Verdun Forts and is heavily engaged at Frescaty airfield; 10th finishes clearing Marly and pushes on toward Magny; 2nd is largely engaged at Nied Française R line, but battalion pushes toward Frontigny. In XII Corps
area, CCA of 6th Armd Div and 318th and 319 Regiments of 80th Div attack toward Faulquemont, supported by massed fire from Côte de Suisse, and seize high ground S of town; during the advance, enemy is driven from 5 towns and about 1,200 prisoners are taken.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div gains ground toward Vezouse R, overrunning Barbas. French 2nd Armd Div, which is to exploit expected breakthrough of infantrymen, clears Nonhigny with rcn elements of CCR. In VI Corps area, 103rd Div clears part of triangular hill mass SW of St Dié.
In French 1st Army area, 1st Corps overruns Ste Marie and pushes on toward Montbéliard on left; thrusts to Roches-lès-Blâmont on right.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 13 Corps pauses to regroup so that troops may be rotated.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps halts along line of Montone and Cosina Rivers and regroups. 56th Div forces are withdrawn from line.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div is still held up in RR corridor by stubborn opposition in Pinwe area. 2 cos are isolated by enemy roadblock and have to be withdrawn.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st and 3rd Battalions of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, begin drive on Ormoc, passing through 21st Inf, 24th Div, on Breakneck Ridge. 1st Battalion is soon halted but 3rd pushes forward 350 yards without opposition. Patrols of 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, are still unable to make contact with 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf. 24th Div has defensive role of protecting Jaro-Ormoc trail.
17 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 12 Corps gets forward elements to the Maas across from Roermond and takes Wessem.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, CCB of 2nd Armd Div withstands determined counterattacks against Immendorf and Puffendorf but loses hill NE of latter; another attempt to take Apweiler fails; CCA commits TF A to drive through Puffendorf toward Ederen but cannot get beyond Puffendorf. 29th Div employs 1st Battalion of 116th Inf, attached to 115th Inf, against Setterich – on main highway and needed to support tanks of 2nd Armd Div – but is unable to take it; nor do assault forces to S succeed in clearing either Siersdorf or Bettendorf. 30th Div makes progress in heavily built up area on S flank of corps, taking village of Heengen on N and on S clearing rest of Wuerselen and overrunning Broichweiden.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div, renewing effort to advance its right wing with heavy volume of fire support, is still firmly opposed from the Donnerberg and makes slow progress, although Birkengang is largely cleared. TF Mills of CCB, 3rd Armd Div, gains weak hold on S part of Hastenrath and Scherpenseel, but since its flank is exposed by failure of 104th Div to advance, is precariously situated; enemy fire from Eschweiler Woods and the Donnerberg takes heavy toll of CCB’s armor, which by nightfall is at half its original strength. In 1st Div sector, 47th Inf eliminates rear-guard opposition from Gressenich; 16th Inf, with tank support, advances almost to Hamich while 26th gains few hundred yards to right. Enemy continues to contain efforts of 4th Div to advance through Huertgen Forest. In V Corps area, 110th Inf of 28th Div is relieved by elements of 8th Div and moves to VIII Corps sector.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div fans out to pursue enemy toward the Sarre, closely supported by aircraft. 357th Inf, 90th Div, cleans out Hackenberg fortifications, which are found leveled by direct fire, and takes Klang; 358th seizes Metzeresche. Germans begin withdrawing in front of div after nightfall. TF Bacon, 95th Div, gets almost to Metz, stopping for night within sight of Fort St Julien. W of the Moselle, 95th Div continues toward Metz, 377th Inf reaching suburb of Sansonnet. Against weakened resistance, 5th Div continues northward toward Metz: 11th Inf clears most of Frescaty Airfield, but is stopped on right by fire from Fort St Privat; 10th is halted at Fort Queuleu but gets patrols to city limits; 2nd withdraws elements E of the Nied Française in order to strengthen drive on right flank of div and pushes northward beyond Frontigny. XII Corps regroups and shifts boundaries in preparation for final push to the Sarre. CCB rejoins 4th Armd Div. Germans begin general withdrawal, night 17-18.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, Avricourt falls to 44th Div. 79th Div reaches Vezouse R line in Blâmont-Cirey area and begins crossing. CCB, French 2nd Armd Div, seizes Badonviller, near junction of XV and VI Corps front, and pushes on to Bréménil. In VI Corps area, 100th Div prepares for full-scale attack on Raon from N, 398th Inf crossing the Meurthe at Baccarat. 103rd Div finishes clearing heights SW of St Dié; during night 17-18, patrols into St Dié, from which enemy is withdrawing. 36th Div patrols enter Corcieux, where enemy has already applied the torch.
In French 1st Army’s Western French Forces area, Gen de Larminat organizes Forces Françaises de l’Ouest (FFO) to safeguard coast of Bay of Biscay from I. de Ré and La Rochelle on N to Royan and Pointe de Grave on S. CP has recently moved from Paris to Cognac. 1st Corps breaks through outer
defenses of Belfort along line of the Lisaine and Gland Rivers. Among towns taken are Héricourt, Montbéliard, and Hérimoncourt.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, hard fighting develops on M. Fortino, N of Converselle, which enemy loses and then regains in counterattack.
ALBANIA – German resistance in Tirana ends.
CHINA – From Kweilin-Liuchow area, Japanese begin drive on Kweiyang, possession of which would open way to Kunming, Hump terminus, and Chungking.
MANUS I. – 77th Div sails for Leyte.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, gets to within 500 yards of Limon, but 1st Battalion is still held up by enemy on slopes of Corkscrew Ridge. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf at last makes contact with 2nd Battalion of 19th Inf after pushing across ridge and Ormoc road. Efforts to clear another ridge fail, and Co B becomes isolated. During the day the battalion is attached to 32nd Div.
U.S. – CCS approve Adm Mountbatten’s proposal of late October to clear Arakan coast; reject the Kra Isthmus operation; ask for plan to develop Cocos Is., as staging base.
18 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps begins offensive to reduce Geilenkirchen salient (Operation CLIPPER), driving NE with 43rd Div on left and U.S. 84th Div, reinforced by British Drewforce (flail tanks and searchlight battery), on right. 43rd Div secures Tripsrath and most of Bauchem. 334th Inf, 84th Div, takes Prummern; continuing assault after nightfall with aid of searchlights, gains position dominating Sueggerath but is unable to take high ground – called Mahogany Hill – NE of Prummern. Geilenkirchen is now surrounded on 3 sides.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, CCB of 2nd Armd Div, after repelling minor counterattack against Immendorf, takes Apweiler in limited attack, then pauses while 29th Div is clearing Setterich. 29th Div, with close tank and arty support, makes substantial progress, 116th Inf, to which 1st Battalion reverts, gaining firm foothold in Setterich and other elements penetrating outer defenses of Juelich to take Siersdorf and Bettendorf. 30th Div continues to mop up Broichweiden and seizes Warden, SE of Mariadorf, after being twice driven off.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div seizes most of the Donnerberg and breaks into Eschweiler Woods as enemy opposition slackens. TF Mills of CCB, 3rd Armd Div, assisted by reserves, takes Hastenrath and Scherpenseel, but loses its leader, Lt Col Herbert N. Mills, who is replaced by Col John Welborn; CCB then goes on the defensive. 16th Inf, 1st Div, committing its full strength, takes Hill 232, key to Hamich Ridge, and clears most of town of Hamich as 26th Inf continues slowly toward its first objective, Laufenburg Castle. Enemy makes several strong efforts to regain Hamich and Hill 232. 4th Div advances in Huertgen Forest, where 8th Inf, in 1,000-yard drive, penetrates outer defenses of approach to Dueren and 22nd reaches positions astride road leading E to Grosshau, but gap exists between the regiments.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div continues to pursue enemy, CCB columns reaching Launstroff and Schwerdorff and CCA detachment reaching the Nied opposite Bouzonville; finding damaged bridge N of Bouzonville near Filstroff, the CCA force begins crossing. 90th Div races southward to cut off retreating enemy; 358th Inf, upon reaching Luttange, is withdrawn for much needed rest; 359th is committed and gets elements across the Nied at Condé Northen; 90th Rcn Tr seizes Avancy. 357th Inf, on div left, is slowed by AT ditches, mines, and craters. TF Bacon, 95th Div, pushes into NE part of Metz, overrunning Fort St Julien and Fort Bellacroix; 95th Div forces W of Metz reach the Moselle and find all bridges except one blown; 377th Inf clears island formed by Hafen Canal and the river; 378th patrol starts across the Moselle bridge into Metz but Germans blow the bridge, and other elements of regiment begin assault on Fort Plappeville; 379th Inf drives to the Moselle at Moulins-lès-Metz, where bridge is down. 5th Div advances into Metz from S: 11th Inf, leaving elements behind to contain Fort St Privat, pushes into the city and begins clearing S part; some elements of 10th drive into Metz while others remain behind at Fort Queuleu; 2nd Inf advances northward as quickly as possible in effort to make contact with 90th Div and complete encirclement of Metz, overrunning Courcelles-sur-Nied and Ars-Laquenexy. XII Corps renews drive toward the Sarre with 2 divs abreast after preparatory fire. 50th Div remains in place, blocking in Faulquemont area. 35th Div, attacking with 137th Inf on left and 320th on right, takes Bistroff and positions E of Vallerange. 26th Div attacks to right of 35th against enemy’s Dieuze- Bénestroff line: 104th Inf, on left, pushes through Bois de Bénestroff; 101st recaptures Guebling with assistance of tanks and TD’s and drives to edge of Bourgaltroff, but Co F becomes isolated and is not heard from again.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 79th Div begins assault on Fremonville; elements find Blâmont clear of enemy. In VI Corps area, 100th Div attacks Raon-l’Etape, 397th Inf pushing into town and 398th starting across Plaine
R. 36th Div is closing along the Meurthe on S flank of corps and gains positions overlooking Gerardmer. In French 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 5th Armd and 2nd Moroccan Divs are closing in on Belfort on N flank of corps. 1st Armd Div, assisted by 9th Colonial Div, drives 7 miles through Belfort Gap between Rhine-Rhône Canal and Swiss border to Delle; from Allaine R, where enemy is holding out at Morvillars, 1st Armd Div reconnoiters E toward the Rhine, taking Faverois, Courtelevant, Suarce, and Joncherey.
ESTONIA – Soviet forces renew efforts to win control of Gulf of Riga, stepping up action against German garrison, which is clinging tenaciously to S tip of Oesel I.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army orders coordinated attack toward Faenza by 5 Corps and Pol 2 Corps, beginning on 20th. In Pol 2 Corps area, 3rd Carpathian Div takes over from 5th Kresowa Div in M. Fortino area and prepares to attack.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, halts on ridge 500 yards N of Limon to await 1st Battalion, which is still battling enemy on Corkscrew Ridge. Positions of 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, on Kilay Ridge are seriously threatened and under heavy fire; Co C succeeds in relieving Co B in forward positions.
19 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 334th Inf of U.S. 84th Div continues to clear Prummern area and tries in vain to take Mahogany Hill; 333rd attacks up Wurm R valley toward Wurm, taking Geilenkirchen and Sueggerath. 405th Inf, U.S. 102nd Div, is attached to U.S. 84th Div early in day with understanding that it will be committed only if absolutely necessary. In 12 Corps area, 51st Div takes Helden and Panningen and makes contact with 15th Div of 8 Corps.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, CCB of 2nd Armd Div repels determined counterattack against Apweiler. CCA, reinforced by battalion of 119th Inf, 30th Div, attacks in 2 columns from Setterich and Puffendorf toward spur of high ground between Ederen and Freialdenhoven, one column reaching positions near Freialdenhoven. 29th Div clears rest of Setterich and AT ditch E of the village and then advances to take villages of Duerboslar and Schleiden. 30th Div’s 1117th inf, with powerful support of heavy weapons, easily takes St Joeris and Kinzweiler.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div mops up and shifts main weight of attack to Eschweiler-Weisweiler industrial complex N of Inde R. On N flank of 1st Div, 47th Inf column drives NW along Hamich Ridge from Hill 232 to base of Hill 187; 16th Inf finishes clearing Hamich and pushes to S part of Bovenberger Wald; reserve regiment, 18th, begins attack in center of div line toward Langerwehe – previously objective of 26th Inf – reaching vicinity of Wenau; 26th Inf, whose objectives are now Juengersdorf and Merode, commits reinforcements and advances to positions less than 500 yards from Laufenburg Castle. 4th Div suspends eastward attacks in order to consolidate and try to close gap between 8th and 22nd Regiments. Boundary between VII and V Corps is shifted N above Huertgen so that the 2 corps can coordinate operations to clear Huertgen-Grosshau area. CCR, 5th Armd Div, is transferred to 8th Div of V Corps. In V Corps area, 8th Div completes relief of 28th Div in Vossenack-Schmidt area. Gen Hodges orders corps to begin offensive on 21st (instead of waiting as planned until VII Corps has broken through enemy defenses W of the Roer) in order to assist VII Corps. 8th Div prepares for action on N flank of corps toward Huertgen and Kleinhau; 121st Inf is to attack first and is ordered to move at once to Huertgen Forest, where it will pass through 12th Inf, 4th Div.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps closes circle around Metz as 90th, 95th, and 5th Divs join hands. 90th Div concludes its operations against Metz and halts upon order along Nied R: 357th Inf drives to the Nied W of Boulay-Moselle; 359th plugs enemy escape route at Les Etangs; Rcn Tr establishes contact with 5th Div; 358th Inf, resting in rear area, is attached to 10th Armd Div. TF Bacon, 95th Div, is clearing streets in NE part of Metz; 377th and 378th Regiments drive into Metz from NW, crossing the Moselle. 5th Div continues to clear S part of Metz; 2nd Inf makes contact with 90th Div N of Retonfey and 10th Inf makes contact with 95th Div near Vallières. 10th Armd Div, in order to speed drive to the Sarre, withdraws CCA’s Nied bridgehead, night 19-20, and blows the bridges; CCB is meeting stiffer opposition as it approaches Merzig and the Sarre. 3rd Cav Gp, which has been pushing into triangle formed by the Sarre and Moselle, is halted on N flank of corps by fire from Orscholz Switch Line. In XII Corps area, CCB of 6th Armd Div begins attack through 137th Inf of 35th Div and, assisted by the 137th, takes Bertring and Gros-Tenquin; Virming falls to 320th Inf. 26th Div commits its full strength to attack against Dieuze-Bénestroff line, meeting stiff opposition from German forces covering general withdrawal, which is accomplished night 19-20: 100th and 101st Regiments fight in vain for Marimont and Marimont Hill (Hill 334) during day but move forward as enemy withdraws after nightfall; 328th Inf, reinforced by elements of 4th Armd Div, is committed against Dieuze and, upon German withdrawal, enters together with 2nd Cav Gp and takes bridge intact. CCA, 4th Armd
Div, enters battle in zone of 26th Div, recapturing Rodalbe and helping 320th Inf of 35th Div to take Virming.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div, pushing toward Sarrebourg, takes Ibigny and St Georges. German line along the Vezouse in Blâmont-Cirey area collapses as 79th Div completes capture of Fremonville and CCR, French 2nd Armd Div, takes Cirey. To exploit breakthrough, CCL begins drive to secure Saverne Gap, through which advance can be continued to Strasbourg. 79th Div, instead of helping 44th Div take Sarrebourg, is to exploit success of French armor and protect S flank of corps. VI Corps closes along the Meurthe and prepares to attack across it. CCA, 14th Armd Div, is attached to corps. 100th Div, already E of the Meurthe, continues to advance in Raon area, 398th Inf pushing S across the Plaine to gain control of road SE from the town and 397th working on quarry strongpoint at edge of town. Div Rcn Tr and 117th Rcn Sq advance to Badonviller without opposition.
In French 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 2nd Moroccan Div, supported by 5th Armd Div, reaches Châlonvillars, suburb of Belfort. 1st Armd Div tries unsuccessfully to open route to Dannemarie so that 5th Armd Div may drive on Cernay via Fontaine; continuing rcn eastward along 3 routes on right flank, gets elements to the Rhine at Rosenau at 1830. French are thus first of the Allied forces to reach the Rhine, but on a narrow front in sector where road net is too poor to support an advance in strength. Among villages taken, Seppois is the first in Alsace to be recovered by the French.
GREECE – Land Forces Greece and Military Liaison Greece are integrated as Headquarters Land Forces and Military Liaison Greece, under Gen Scobie.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Indian 19th Div begins crossing the Chindwin at Sittaung.
ASIA IS. – In U.S. Eighth Army area, elements of 31st Div invade Asia Is., 100 nautical miles NW of Sansapor.
LEYTE – 77th Div, en route to Leyte, is ordered to release detachment of some 1,200, upon landing, for projected operation against Mindoro.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, continues efforts to drive enemy from Corkscrew Ridge. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, still under heavy fire on Kilay Ridge, withdraws 100 yards N, abandoning knoll on S.
20 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 12 Corps continues toward the Maas with 49th Div, supported by elements of 4th Separate Armd Brig, and 51st Div. 51st finds villages on the river SW of Venlo clear of enemy. In 30 Corps area, 334th Inf of 84th Div eliminates resistance in environs of Prummern with help of British flame-throwing tanks, but enemy retains heights to NE. Strong opposition is slowing other elements of corps.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 2nd Armd Div, assisted by attached British tanks, renews all-out drive in heavy rainfall; CCB employs 3 TF’s against Gereonsweiler and takes the town; one CCA TF overruns Ederen and another clears Freialdenhoven. 29th Div, after seizing village of Niedermerz, makes 2-pronged attack on Aldenhoven, in second defensive arc of Juelich defenses, and takes the town. 30th Div consolidates on right flank of corps; using attached 17th Cav Sq, maintains contact with 104th Div of VII Corps.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div is fighting in Rohe-Hehlrath-Duerwiss region. In 1st Div sector, 47th Inf is unable to take Hill 187, on Hamich Ridge; some elements of 18th Inf clear Wenau early in day and cross Wehe Creek to continue drive on Langerwehe while others drive into Heistern and push halfway through the village; 26th Inf seizes Laufenburg Castle and drives along trail leading E toward Merode. 4th Div, beset with supply problems, narrows gap within its line somewhat. During 5 days of fighting in Huertgen Forest, the div has gained only 1½ miles, and that at high cost.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 95th and 5th Divs continue methodically to clear rear-guard opposition within Metz and contain forts about the city. Preparations are made for final drive to the Sarre. CCA, 10th Armd Div, moves up behind 3rd Cav Gp; CCB, continuing toward Merzig, reaches Hill 378 but pulls back to Hill 383 because of fire from Merzig area. In XII Corps area, 80th Div conducts rcn in force on N flank of corps, seizing bridge at Faulquemont and establishing bridgehead N of Nied Allemande R. CCA, 6th Armd Div, drives toward Hellimer crossroads, followed by 137th Inf of 35th Div. 137th upon emerging from Bois de Freybouse, is disorganized by enemy counterattack. CCA, 4th Armd Div, followed by 320th Inf, secures Francaltroff. 26th Div advances quickly behind retreating enemy, elements of 101st Inf reaching Torcheville, W of Munster. Corps orders CCA, 6th Armd Div, to attack to gain Sarre R crossings in 35th Div zone and CCB of 4th Armd Div to advance through Mittersheim in 26th Div zone; CCA of 4th Armd Div is recalled from Francaltroff area to assembly area near Conthil.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div commits CCD on N flank of corps in effort to outflank Saverne Gap
from N while CCL continues enveloping maneuver from S; CCD crosses the Sarre N of Sarrebourg and drives eastward in 2 columns, one toward Phalsbourg, at W entrance to the gap, and the other toward La Petite Pierre, to N; CCL encounters stiffening resistance in vicinity of Wolfsberg Pass, SW of Saverne, and CCV is committed to assist in that area. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div, with 30th Inf on left and 7th on right, crosses the Meurthe in Clairefontaine-St Michel area before dawn to spearhead drive, beginning at 0645, on Strasbourg via Saales. Attack is preceded by intense arty preparation and closely supported by XII TAC. Enemy, stunned by bombardment and threatened by successes of Allied forces on both flanks of VI Corps, is incapable of resisting effectively. 3rd Div gains substantial bridgehead including towns of Le Paire, Hurbache, and La Voivre. 100th Div, protecting left flank of corps, attacks eastward from Raon-l’Etape area. 409th and 410th Regiments, 103rd Div, cross the Meurthe in 3rd Div zone, night 20-21, to drive toward St Dié. On S flank of corps, 36th Div’s 143rd Inf seizes ridge commanding Anould and Clefcy.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Moroccan Div and CC6, 5th Armd Div, now under army command, break into Belfort, where fighting continues for next few days. In 2nd Corps area, 3rd Algerian Div occupies Gerardmer without resistance. 1st Div takes Plancher-lès-Mines and Champagney. In 1st Corps area, elements of 1st Armd Div reach outskirts of Mulhouse. St Louis, French suburb of Swiss Basle, is now largely clear. 5th Armd Div attacks toward Fontaine and Cernay, meeting strong opposition on Rhine-Rhône Canal S of Fontaine.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, enemy positions are heavily hit by air. 46th Div, as preliminary to main assault, which is postponed until 21st, begins to clear Cosina loop N of Castiglione and takes Castiglione.
INDIA-BURMA – On Salween front, Chinese of XI Group Army push through Mangshih, whose airfield is soon used to land supplies.
MAPIA-ASIA IS. – U.S. Eighth Army’s operations are successfully concluded. The islands are to become sites for loran and radar stations.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, is still held up on Corkscrew Ridge. Co C of 34th Inf joins main body of 1st Battalion on Kilay Ridge, abandoning forward positions. Co B tries unsuccessfully to recover knoll lost on 19th. Ammunition supply is critically low.
21 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 12 Corps area, 49th and 51st Divs advance steadily toward Venlo. 53rd Div attacks at 1930 to clear Roermond bridgehead. 30 Corps makes little headway as attack continues in downpour of rain against strong enemy opposition. Efforts of U.S. 84th Div to reach villages of Muellendorf, Wurm, and Beeck fail. Permission is requested and received to use 405th Inf, U.S. 102nd Div, to protect SE flank.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIX Corps begins final phase of drive to the Roer. Boundary between 29th and 30th Divs is adjusted to permit all 3 divs to drive on Juelich. CCB, 2nd Armd Div, seizes heights around Gereonsweiler and undergoes strong counterattack on a hill 1,000 yards N of Gereonsweiler; here, within sight of the Roer, CCB halts. CCA advances to about 1,000 yards beyond both Ederen and Freialdenhoven. 116th Inf, now on N flank of 29th Div, seizes Engelsdorf, from which 3rd Battalion attacks for Koslar; 2nd Battalion of 175th enters Bourheim after German garrison, scheduled for relief, withdraws, but is forced out when the enemy relief force moves into the town after dark. 120th Inf, 30th Div, assisted by 743rd Tank Battalion, thrusts quickly to Fronhoven, within 4 miles of the Roer.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div clears Rohe and Hehlrath and is fighting within Duerwiss. On N flank of 1st Div, 47th Inf masses fire of 20 battalions of weapons on Hill 187 in effort to break resistance on Hamich Ridge and interdicts the hill with fire through night 21-22; 18th Inf, after repelling counterattack in Heistern and clearing rest of the village, commits its reserve battalion and continues toward Langerwehe astride Wehe Creek until stopped abruptly at Hills 207 and 203; 26th Inf advances slowly toward Merode. In V Corps area, after preparatory bombardment by 8th Div and corps arty plus some guns of VII Corps, 121st Inf of 8th Div attacks through 12th Inf of 4th Div (VII Corps) on plateau SW of Huertgen, where enemy has checked previous efforts to advance. Progress is limited by thick woods containing numerous obstacles.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA of 10th Armd Div, attacks N through TF Polk toward Saarburg with TF Standish on left and TF Chamberlain on right but is soon halted by obstacles of Orscholz Switch Line; CCB, now on the defensive W of Merzig, falls back a little under enemy counterattack, and its sector is quiet for the next few days; 358th Inf of 90th Div, attached to 10th Armd Div, is ordered northward to zone of CCA. As fighting continues within Metz, preparations are made for full-scale drive toward the Sarre. 90th Div along W bank of the Nied, is turning NE. 5th Div is ordered to relieve 95th so latter can make main effort toward the Sarre to right of 90th Div. In XII Corps area, 80th Div expands its Nied bridgehead and
makes contact with XX Corps. CCA of 6th Armd Div and 137th Inf of 35th Div, in coordinated drive, take Fremestroff and Hellimer. 320th Inf of 35th Div attacks toward Grening. 104th Inf of 26th Div takes Montdidier and Albestroff, the latter an important road center, but elements in Albestroff become isolated and are destroyed. From Dieuze, TF of CCB, 4th Armd Div, drives eastward to Loudrefing.
6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army permits either XV or VI Corps to take Strasbourg, previously the objective of VI Corps, which is making slower progress than XV. Both corps are to be prepared to cross the Rhine if the opportunity to do so with ease presents itself. In XV Corps area, one TF of CCD, French 2nd Armd Div, drives through La Petite Pierre to Alsatian Plain at Bouxwiller, but the other is unable to clear Phalsbourg; pushing through Wolfsberg Pass, column of CCL emerges on Alsatian Plain at Birkenwald. 44th Div takes Sarrebourg, which has been outflanked. In VI Corps area, 100th Div takes Moyenmoutier without a fight and advances toward Senones. 3rd Div expands Meurthe bridgehead, taking St Jean d’Ormont. Enemy positions in St Dié become untenable as 103rd Div gains heights commanding the town. 36th Div crosses 143rd Inf over the Meurthe at St Leonard and 141st Inf near Clefcy and advances toward Fraize. CCA, 14th Armd Div, which has been attached to corps, is driving forward on N flank toward Schirmeck to cut enemy escape routes to NE.
In French 1st Army area, 1st Corps is almost halted by violent German counterattack that forces 5th Armd Div troops from Suarce and Lepuix and severs Delle-Basle road near Courtelevant, endangering French forces in vicinity of the Rhine and Mulhouse. In Alps Sector, U.S. 44th AAA Brig takes over area previously held by U.S. 1st A/B TF. It will defend right flank along Franco-Italian border.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 3rd Carpathian Div begins attack on M. Fortino-M. Ricci ridge S of Faenza, taking M. Fortino and pushing northward. 5 Corps opens general offensive toward Faenza with close air support. Indian 10th Div, on N flank, is pinned down along the Montone W of Villafranca. 4th Div, in center, gets elements across the river in region N of Highway 9 but is forced to withdraw them. On S flank, 46th Div continues to clear Cosina R loop N of Castiglione.
BURMA – Gen Stratemeyer inactivates Third TAF so that 221st Gp may provide close support for British Fourteenth Army, and 224th Gp for Arakan offensive.
On NCAC front, Ch 38th Div continues to close in on Bhamo. 114th Regiment, bypassing enemy outpost at Subbawng, which detachment of 113th is containing, drives into Shwekyina.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer formally presents his recently formulated ALPHA Plan to concentrate Ch forces in Kunming area as quickly as possible and place them under command of China’s best general in order to avert threat to Kunming – to Chiang Kai-shek. Gen Chen Cheng is recommended for command of ALPHA forces, but Chiang Kai-shek prefers Gen Ho Ying-chin. American assistance will consist of maximum air support and liaison officers to advise Ch Army.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 128th Inf, less 1st Battalion, which is to contain Corkscrew Ridge, is ordered to capture Limon and secure crossing of Leyte R tributary to S. In preparation for attack, fire is placed on enemy positions along Highway 2 during night. Action on Kilay Ridge is confined to patrolling and fire exchanges. Supplies brought by hand from Consuegra are being supplemented by airdrops. In XXIV Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, moves from Baybay to position just S of 2nd Battalion. Arty is being emplaced at Damulaan.
22 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 8 Corps area, 15th Div occupies Sevenum and Horst, NW of Venlo. In 12 Corps area, 53rd Div reaches the Maas across from Roermond. 49th and 51st Divs are converging on Venlo. In 30 Corps area, U.S. 84th Div’s 334th Inf takes high ground NE of Prummern (Mahogany Hill) in surprise assault; 333rd, after underpass in Sueggerath is cleared permitting tanks to assist, advances to within 500 yards of Muellendorf, advance platoon reaching the village, where it is wiped out. 405th Inf, U.S. 102nd Div, attacks toward Beeck but makes little progress.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, Germans, instead of falling back behind the Roer as expected, have committed fresh forces to stiffen their line. CCA, 2nd Armd Div, pushes into Merzenhausen but is forced back to SW edge. In center of corps front, Germans drive elements of 175th Inf, 29th Div, from Bourheim before daylight and block efforts to re-enter; 116th Inf fights unsuccessfully for Koslar. 30th Div runs into stiff opposition, but 120th Inf takes village of Erberich; elements drive into Lohn but are forced to withdraw.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div seizes Eschweiler during morning after night attack, overruns Nothberg, finishes clearing Duerwiss, and drives toward Puetzlohn. This success earns the div the task of continuing drive to the Roer instead of stopping at the Inde as planned. In 1st Div zone, 47th Inf finishes clearing Hamich Ridge without opposition; 18th Inf is still held up in valley of Wehe Creek by enemy on Hills 207 and 203; 26th
Inf is ordered to confine its action to limited attacks to assist 18th. Renewing attack in Huertgen Forest, 4th Div’s 8th and 22nd Regiments feint eastward while slipping elements around enemy; forward elements of 8th Inf reach heights at Gut Schwarzenbroich, the first objective, while advance force of 22nd reaches positions 700 yards W of Grosshau; depleted 12th Inf begins attack to secure right flank of 22nd and advances very slowly. In V Corps area, 121st Inf of 8th Div continues almost futile efforts to advance SW of Huertgen.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, mopping up in Metz ends, and 5th Div begins relief of 95th. Forts holding out about the city (Verdun, St Privat, St Quentin, Plappeville, Driant, and Jeanne d’Arc) are isolated and do not present a serious threat. Corps orders broad offensive toward the Sarre, beginning on 25th, with 10th Armd Div on left, 90th Div in center, and 95th Div on right. 95th making main effort, is to secure crossings of the river between Saarlautern and Pachten. Continuing efforts to break through stubborn enemy positions of Orscholz Switch Line, TF Standish of CCA, 10th Armd Div, advances to Nennig on left and Tettingen on right but is forced back from both; TF Chamberlain makes limited penetration through dragon’s teeth to right. In XII Corps area, new plan of attack will pinch out 35th and 26th Divs along Maderbach Creek. CCB, 6th Armd Div, and 137th Inf, 35th Div, seize Leyviller and St Jean-Rohrbach. Grening falls to 320th Inf of 35th Div. 104th Inf of 26th Div attempts to envelop Albestroff, from which enemy withdraws, night 22-23; 328th Inf, having moved by truck from Dieuze to reinforce the understrength 101st Inf in a sector nearly impassable because of flooding, mines, and other obstacles, seizes Munster. From Loudrefing, CCB column of 4th Armd Div drives E through Mittersheim; CCA assembles at Conthil.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, columns of French 2nd Armd Div driving S from Bouxwiller and N from Birkenwald converge on Saverne. VI Corps pursues retreating enemy, mobile TF’s spearheading. 100th Div takes Senones and advances toward St Blaise. 3rd Div speeds to positions near St Blaise and Saales. St Dié falls to 409th Inf, 103rd Div, without opposition; 411th Inf establishes bridgehead near Saulcy. Strong enemy opposition to 36th Div’s bridgehead on S flank of corps forces 141st Inf to pull back W of the river, but 143rd remains E of the river. Corps releases 45th Div and CCA, 14th Armd Div, to XV Corps.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, 1st Div takes Giromagny, piercing enemy line along the Savoureuse. 1st Corps recovers lost ground and drives into Mulhouse.
FINLAND – Finnish forces, complying with armistice terms by following up enemy withdrawal, reach Norwegian border.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s II Corps area, 88th Div re-enters line, taking over zone of 85th Div. 91st Div is relieved in line by 34th Div and 1st Armd Div. British 13 Corps finishes regrouping and is disposed, from left to right: 1st Div, 78th Div, 6th Armd Div, Indian 8th Div.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps continues northward along ridge toward M. Ricci. 5 Corps establishes bridgeheads across the Cosina in zones of 4th and 46th Divs, night 22-23.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, attack S astride Highway 2 and take Limon, virtually completing battle of Breakneck Ridge. Bypassed pockets are eliminated by mid-December. Forward elements of 128th Inf cross the tributary of the Leyte R south of Limon. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, under heavy enemy attack on Kilay Ridge, is forced to compress its defense perimeter to avoid encirclement. In XXIV Corps area, 7th Div is ordered to assemble in Baybay area as quickly as possible. 11th A/B Div, although not originally intended to operate on Leyte, is ordered to relieve 7th Div, less 17th Inf, so 7th can clear E shore of Ormoc Bay.
23 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps goes on the defensive and releases U.S. 84th Div to U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps at 1800. Further efforts earlier in day to take Wurm and Beeck have failed.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armd Div takes about half of Merzenhausen and halts to consolidate. Elements of 175th Inf, 29th Div, takes Bourheim in strenuous fighting; Germans soon begin counterattacks, which continue for next 3 days. Elements of 120th Inf, 30th Div, take Lohn and hold it against 2 counterattacks; elements of 119th Inf, assisted by diversionary fire from Erberich, clear Pattern; 30th Div then halts attack to await clearance of Kirchberg and Inden.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div breaks into Puetzlohn and Weisweiler, where enemy is resisting strongly. 47th Inf, on N flank of 1st Div, attacks toward Huecheln but is soon halted; 16th seizes Rosslershof Castle, SE of Wilhelmshoehe, where it comes under heavy enemy pressure; 18th takes Hill 207. Forward elements of 8th Inf, 4th Div, are driving steadily NE in Huertgen Forest while other elements battle enemy at Gut Schwarzenbroich; 22nd Inf remains near Grosshau but does not risk an attack. In V Corps area, 121st Inf of 8th Div,
although helped by light tanks, makes little progress SW of Huertgen. Germans counterattack but cannot break through.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf of 90th Div takes over attack from CCA of 10th Armd Div, attempting to push through Orscholz line to villages of Sinz and Muenzingen with 3rd and 2nd Battalions: 3rd Battalion clears Campholz woods E of Tettingen; 2nd is disorganized by friendly fire which is falling short. In preparation for drive to the Sarre, 90th Div extends northward, relieving elements of CCB. 5th Div completes relief of 95th, which moves to right of 90th Div. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd Div regroups for drive to the Sarre. Elements of 137th Inf, 35th Div, push into Hilsprich, which is needed for the armored attack, but are forced back to St Jean-Rohrbach. 104th Inf, 26th Div, reoccupies Albestroff but is too disorganized to continue attack: 328th Inf takes over its sector and attacks toward line Vittersbourg-Honskirch-Altwiller. CCB column of 4th Armd Div, driving E from Mittersheim, reaches W bank of the Sarre at Fenétrange. 25th Cav Rcn Sq crosses at Bettborn and makes contact with patrols of 44th Div (XV Corps).
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div drives into Strasbourg and clears the city, but enemy retains small bridgehead at Kehl bridge. Germans abandon Phalsbourg, at W end of Saverne Gap. As infantry is being shifted through the gap toward Haguenau and Soufflenheim, Germans begin series of counterattacks N of Sarrebourg, forcing corps to regroup to meet threat. Most of 44th and 45th Divs as well as 106th Cav Gp are disposed at W side of Saverne Gap. In VI Corps area, 3rd Div takes Saulxures and Saales; in conjunction with 100th Div to left, overruns St Blaise. 2 regiments of 103rd Div are moving to outflank Steige pass, while the third, on S flank, attacks in conjunction with 36th Div in region W of Ste Marie. 143rd and 141st Regiments, 36th Div, are closing in on Fraize, 143rd taking Mandray.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps takes Château-Lambert but progress elsewhere is negligible. Corps is ordered to open route of advance for CC6, which, with 2nd Moroccan Div, has been placed under corps command. In 1st Corps area, Germans for the second time cut route to the Rhine in vicinity of Seppois.
ESTONIA – With elimination of enemy pocket on S Oesel I., Soviet forces now control entrance to Gulf of Riga.
HUNGARY – Rail junction of Cop (Csap), which has changed hands several times during last few weeks, falls to Red Army.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps secures M. Ricci. 5 Corps consolidates bridgeheads across the Cosina. Enemy begins withdrawal toward next water barrier, the Lamone. Indian 10th Div is strongly opposed, however, on right flank of corps along the Montone N of Highway 9.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 128th Inf of 32nd Div improves and consolidates positions S of Limon and for the next few days patrols actively. 112th Cav, which has been patrolling Mt Minoro area, is ordered SW toward Highway 2 to relieve pressure on 32nd Div. Kilay Ridge sector is relatively quiet. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div begins unloading on Leyte and is assigned to corps. Battle of Shoestring Ridge opens as Japanese attack sector of thinly spread 32nd Inf, 7th Div, along Palanas R, forcing limited withdrawal.
24 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, new boundary between XIX and XIII Corps becomes effective.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div takes Puetzlohn but is opposed from house to house in Weisweiler. TF Richardson (Lt Col Walter B. Richardson), consisting of elements of 3rd Armd Div plus battalion of 47th inf, is formed to drive on Huecheln, Wilhelmshoehe, and Frenzerburg Castle. After laboriously clearing mine field, the TF seizes Huecheln. 18th Inf, 1st Div, continues toward Langerwehe, elements reaching Schoenthal, but is still unable to take Hill 203. In V Corps area, 121st Inf of 8th Div continues efforts to reach edge of woods overlooking Huertgen; by this time has suffered 600 battle casualties. To hasten attack, CCR of 5th Armd Div is ordered to assist on 25th, moving along exposed Germeter-Huertgen highway, since 121st has been unable to clear a safer route along Weisser Weh valley.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 358th Inf of 90th Div continues assault on Orscholz line: 3rd Battalion, attacking toward Tettingen and Butzdorf after halting enemy counterattack, gets elements into Butzdorf, where they are isolated; 2nd Battalion, reinforced during day by 1st, breaks into Oberleuken, but cannot oust enemy. In XII Corps area, 1st Battalion of 134th Inf, 35th Div, helped by tanks and intense preparatory shelling, takes Hilsprich. 328th Inf, 26th Div, continues attack against enemy rear-guard line Vittersbourg-Altwiller; 101st makes vain and costly attempt to take Château strongpoint in center of Bois de Bonnefontaine. CCB, 4th Armd Div, crosses the Sarre in XV Corps zone at Romelfing and Gosselming and turns NE: N column takes up blocking positions on high ground W of Postroff; S column brushes aside resistance at Kirrberg and clears Baerendorf in house-to-house fighting.
6th Army Group: Penetrates enemy line along the Vosges. Gen Eisenhower, beginning tour of
inspection of 6th Army Group front, attends conference of commanders, where it is decided to clear region W of the Rhine before attempting an assault across it. U.S. Seventh Army is to drive N to help Third Army. French 1st Army is to reduce Colmar Pocket, enemy’s bridgehead W of the Rhine. Boundary between 12th and 6th Army Groups will be altered.
In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, French armor in Strasbourg will be seriously threatened unless it can be bolstered by infantrymen. Germans continue pressure from the N in region N of Sarrebourg. In VI Corps area, forward elements of 3rd Div reach Rothau. 103rd Div continues outflanking movement against Steige, clearing Lubine, to SW. 142nd Inf spearheads eastward drive of 36th Div, reaching Ban-de-Laveline and La Croix-aux-Mines.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd and 1st Corps are ordered to converge on Burnhaupt as quickly as possible to pocket enemy forces in Alsace. 2nd Corps clears Grosmagny and Petit-Magny, on road to Rougemont-le-Château. 1st Corps withstands heavy pressure in Mulhouse area; is largely concerned with keeping routes to the Rhine open.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s IV Corps area, TF 45 captures M. Belvedere but Germans later regain it.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps presses toward Marzeno R on broad front against disorganized resistance. In 5 Corps area, 4th Div drives toward the Lamone in region just N of Highway 9. 46th Div crosses the Marzeno R on S flank of corps. Indian 10th Div remains E of the Montone on N flank of corps.
CHINA – Japanese in S China, attempting to gain contact with their forces garrisoning Indochina, take Nanning.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, repels minor counterattack against Kilay Ridge. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Battalion of 184th Inf is attached to 32nd Inf of 7th Div but cannot be committed without permission of 7th Div. 32nd Inf recovers some ground previously lost on Shoestring Ridge and holds perimeter – about 2,000 yards long and less than 1,500 yards deep – against vigorous counterattack, night 24-25.
JAPAN – 111 B-29’s attack Tokyo from bases in the Marianas, the first of many similar raids.
25 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 29th Div continues to hold off enemy at Bourheim and gets elements of 116th Inf into Koslar, where they become isolated.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div extends its hold on Weisweiler. Inde R valley to W is now clear. TF Richardson takes Wilhelmshoehe; suffers heavy losses while trying to advance across open Roer Plain to Frenzerburg Castle. 16th Inf, 1st Div, attempts unsuccessfully to reach Weisweiler-Langerwehe highway; assisted by 2 tanks, platoon of 18th Inf gets almost to crest of Hill 203, where it clings. 8th Inf, 4th Div, reaches positions a little more than a mile from the edge of Huertgen Forest; in conjunction with CCR, 5th Armd Div (V Corps), 22nd Inf attacks toward Grosshau but cannot take it; 4th Div suspends attacks for several days after this. In V Corps area, CCR of 5th Armd Div joins 121st Inf, 8th Div, in attack toward Huertgen but, halted by large crater and mines, withdraws.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps opens drive to the Sarre. In 10th Armd Div zone on N flank, 358th Inf continues to batter at Orscholz line: 3rd Battalion, assisted by aircraft and tanks, seizes Tettingen and relieves the isolated troops at Butzdorf, but pulls back from Butzdorf; 1st and 2nd Battalions continue to fight within and near Oberleuken, 2nd Battalion reaching top of Hill 388; it is decided to withdraw 358th Inf, which by now is unfit to continue attack. 90th Div, with 359th Inf on left and 357th on right, drives steadily toward the Sarre reaching Oberesch, within 4 miles of the river. 95th Div, supported by arty of 5th Div and of III Corps, attacks across the Nied on right flank of corps – 377th Inf on left and 378th on right – and pushes into Maginot Line, where Germans have abandoned fortifications; takes towns of Boulay, Momerstroff, Narbefontaine, and Hallering. In XII Corps area, 80th Div, with 42nd Cav Sq screening its N flank, attacks with 3 regiments supported by armor, overrunning main enemy positions on N flank of corps. 6th Armd Div, reinforced by elements of 134th Inf, begins drive toward Maderbach Creek, greatly hampered by craters, mud, mines, and enemy fire: CCB, driving toward Puttelange, gets forward elements to the Maderbach at Remering; CCA, aided by air strike, takes Valette. 328th Inf, 26th Div, penetrates enemy line and captures Vittersbourg; Co G, 101st Inf, clears the Château strongpoint in Bois de Bonnefontaine, and Co K makes futile attempt to clear N edge of the woods. CCB of 4th Armd Div, after checking determined counterattack against Baerendorf, is reinforced and reorganized before continuing attack late in afternoon.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, boundary between XV and VI Corps is moved N of Strasbourg. In XV Corps area, elements of 44th Div and 106th Cav Gp halt enemy column advancing on Schalbach after making slight withdrawals. French armor continues to clear Strasbourg area. 79th and 45th Divs consolidate N and NW of Strasbourg. CCA, 14th Armd Div, makes contact with 3rd Div of VI Corps near Schirmeck and is again attached to VI Corps. In VI Corps area
100th Div, on N flank, reaches Grandfontaine. 36th Div outflanks and captures Ste Marie, gaining control of roads to Sélestat and Ribeauville.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps finds that enemy has withdrawn along most of its front to avoid encirclement. 1st Corps makes slow progress toward Burnhaupt. In Alps Sector, ETOUSA orders U.S. 1st ABTF to proceed to Soissons, Lyon, and Mourmelon at once.
HUNGARY – Red Army troops are clearing Csepel I., in the Danube just S of Budapest.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps gets advance elements across the Marzeno W of Marzeno village. In 5 Corps area, 4th Div reaches the Lamone in S. Barnaba-Scaldino area E of Faenza. This advance permits Indian 10th Div to cross elements over the Montone at Highway 9 and push northward toward enemy’s switch line that extends generally from Casa Bettini on the Montone to region N of Scaldino on the Lamone. 46th Div maintains bridgehead across the Marzeno but is unable to break out. Porter Force, in Adriatic coastal sector, is placed under command of Cdn 1 Corps.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese in Pinwe region of RR corridor who have been holding up British 36th Div are ordered to fall back toward central Burma.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: Gen Krueger halts work on airfields. In X Corps area, Co A, the most advanced unit of 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, 24th Div, on Kilay Ridge, repels heavy enemy counterattack, night 25-26. In XXIV Corps area, 32nd Inf of 7th Div contains another enemy counterattack, which is made in less strength after nightfall. 511th Para Regiment, 11th A/B Div, starts difficult westward trek over mountains from Burauen toward Mahonag, 10 miles distant, to ease pressure on corps units driving on Ormoc.
POA – CINCPOA issues Operation Plan 11-44 for invasion of Iwo Jima. Fifth Fleet commander is to seize Iwo and develop air bases there. Invasion date is tentatively set for 3 February 1945.
26 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, to counter German shelling, corps arty program is doubled in spite of ammunition shortage. 29th Div troops in Bourheim, helped by reserves and aircraft, contain the most powerful attack to be made by enemy on this objective; isolated forces of 116th Inf in Koslar are supplied by air. Gen McLain, CG XIX Corps, orders the attack toward the Roer continued all along line.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div, pushing through Weisweiler, seizes Frenz. Infantry elements of TF Richardson, supported by long-range fire of armor, reach Frenzerburg Castle but cannot gain entrance to the medieval structure. 4th Div consolidates positions in Huertgen Forest; 12th Inf at last gets into position N and W of Huertgen to protect S flank of 22nd Inf. In V Corps area, 121st Inf of 8th Div, reinforced by battalion of 13th, continues drive on Huertgen: finding that enemy has withdrawn from woods, attacks toward the village but is halted between the woods and the village.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, CCA of 10th Armd Div relieves 358th Inf, which reverts to 90th Div and remains on the defensive; CCB extends N wing of corps eastward toward the Sarre with little difficulty. 90th and 95th Divs continue steadily northeastward in center and on right flank of corps, 95th Div penetrating Maginot Line. 95th Div zone is extended southward to include wedge-shaped region containing Bois de Kerfent. Germans surrender Verdun forts to 5th Div. In XII Corps area, 80th Div approaches St Avold against strong rear-guard opposition. CCA, 6th Armd Div, drives through Fort de Puttelange but comes under such heavy fire upon emerging that it falls back through the woods; CCB mops up along the Maderbach with infantrymen but cannot get tanks through mud. Skillful rear guards keep 328th Inf, 26th Div, from Honskirch. 4th Armd Div begins coordinated attack with the 2 TF’s of CCB E of the Sarre toward enemy’s next MLR along Wolfskirchen-Eywiller-Durstel road but is slowed by terrain, which contains a number of flooded streams; CCA crosses the Sarre and moves eastward across rear of CCB.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps is still under heavy pressure from the N. VI Corps halts advance of 100th Div, which is to move to XV Corps front. 3rd Div emerges from the Vosges onto Alsatian Plain at many points. 103rd seizes Steige and Ville, important points on Giessen R.
French 1st Army continues efforts to close pincers on enemy by junction of 2nd and 1st Corps at Burnhaupt, but progresses slowly. Germans for the third time cut communication line to the Rhine in 1st Corps zone.
HUNGARY – Soviet troops take Hatvan and threaten Budapest.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 46th Div succeeds in reaching the Lamone on S flank of corps, but enemy is holding on firmly to switch line positions between the Lamone and Montone on N flank of corps. Heavy rains bring lull in offensive.
YUGOSLAVIA – Marshal Tito agrees to let British naval and air force personnel use certain ports and airfields temporarily.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div, replacing 72nd Brig with 29th, patrols actively in Pinwe area.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24 Div, relieves Co A with Co C on Kilay Ridge. The battalion is highly vulnerable to enemy attack from different directions and is maintaining positions with use of arty. In XXIV Corps area, Japanese make another night attack, 26-27, on Shoestring Ridge, about 200 enemy troops gaining positions in bamboo thicket within American lines, but 400 Japanese dead are counted at conclusion of the action.
27 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: U.S. 101st A/B Div is relieved in Cdn 2 Corps sector.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, CCA of 2nd Armd Div finishes clearing Merzenhausen and hills near there. 29th Div clears to the Roer except for 2 strongpoints in Juelich: Kirchberg falls to 115th Inf, which attacks from Pattern, taking enemy by surprise; elements of 116th Inf make contact with isolated forces in Koslar. 120th Inf, 30th Div, attacks with attached battalion of 119th Inf toward Altkirch but is halted short of objective.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div mops up in Weisweiler-Frenz sector. Elements of 47th Inf, TF Richardson, at Frenzerburg Castle, repel enemy counterthrust but are still unable to gain entrance. 18th Inf of 1st Div extends its positions on Hill 203 to crest but enemy retains reverse slopes. 4th Div continues to consolidate and improve positions in Huertgen Forest; elements of V Corps relieve 12th Inf near Huertgen. In V Corps area, 8th Div, with increased fire support, continues attack toward Huertgen and gains hold on NE and W edges.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div breaks off action toward Saarburg after laboriously clearing enemy infiltrators from Tettingen and repelling counterattack against Borg. Enemy retains Oberleuken and Nennig. Gen Walker directs 3rd Cav Gp to relieve CCA and screen N flank of corps; orders 10th Armd Div to face E. 90th Div, now well ahead of flanking forces, halts near the Sarre and prepares for final drive to the river. 95th Div advances rapidly, 377th Inf reaching positions within a mile of German border and 378th reaching Falck and Dalem. Coordinated drive by 90th and 95th Divs is ordered for 29th. Battalion of 10th Inf, 5th Div, is attached to 95th Div and takes responsibility for Bois de Kerfent, at boundary of XX and XII Corps, relieving elements of 80th Div. In XII Corps area, 80th Div enters St Avold, from which enemy has withdrawn, and regains contact near Seingbouse. Div’s attack has forced general enemy withdrawal across the Maderbach, so 6th Armd Div remains in place. 328th Inf, 26th Div, occupies Honskirch and 101st moves into Altwiller without a fight. CCB and CCA, 4th Armd Div, attack E of the Sarre, overrunning Wolfskirchen, Eywiller, and Gungwiller; CCA tries unsuccessfully to break into Durstel.
6th Army Group: Boundary between 12th and 6th Army Groups is moved northward through West Wall defenses, narrowing zone of 12th.
In U.S. Seventh Army area, Gen Eisenhower orders army to attack N to help Third Army gain Saar Basin. In XV Corps area, 100th Div arrives in Sarrebourg sector and relieves elements of 44th Div. German threat to corps from the N subsides, but positions are still vulnerable on this wing. French 2nd Armd Div passes to operational control of VI Corps. In VI Corps area, elements of 3rd Div relieve French 2nd Armd Div at Strasbourg. French prepare to drive S along the Rhine. CCA, 14th Armd Div, advances SE through Obernai toward Barr and Erstein to block exits from the Vosges and help southward drive of French armor. 103rd Div presses toward Barr-Sélestat road, elements taking Le Hohwald. From Ste Marie, 36th Div is driving E on Sélestat.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 13 Corps is ordered to go on the offensive as soon as weather conditions permit. Indian 8th Div loses contact with enemy.
In British Eighth Army area, army issues orders for major winter offensive in early December. In Pol 2 Corps area, enemy resistance E of the Lamone in region S of Faenza is virtually at an end. In 5 Corps area, NZ 2nd Div replaces 4th Div in line. Canadians of 1 Corps relieve right flank elements of Indian 10th Div N of Casa Bettini so that latter can make a concentrated effort to take bridge at Casa Bettini, badly needed for deployment of Cdn 1 Corps in Adriatic coastal sector. In 10 Corps area, Cremona Gp arrives between 27 November and 3 December.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer presents to Chiang Kai-shek a plan to furnish munitions to Chinese Communists. The proposal is rejected.
PALAUS – Hostilities on Peleliu end. Approximately 13,600 Japanese have been killed on Angaur, Peleliu, and small islands off Peleliu; prisoners total about 400. 81st Div and attached units have suffered over 3,275 casualties, including 542 killed. Reinforced 1st Mar Div casualties total about 1,250 killed and 5,275 wounded.
LEYTE – Battalion of 306th Inf, 77th Div, leaves Leyte for operation against Mindoro.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, on Kilay Ridge, learns from patrol
that help is coming; undergoes strong counterattack from E and its supply line to Consuegra is temporarily cut. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Battalion (-) of 184th Inf moves from Caridad to Damulaan to help 32nd Inf, 7th Div; attacks toward Albuera, clearing enemy from the bamboo thicket within 32nd Inf’s zone. 109 enemy dead are counted. 32nd Inf and 1st Battalion, 184th, establish defense perimeters and repel light infiltration attempts during night. Japanese begin operation to regain airfields. Corps has learned of enemy plan to capture airfields in Burauen area and is taking countermeasures.
28 November
WESTERN EUROPE – Port of Antwerp is opened to traffic.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIX Corps virtually finishes clearing its zone to the Roer. CCA, 2nd Armd Div, takes Barmen and reaches the river near there. In 29th Div zone, Koslar is found free of enemy but the 2 strongpoints in Juelich area must still be cleared. 30th Div commits battalion of 120th Inf in battle for Altkirch, which is cleared, but Germans retain small triangle between Inde and Roer Rivers. Offensive halts temporarily.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div reaches Inden and Lammersdorf and takes bridge at Inden intact. Frenzerburg Castle has been abandoned by enemy. 1st Div secures Langerwehe and Juengersdorf. On S flank of corps, 12th Inf of 4th Div begins attack to close gap between 8th and 22nd Regiments in Huertgen Forest. In V Corps area, 8th Div, attacking from 3 sides, at last secures Huertgen. Maj Gen Donald A. Stroh, div CG, is replaced by Brig Gen William G. Weaver. Aircraft and arty join in attacks against Kleinhau, the next objective, which armor is to attack. Gen Hodges directs corps to continue offensive.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 95th Div gains positions roughly abreast 90th Div to N; 377th Inf pushes into Germany; 378th is slowed by opposition from woods E of Falck but makes some progress. In XII Corps area, 317th Inf of 80th Div fights hard for Farebersviller, elements entering and clearing part of the town. About 2000, Germans with tanks attempt unsuccessfully to drive Americans from Farebersviller. 328th Inf, 26th Div, mops up W of Canal des Houillères de la Sarre; 101st is sent to Burbach to support 4th Armd Div E of the Sarre in drive on Sarre-Union scheduled for 1 December. 26th Div is to extend northward to take over most of zone held by 35th Div. 4th Armd Div, in preparation for the Sarre-Union attack, is laboriously clearing villages E of Drulingen-Sarre-Union highway, CCB taking Berg.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div starts S from Strasbourg in 2 columns, reaching Erstein area, where enemy is resisting strongly. CCA, 14th Armd Div, also meets firm resistance in vicinity of Erstein as well as at Barr. Elements of 36th Div find Liepvre, on Ste Marie-Sélestat road, and Koenigsbourg Château, SE of Liepvre, undefended.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd and 1st Corps converge at Burnhaupt at 1430 and pocket enemy forces in Alsace. Junction is made by CC4 of 5th Armd Div, 1st Corps, and CC6, under command of 2nd Moroccan Div of 2nd Corps. Germans soon attempt to break out of encirclement. In Alps Sector, 100th Battalion of RCT 442 relieves 1st SSF on Franco-Italian frontier.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 13 Corps takes Casola Valsenio and M. Taverns without opposition.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div suspends operations against Casa Bettini bridge because of weather condition. Cdn 1 Corps is concentrating in forward positions in order to attack along Adriatic coast.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 38th Div maintains pressure on main northern defenses of Bhamo with 114th Regiment; 29th has mission of entering the city but has been unable to do so.
CHINA – Japanese 11th Army, acting independently and against orders, drives across Kwangsi-Kweichow border although it has been ordered to halt at border. Gen McClure assumes position of chief of staff to Gen Wedemeyer.
PALAUS – Elements of 81st Div begin to clear Kayangel Atoll, N of Kossol Passage.
P.I. – CTF 77 issues operation plan for invasion of Mindoro. Adm Kinkaid, heading Allied naval forces, gives Rear Adm Arthur D. Struble, as commander of Mindoro Attack Group (TG 78.3), U.S. Seventh Fleet, responsibility for amphibious phase.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, Japanese try to recover Kilay Ridge, night 28-29, moving onto it in strength and isolating Co C, 34th Inf, on SW end. 12th Cav, mopping up in Mt Badian-Hill 2348 region, about 5 miles NE of Kananga, inches westward from this time until 9 December. In XXIV Corps area, 32nd Inf of 7th Div, now greatly weakened, is to be withdrawn to reserve while 184th and 17th Regiments continue battle for Shoestring Ridge; 2nd Battalion, 184th, relieves 2nd Battalion, 32nd Inf, at Damulaan; 1st Battalion, 184th, falls back a little at the bamboo thicket under counterattack. 11th A/B Div, with task of securing mountain exits into Leyte Valley, completes relief of 7th Div, less 17th Inf; defends Buri and Bayug airfields and patrols.
29 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIII Corps begins drive toward the Roer before dawn, omitting arty preparation. 84th Div, on left flank of corps, makes main effort toward Lindern and high ground NE of Beeck with 335th Inf: about 100 men of 3rd Battalion reach Lindern at daybreak and hold there until reinforcements, including tanks, arrive much later in day; enemy efforts to regain the village are repulsed; 2nd Battalion begins assault on heights NE of Beeck against strong opposition. 333rd Inf provides fire support for 335th; in conjunction with 113th Cav conducts demonstration against Beeck. 102nd Div makes secondary effort on S flank of corps, 405th Inf advancing along Lindern-Linnich highway to right of 84th Div and elements to right gaining limited objective in preparation for next assault. 7th Armd Div is held in corps reserve.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div retains hold on Inden and Lammersdorf though enemy tries to recover them and blows bridge at latter. 2 Cos of 26th Inf, 1st Div, push into Merode, where they are isolated and almost destroyed during counterattack. 4th Div renews attack all along line in Huertgen Forest and finds that enemy has strengthened his defenses during lull in fighting; 8th Inf makes negligible progress toward road center at E edge of the forest; 12th Inf closes gap between 8th and 22nd; 22nd, in frontal and flanking attacks supported by armor, takes Grosshau and cuts road to Gey. 5th Armd Div, less CCR, is attached to corps. In V Corps area, CCR TF of 5th Armd Div, under Lt Col William A. Hamberg, drives into Kleinhau and clears the village. During night 29-30, 1st Battalion of 13th RCT relieves TF Hamberg but abandons 2 roadblocks on hill, seriously hampering VII Corps’ later attack on Grosshau. Huertgen and Kleinhau are important objectives from which coming battle for Brandenberg-Bergstein ridge can be waged.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th and 95th Divs launch coordinated attack to reach the Sarre. 90th Div, with little difficulty, gets patrol to the river. 95th is strongly opposed on Saar heights in front of Saarlautern and undergoes 10 counterattacks, but gains general line Kerprich-Hemmersdorf-St Barbara-Merten. In Metz area, Fort St Privat falls to 5th Div. In XII Corps area, enemy recovers all of Farebersviller from 317th Inf, 80th Div, although tanks and TD’s have moved forward to assist infantrymen; 318th Inf is ordered to relieve 317th. TF of CCA, 4th Armd Div, takes Durstel.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 114th Inf of 44th Div takes Tieffenbach. 45th Div improves positions along N bank of the Moder in Rothbach-Mertzwiller region. In limited objective attack, 79th Div’s 314th Inf clears Niederschaeffolsheim, near Haguenau. In VI Corps area, Erstein falls to French 2 Armd Div. 411th Inf, 103rd Div, seizes Barr and Andlau. CCA, 14th Armd Div, pushes S through Barr along E edge of the Vosges. 36th Div mops up near Liepvre and to S finds Le Bonhomme free of enemy.
HUNGARY – Forces of Third Ukrainian Front have joined in offensive to left of Second Ukrainian troops and, in conjunction with Yugoslav partisans, have crossed the Danube near Yugoslav-Hungarian frontier S of Budapest and driven toward Lake Balaton in region N of Drava R. Mohacs and Pecs are free of enemy. Berlin reported a Soviet bridgehead W of the Danube in this region much earlier in the month.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 13 Corps takes Fontanelice without a fight. Germans recapture M. Castellaro from 1st Div.
In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, brig of 56th Div S of Faenza passes to command of 46th Div. 7th Armd Brig starts from Recanati, S of Ancona, to 5 Corps zone in preparation for December offensive.
POA – CINCPOA recommends that invasion of Mindoro and Luzon be postponed until air strength on Leyte can be built up.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, Japanese continue attacks on Kilay Ridge, but 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, succeeds in relieving Co C. At urgent request for reinforcements, 2nd Battalion of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, moves forward, Co G, the first to arrive, immediately reinforcing Co C. In XXIV Corps area, elements of 184th Inf, 7th Div, recover some ground at bamboo thicket but are unable to clear enemy from the thicket; repel 3 heavy enemy counterattacks.
30 November
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 and 12 Corps have reduced enemy’s bridgehead W of the Maas to small pocket at Blerick, across from Venlo.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 102nd Div takes over burden of attack: while 405th Inf continues to fight along Lindern-Linnich highway, 406th drives to edge of Linnich and 407th clears enemy from Welz, within a mile of the Roer. 335th Inf, 84th Div, overcomes resistance within Beeck, but enemy retains heights to NE.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div finishes clearing Lammersdorf and secures N half of Inden. 8th Inf, 4th Div, continues costly efforts to get through Huertgen Forest; 12th, advancing more than 1,000 yards, reaches edge of woods W of Gey
but is too weak to attack the village; 22nd reinforced by battalion of 5th Armd Div, attempts to secure Grosshau clearing and forest between Grosshau and Gey in order to swing NE toward Dueren; some elements reach edge of woods overlooking Gey, but rest of force suffers heavily while trying to come abreast.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div attacks toward the Sarre on N flank of corps, CCB on right reaching the river opposite Merzig, where bridges are down. 359th Inf, 90th Div, occupies Fremersdorf, on W bank of the Sarre, without opposition; 1st Battalion of 357th crosses the Nied in assault boats near Niedaltdorf and pushes on to Bueren, which enemy is defending. After consolidating positions, 95th Div continues attack toward the Sarre, gaining heights commanding Saarlautern: 377th Inf mops up Ste Barbara on left and advances right wing to Felsberg; 378th takes hill S of Felsberg. TF Bell (Col Robert P. Bell), consisting of 5th Div’s 10th Inf (-), 5th Rcn Tr, and supporting units, is formed to cover exposed right flank of 95th Div and attached to that div. In XII Corps area, positions are generally static except on right, where 4th Armd Div gets into position for assault on Sarre-Union with capture of heights overlooking Mackwiller.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div and CCA, 14th Armd Div, continue S on E flank of corps; CCA clears St Pierre. 103rd Div, now concentrated about Epfig, S of St Pierre, follows CCA southward toward Sélestat. Elements of 36th Div get into position for attack on Châtenois, W of Sélestat.
HUNGARY – Troops of Second Ukrainian Front take Eger, NE of Budapest, and are closing in on Miskolc.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, Germans take Casa Nuovo from 1st Div. In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div renews attack toward Casa Bettini bridge and takes Albereto, breaching switch-line positions.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div finds Pinwe free of enemy.
CHINA – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek decides to move Ch 22nd and 38th Divs from Burma to China for defense of Kunming. Ch 14th Div is eventually substituted for 38th, so that current operations in Burma will suffer less. Gen Wedemeyer informs JCS and Adm Mountbatten of the Generalissimo’s decision. Chiang Kai-shek also agrees to provide 270,000 replacements for ALPHA by 1 April 1945 but refuses request to supply arms to Ch forces of IX War Area.
P.I. – Projected Mindoro operation is postponed for 10 days by Gen MacArthur in order to release shipping and naval support forces for landing in Ormoc area on Leyte. Final target dates for Mindoro and Luzon are 15 December 1944 and 9 January 1945, respectively.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 112th Cav, which has been driving S to ease pressure on 32nd Div in Limon area, halts at ridge E of Highway 2 about 5,000 yards SE of Limon; unable to progress farther because of strong opposition, cavalrymen dig in and drive off enemy patrols. In XXIV Corps area, battle of Shoestring Ridge ends successfully as elements of 184th Inf, 7th Div, clear the bamboo thicket and establish night perimeter on forward slope of the ridge.
1 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, Linnich falls to 406th Inf, 102nd Div; 405th Inf gains objective heights along Lindern-Linnich highway by double envelopment. In XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div begins attack to reduce the 2 enemy positions W of the Roer opposite Juelich – one a group of buildings called Hasenfeld Gut and the other the Juelich sportplatz, an athletic field; both are protected by enemy fire from commanding ground E of the Roer and accessible only through open terrain; assault forces are soon pinned down by enemy fire. In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div gains some ground in S part of Inden. 8th Inf, 4th Div, still trying in vain to get out of Huertgen Forest, has gained less than 1,000 yards during 3 days of hard fighting; 22nd Inf, committing its reserves, finally emerges to establish thin line along woods overlooking Gey. Gen Collins orders attack halted. Since 16 November, 4th Div has made maximum gain of a little more than 3 miles at exceedingly high cost. 47th Inf reverts to 9th Div from attachment to 1st Div. In V Corps area, elements of 28th and 121st Regiments of 8th Div have cleared a portion of Tiefen Creek bottom land on right flank and of Brandenberger Wald on left flank, to provide a measure of safety for armored drive along Kleinhau-Brandenberg highway, which follows ridge line.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps continues to clear enemy positions W of the Sarre in preparation for assault across the river. 10th Armd Div is overcoming relatively weak opposition in Merzig sector. 90th Div is rapidly cleaning out its sector S of Merzig. Air preparation precedes 95th Div’s attempt to reach and cross the Sarre: medium bombers attack Saarlautern, Ensdorf, and Fraulautern; fighter bombers interdict movement E of the river. Resistance continues stiff, however, as 95th Div attacks, making main effort with fresh 379th Inf: 377th takes Felsberg and begins clearing Ste Barbara; 378th gains hill near Berus but is unable
to reach Bisten; 379th attacks through 377th toward Saarlautern. TF Fickett (Col E. M. Fickett), consisting of 6th Cav Gp and 5th Ranger Battalion, assembles near St Avold to screen S flank of corps, relieving TF Bell, components of which revert to 5th Div. 5th Div, still containing forts in Metz area, is assigned narrow front to right of 95th Div in preparation for drive to the Sarre across Warndt salient. 6th Cav TF is to protect right of 5th Div. In XII Corps area, CCB of 4th Armd Div and 101st Inf of 26th Div open coordinated drive on Sarre-Union against lively opposition: 3rd Battalion of 101st clears Sarre-Union but, since it cannot take hill N of the town, pulls back for night; 1st Battalion clears Bannholtz woods; CCB secures Hill 318, N of Mackwiller. 80th and 35th Divs and 6th Armd Div are ordered to make limited attack on 4th to straighten left and center of corps line.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div is meeting strong resistance in vicinity of Tieffenbach. 45th Div is likewise opposed in Zinswiller-Meitesheim area. 79th Div, reinforced by 94th Cav Rcn Sq of 14th Armd Div, clears Schweighausen. In VI Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div continues southward along the Rhine. 103rd and 36th Divs are converging on Sélestat. CCA, 14th Armd Div, is withdrawn to corps reserve.
EASTERN EUROPE – In E Czechoslovakia, Soviet troops cross to W bank of Ondava R in vicinity of Humenne and Trebisov. Germans are containing attacks by troops of Second Ukrainian Front in vicinity of Miskolc, NE of Budapest in Hungary, but Third Ukrainian forces SW of Budapest gain ground NE and N of Pecs.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army area, British 13 Corps alters plan of attack because of enemy withdrawals. First phase calls for capture of M. Penzola by 6th Armd Div.
British Eighth Army continues preparation for offensive on 3rd. In 5 Corps area, Indian 10th Div secures Casa Bettini bridge over the Montone and is relieved on right flank by Cdn 1 Corps troops. Cdn 1 Corps moves assault forces across the Montone via bridge at Casa Bettini.
BURMA – Gen Stratemeyer issues general order, effective 4 December, reorganizing EAC.
On NCAC front, Ch 30th Div, with 90th Regiment in the lead, is moving southward from Bhamo area toward Namhkam over rough terrain.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer directs Gen Chennault to make main effort of Fourteenth Air Force in defense of air line to China and SOS; in addition to providing logistical support of U.S. military activities, to support certain Ch forces in China Theater. On Salween front, Ch forces take Che-fang.
NEW GUINEA – Australians take over from U.S. troops at Aitape.
LEYTE – Japanese food supply is exhausted by this time.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, after preparatory fire, Co E of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, attacks through Co C of 34th Inf, 24th Div, to clear knolls on SE end of Kilay Ridge, taking the first. 1st Battalion, 34th Inf, is ordered to withdraw from the ridge but is unable to do so for several days. 112th Cav attempts in vain to clear ridge SE of Limon. In XXIV Corps area, warning order for assault on Ormoc is issued.
PALAUS – Elements of 81st Div complete occupation of Kayangel Atoll.
2 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In Cdn First Army’s 2 Corps area, Germans breach dyke area on the Neder Rijn near Arnhem and flood region to SW, forcing corps to withdraw Waal R bridgehead to rail line running W from Elst.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 334th Inf of 84th Div takes Leiffarth and high ground NE of Beeck and Lindern. 407th Inf, 102nd Div, makes coordinated effort against Roerdorf and Flossdorf, taking former. In XIX Corps area, 116th Inf of 29th Div continues struggle for the 2 strongpoints in Juelich area.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div finishes clearing Inden and its entire zone W of the Inde; at 2300, 415th and 414th Regiments, supported by fire of 413th, start across the river at Inden, taking enemy by surprise. 1st Div is ordered to straighten line by clearing Luchem and then prepare for relief; 1st Div has gained less than 4 miles during 15 days of hard fighting. 22nd Inf, 4th Div, repels counterattack from Gey with help of arty. In V Corps area, TF Hamberg of CCR, 5th Armd Div, attacks down Kleinhau-Brandenberg highway under fire from Kommerscheidt-Schmidt ridge but is stopped by mine field; interdictory fire is placed on enemy during night while mines are being cleared.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 10th Armd Div, with capture of Dreisbach before dawn, finishes clearing its zone W of the Sarre; CCB is then held in reserve while CCA outposts W bank of river between 3rd Cav Gp and 90th Div. 90th Div, night 2-3, begins extending southward in preparation for attack across the Sarre in Dillingen area. 95th Div is again supported by aircraft as it fights for crossing of the Sarre in Saarlautern area; 2nd Battalion, 379th Inf, drives into Saarlautern and begins house-to-house battle in W part of town; St Barbara falls to 377th Inf; 378th forces enemy from Pikard; arty observation plane spots bridge intact leading to Saarlautern and 379th Inf prepares to seize it. 3rd Battalion of 11th Inf, 5th Div, joins 10th Inf in attack through SW part of Forêt de la Houve. In XII Corps area,
101st Inf of 26th Div finds enemy in possession of Sarre-Union and is obliged to clear it once more; 104th Inf elements move forward to strengthen hold on the town. 4th Armd Div cuts roads extending eastward to Domfessel and to Voellerdingen from Sarre-Union; with air support defeats enemy efforts to reopen these escape routes; Gen Patton orders div withdrawn as soon as possible after its relief by XV Corps. 35th Div relieves CCB, 6th Armd Div, near Puttelange, night 2-3. 6th Armd Div extends northward to take over part of 80th Div’s MLR.
6th Army Group: Group commander, Gen Devers, orders U.S. Seventh Army to regroup by 5 December for main assault northward. French are to have full responsibility for reducing Colmar Pocket.
In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div takes Waldhambach. 45th drives into Engwiller and clears Meitesheim. In VI Corps area, French 2nd Armd Div drive comes to a halt in Kogenheim-Freisenheim region and div reverts to French 1st Army. 103rd and 36th Divs begin clearing house-to-house opposition in Sélestat.
French 1st Army is reinforced by U.S. 36th Div. Gen de Lattre orders converging drives against Colmar Pocket from N and S, aimed at the Rhine at Neuf-Brisach.
EASTERN EUROPE – Red Army continues strong attack toward Budapest. Troops of Fourth Ukrainian Front expand Ondava R bridgehead in Czechoslovakia, while those of Second Ukrainian Front hammer at fortifications in Miskolc area (Hungary). Third Ukrainian forces in SW Hungary press N and NW on broad front between the Danube and Drava Rivers.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army makes limited advances in preparation for general offensive. 10 Corps, which is responsible for deceptive measures, takes command of 26th Armd Brig, 6th Armd Div. Cdn 1 Corps begins clearing enemy’s switch-line positions between the Montone and the Lamone.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, E African 11th Div reaches the Chindwin at Kalewa.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer presents Chiang Kai-shek a proposal, suggested by Col David D. Barrett of the American Observer Group in Yenan, to form 3 communist regiments in Yenan, to be equipped by U.S. SOS, for use in Nationalist territory under command of a U.S. officer. The plan is rejected. Later in December, Gen McClure drafts plan for U.S. airborne units of technicians to go into communist China and informally presents it to the two factions for approval. Japanese column driving on Kweiyang reaches Tu-shan.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, Cos E and F of 128th Inf, 32nd Div, extend southward on Kilay Ridge against firm resistance. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, is ordered by 128th Inf commander to remain on the ridge until further notice. 112th Cav continues efforts to clear ridge SE of Limon and sends Tr A toward Highway 2 to make contact with 32nd Div.
3 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, with 12 Corps capture of Blerick, across from Venlo, Second Army finishes clearing W Bank of the Maas.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIII Corps reaches the Roer. Flossdorf falls to 407th Inf, 102nd Div. In XIX Corps area, commander of 116th Inf, 29th Div, is replaced as futile efforts to reduce the Juelich strongpoints continue.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div extends Inde bridgehead eastward beyond Lucherberg. Enemy, having recovered from surprise of night crossing, is countering strongly. 16th Inf (-), 1st Div, assisted by tanks and TD’s, seizes Luchem. 330th Regiment, 83rd Div, from VIII Corps sector begins relief of 4th Div, which is eventually to move to Luxembourg. In V Corps area, 8th Div continues to clear flanks of main assault in Brandenberger Wald and Tiefen Creek area, while TF Hamberg of 5th Armd Div, with effective air support, renews drive down Kleinhau-Brandenberg highway and seizes Brandenberg. The usually inactive German Air Force appears in strength in afternoon, about 60 ME-109’s attacking without causing serious damage and at cost of at least 19 shot down. With enemy on commanding ground near Brandenberg, Americans are precariously situated but no reinforcement is possible since TF Boyer (Lt Col Howard E. Boyer) of CCR, 5th Armd Div, temporarily attached to 28th Inf of 8th Div, is clearing enemy strongpoint in Vossenack.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 1st Battalion of 379th Inf, 95th Div, seizes bridge leading to Saarlautern-Saarlautern-Roden road, but the bridge cannot be used immediately because of enemy efforts to destroy it with fire; 2nd and 3rd Battalions clear most of Saarlautern; other elements of 95th Div move forward to river line. 10th Inf, 5th Div, clears Creutzwald in hard battle; 6th Cav Gp and 2nd Ranger Battalion repel counterattacks W of Lauterbach. In XII Corps area, counterattacking enemy force from Oermingen drives into Sarre-Union before being checked by 26th Div defenders of the town.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div is delayed by enemy at Ratzwiller but 45th takes Zinswiller. 100th Div begins drive on Bitche, passing 398th Inf through 44th Div. VI Corps continues to clear Sélestat.
EASTERN EUROPE – In NE Hungary, Soviet forces of Second Ukrainian Front overrun Miskolc, key point in enemy’s defense line NE of Budapest and important center of war industries.
ITALY – AAI: British Eighth Army opens offensive toward Bologna with 3 corps abreast. Pol 2 Corps, which is to secure left flank of army by clearing foothills to left of 5 Corps, jumps off at 2300. 5 Corps attacks along Highway 9 toward the Santerno. Cdn 1 Corps, in Adriatic coastal sector, continues toward Ravenna and the Santerno with Cdn 1st Div on left and Cdn 5th Armd Div on right, Cdn 1st Div enveloping and taking Russi and Cdn 5th Armd Div seizing Godo, on Russi-Ravenna road, night 3-4.
SEAC – Adm Mountbatten agrees to permit Ch 22nd and 38th Divs to move from Burma to China to defend Kunming.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, E African 11th Div establishes bridgehead across the Chindwin at Kalewa, where bridging is undertaken under fire. Indian 20th Div secures bridgehead across the river to N in Mawlaik area, crossing a brige uses Kalewa site for crossing rest of division.
CHINA – Japanese 11th Army halts its unauthorized drive into Kweichow Province toward Kweiyang as its supplies run out.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, Tr G of 112th Cav tries unsuccessfully to scale steep slopes of ridge SE of Limon. Tr A makes contact with 126th Inf W of Hill 1525 without incident. In XXIV Corps area, at commanders conference, Maj Gen Archibald V. Arnold orders 7th Div to clear region S of Talisayan R, including Hills 918, 380, and 606, beginning on 5th.
4 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, XIII Corps has cleared its sector W of the Roer except for Wurm and Muellendorf and suspends offensive until 18th.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div improves bridgehead across Inde R. Upon completion of bridges, supporting weapons cross. In V Corps area, 8th Div withholds armored attack on Bergstein while awaiting reinforcements, but infantrymen continue to clear flanks of the Brandenberg-Bergstein ridge. TF Boyer of 5th Armd Div eliminates the Vossenack strongpoint.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 95th Div regroups hastily to exploit capture of Saarlautern bridge; 3rd Battalion, 379th Inf, crosses bridge and begins prolonged struggle for suburb of Fraulautern, which is within West Wall; 1st and 3rd Battalions repel tank-infantry counterattack; 378th Inf takes Lisdorf, on the Sarre just S of Saarlautern. 10th Inf, 5th Div, withstands counterattack on S flank of corps; 3rd Battalion, 11th, takes up positions to right of 10th and begins attack to clear region between Roselle and Sarre Rivers. XII Carps begins final drive toward the Sarre and West Wall. 80th Div, with 318th Inf in assault, attacks after intense, effective arty preparation and takes Farebersviller and hills to NE. CCA, 6th Armd Div, attacks toward Mont de Cadenbronn. 35th Div attacks across the Maderbach before dawn, taking enemy by surprise: 134th Inf seizes Puttelange; 320th, to right, is soon checked by enemy fire. 104th Inf, 26th Div, eliminates enemy remnants in Sarre-Union during methodical mop-up. 4th Armd Div, learning of German retreat, begins pursuit across Eichel Creek, CCB crossing advance force at Voellerdingen; CCA comes under accurate fire at Domfessel.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, 103rd and 36th Divs finish clearing Sélestat. 36th Div takes control there, relieving 103rd Div forces.
EASTERN EUROPE – Fighting continues NE and SW of Budapest. Soviet and Yugoslav troops clearing region between the Danube and Sava Rivers in Yugoslavia overrun Mitrovica.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div, jumping off night 4-5, clears most of M. Penzola.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps takes Montecchio. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div is attacking toward Piedura ridge against strong resistance. Cdn 1 Corps takes Ravenna and reaches the Lamone, cutting Highway 16 where it crosses the river; 1st Div begins attack across the Lamone, night 4-5.
CHINA – In the course of reorganizing the government to make it more progressive and efficient, Chiang Kai-shek names T. V. Soong premier as well as foreign minister. Gen Wedemeyer asks that B-29’s, which are a strain on Hump tonnage, be moved from China.
P.I. – U.S. Seventh Air Force bombers begin harassing night attacks on Luzon airfields. On Leyte, Gen Krueger, CG Sixth Army, orders attack on 5 December to destroy enemy in Ormoc area, with X Corps moving southward astride Highway 2 to support XXIV Corps. In X Corps area, 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, begins withdrawal from Kilay Ridge toward Pinamopoan. 112th Cav continues futile efforts to clear ridge SE of Limon.
XXIV Corps prepares for assault on Ormoc with 7th Div by land and 77th Div by sea. 184th Inf of 7th Div gets patrols as far N as Balogo. 776th Amph Tank Battalion after dark moves to waters 1,000 yards W of Balogo.
5 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div withstands determined counterattack against Lucherberg. 9th Div is arriving from V Corps zone and begins relief of 1st Div. In V Corps area, TF Boyer of CCR, 5th Armd Div, renewing drive on Bergstein, pushes 3 prongs into the village and clears it but is threatened from Castle Hill (Burg-Berg) to E.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 1st and 3rd Battalions of 379th Inf, 95th Div, continue to attack toward Saarlautern-Roden and Fraulautern, respectively, without making much headway; 2nd Battalion crosses into bridgehead and drives through 1st Battalion to edge of Saarlautern-Roden, where counterattack is repulsed; 3rd Battalion breaks into S part of Fraulautern; 2 battalions of 378th Inf cross the Sarre at Lisdorf and drive to edge of Ensdorf. On S flank of corps, Lauterbach falls to 5th Div without a fight. In XII Corps area, 35th Div gets patrols to the Sarre; 2nd Battalion, 134th Inf, drives to SE outskirts of Sarreguemines. CCA, 6th Armd Div, also patrols to river line, in region N of Sarreguemines. 2nd Cav Gp, advancing along Roselle R on left flank of corps, patrols across German frontier near St. Nicolas. CCA, 4th Armd Div, crosses creek at Domfessel and pushes N toward Rohrbach-lès-Bitche, an important communications center, but is halted with heavy losses short of Bining; CCB drives to Schmittviller. 26th Div closely follows 4th Armd Div.
6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army begins general attack northward toward Maginot Line and West Wall with reorganized XV Corps on left and VI on right. XV Corps, consisting of 44th and 100th Inf Divs and 12th Armd Div, pushes forward with infantry, 44th taking Ratzwiller and 100th overrunning Wimmenau and Wingen. VI Corps (3rd, 45th, 79th, and 103rd Inf Divs and 14th Armd Div) drives northward with 45th and 79th Divs: elements of 45th reach Mertzwiller, which enemy is defending stubbornly.
In French 1st Army area, alteration of interarmy boundary gives French full responsibility for reduction of German bridgehead W of the Rhine in Colmar area; French 1st Army is reinforced for the task by U.S. 36th Div and French 2nd Armd Div.
EASTERN EUROPE – Third Ukrainian Front progresses rapidly in center, where forward elements reach Lake Balaton; left flank elements driving along N bank of Drava R overrun Szigetvar. Berlin reports Soviet crossing of the Danube near Vukovar.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps, after taking M. Rinaldo and securing left flank of army, halts until 5 Corps can reduce opposition on Pideura ridge. In 5 Corps area, 46th Div continues to make slow progress against Pideura ridge. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div is forced to abandon its bridgehead across the Lamone on left flank of corps. Mopping up is conducted E of the Lamone for the next few days while bridging is underway.
SEAC – U.S. Tenth Air Force begins airlift of Ch 14th Div from Burma to China. Ch 22nd Div is to prepare for similar movement.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese send strong TF toward Bhamo to assist withdrawal of beleaguered garrison. This force of about 3,000 starts N from Namhkam in evening. Ch 30th Div continues southward drive toward Namhkam against enemy opposition from hill positions.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army begins offensive against Ormoc. In X Corps area 112th Cav is still stalemated on ridge SE of Limon. 32nd Div prepares to drive down Highway 2. In XXIV Corps area, 776th Amph Tank Battalion, moving N by sea beyond Balogo, lands in Tabgas area to fire on hills in front of 7th Div; continues northward by sea to reconnoiter Calingatngan region, then returns to bivouac area. 7th Div attacks with 184th Inf on left and 17th on right: 184th secures line from beach some 300 yards S of Balogo on left to heights SE of Palanas R on right; 3rd Battalion crosses the Palanas and scales first ridge of Hill 380. Co K, 32nd Inf, plugs gap between 184th and 17th Regiments. 17th Inf takes ridge W of Hill 918. 77th Div, at Tarragona beach assembly area on E coast of Leyte, begins loading supplies and equipment for landing below Ormoc.
6 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, counterattacking enemy force pushes into Bergstein but is driven back. Gen Weaver is granted permission to use 2nd Ranger Battalion to reinforce the small group at Bergstein.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div begins attack across the Sarre at 0415, crossing in assault boats between Rehlingen and Wallerfangen and establishing small bridgehead in Pachten-Dillingen area; 357th Inf, on N, advances its left flank about 1½ miles but is soon pinned down on right; 358th pushes to edge of Pachten and Dillingen. 95th Div, with 5 battalions across the Sarre, continues efforts to take Saarlautern-Roden, Fraulautern, and Ensdorf portion of West Wall against tenacious resistance. 5th Div continues to clear to the Sarre on S flank of corps and in Metz area accepts surrender of St Quentin works. In XII Corps area, 6th Armd and 35th Inf Divs clear W bank of the Sarre from Grosbliederstroff to Wittring. 35th, assisted by tanks of 6th Armd, pushes into Sarreguemines and clears W sector. 6th Armd Div, its current mission completed, extends northward to protect N flank of corps. 35th Div is ordered to attack across the Sarre
in conjunction with 26th Div on 8th. 26th Div continues rapidly toward the Sarre. 4th Armd Div gains foothold in Singling and overruns Bining before being halted to await relief by 12th Armd Div of XV Corps.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div takes Montbronn while 100th clears Meisenthal and surrounds Mouterhouse. In VI Corps area, enemy counterattack recovers N part of Mertzwiller from 45th Div forces.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, U.S. 36th Div is strongly opposed at Ostheim and Guemar but takes latter.
EASTERN EUROPE – Red Army broadens and intensifies offensive toward Budapest, Berlin announces, attacking in force on either side of the Hungarian capital and crossing elements from Csepel I., to W bank of the Danube S of the city. Rumanian troops are helping Soviet forces clear NE Hungary. Moscow reports substantial gains by Third Ukrainian Front forces all along front. Soviet and Yugoslav forces clearing region between the Danube and Sava in N Yugoslavia take rail and road center of Sid.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 19th Brig of Indian 8th Div, completes movement to W flank of corps to operate under 1st Div.
In British Eighth Army area, 10 Corps moves to Macerata from Perugia.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Regiment is ordered to relieve Ch 22nd Div in Mo-hlaing area, about a mile N of Tonk-wa. About this time, Japanese TF starts across the Shweli toward Tonk-wa.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, repeated efforts of 112th Cav to eliminate enemy on ridge SE of Limon fail. In XXIV Corps area, 7th Div continues northward drive on Ormoc, taking Balogo, Hill 918, and Kang Dagit; some elements are on the Palanas R and others are on a ridge of Hill 380. 77th Div loads for landing in Ormoc Bay at Deposito and sails with DD and Fifth Air Force protection for target area. About 150 Japanese attack Buri strip, surprising defense force and entering woods N of the strip.
7 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, commander of 116th Inf, 29th Div, reports that continued efforts to take the Juelich strong-points will be fruitless; during the past 6 days the regiment has suffered heavy casualties and is unfit to continue the action; 115th Inf replaces 116th and prepares to continue the assault.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th Div completes relief of 1st Div and takes responsibility for Luchem-Langerwehe-Juengersdorf-Merode region. 1st Div, except for 16th Inf, which is attached to V Corps, moves to rest areas. 83rd Div, less 329th inf, takes over zone of 4th Div on S flank of corps, with 8th Inf of 4th Div under its command. 4th Div (-8th Inf) passes to VIII Corps control. V Corps virtually finishes clearing its sector to the Roer. 2nd Ranger Battalion pushes to crest of Castle Hill, where it is under heavy fire and repels 2 counterattacks. When a platoon advances to reinforce the rangers, enemy withdraws hastily. CCR of 5th Armd Div pulls back from Bergstein during night but by this time 28th Inf of 8th Div has advanced almost to the village from the S.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div attempts to improve and consolidate bridgehead in Pachten-Dillingen area with little success: 357th Inf establishes thin perimeter on N flank and holds it against major counterattack but is separated from 358th Inf in Dillingen-Pachten area by fortified West Wall belt; enemy fire continues to prevent construction of vehicular bridge, but footbridge is improvised and the bridgehead resupplied during night 7-8. 95th Div continues to battle West Wall positions in its Saarlautern bridgehead: 379th Inf makes limited progress in Saarlautern-Roden; 377th takes over fight for Fraulautern; 378th is virtually at a standstill in Ensdorf area and its 2nd Battalion is still W of the Sarre. 10th Inf, 5th Div finishes clearing its sector and ties in with 95th Div; in Metz area, Fort Plappeville surrenders to 2nd Inf. XII Corps regroups for assault on West Wall between Saarbruecken and Zweibruecken by 35th and 26th Divs. 80th Div withdraws to rear upon relief by 6th Armd Div and 2nd Cav Gp. 35th Div is still engaged at Sarreguemines. 4th Armd Div is being relieved by XV Corps. 26th Div reaches positions within sight of Maginot Line forts at Wittring and Achen.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div is approaching Enchenberg against lively opposition. 100th Div seizes Mouterhouse. 12th Armd Div begins relief of 4th Armd Div (XII Corps). In VI Corps area, 94th Cav Rcn Sq and elements of 19th Armd Inf Battalion attached to 79th Div begin attack on Gambsheim. 103rd Div is committed between 45th and 79th Divs.
French 1st Army opens attack on Colmar Pocket in 1st Corps zone while 2nd Corps is containing determined counterattacks in Ostheim, Guemar, and Mittelwihr areas. 1st Corps drives on Cernay and Thann, 2nd Moroccan Div taking Bischwiller and establishing bridgehead at Pont d’Aspach.
EASTERN EUROPE – Right wing elements of Third Ukrainian Front clearing region between the Danube and Lake Balaton seize Adony, about 25 miles S of Budapest, and Enying, less than 20 miles from Szekesfehervar; center elements report S bank
of Lake Balaton clear; left flank forces clearing region between Lake Balaton and the Drava take Barcs. Moscow announces that the Germans are bringing reinforcements from Italy and the Western Front to defend Budapest. Yugoslavia reports several crossings of the Danube near Vukovar in Slovenia by Soviet and Yugoslav units. Berlin claims that German withdrawal from Montenegro and W Serbia “progressed according to plan.”
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, village of Piedura falls to 46th Div, but enemy retains ridges near there.
LEYTE – Fifth Air Force and Army and Marine land-based planes join in attacks on enemy convoy of 6 transports and 7 escort vessels heading for Leyte with reinforcements. The entire convoy is believed to have been destroyed.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, enemy continues to cling stubbornly to ridge SE of Limon, preventing 2nd Sq of 112th Cav from advancing. 1st Sq reaches Leyte R, where it makes contact with Tr A and 126th Inf of 32nd Div. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div, after naval gunfire preparation, begins unopposed landing at Deposito at 0707 and moves inland at once, 307th Inf clearing Ipil and 305th reaching Bagonbon R. Although opposition ashore is light, shipping in Ormoc Bay undergoes 16 enemy air attacks by an estimated 45-50 planes, of which 36 are believed to have been shot down. Suicide planes severely damage 5 vessels, 2 of which, USS Mahan (DD) and transport Ward, must be sunk. 7th Div pushes on toward Ormoc, 184th Inf reaching Tabgas R and 17th taking Hill 380. This virtually completes battle of the ridges, although fighting continues for several days before div reaches its objective, Talisayan R. Fighting continues in Buri airstrip area. 1st Battalion of 149th Inf, 38th Div, gains hold on SW edge, making contact with 1st Battalion of 187 Gli Inf, 11th A/B Div.
8 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 29th Div’s 115th Inf reduces Hasenfeld Gut and sportplatz strongpoints in Juelich area with help of assault guns and smoke.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps is ordered to attack on 10th to clear region between Inde and Roer Rivers and approaches to Dueren, corps’ objective. In V Corps area, battalion of 13th Inf relieves Rangers on Castle Hill. In their 2-day stay there, Rangers have lost more than ¼ of their original strength.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf is again subjected to major counterattacks in 90th Div’s Dillingen bridgehead, but forces enemy back in hand-to-hand fighting; local enemy counterattacks keep 358th Inf largely on the defensive, although elements push across RR tracks to take Dillingen station; reserve regiment, 359th, crosses into bridgehead, night 8-9. 95th Div is very slowly expanding its Saarlautern bridgehead, fighting from house to house and from pillbox to pillbox; 2nd Battalion, 378th Inf, joins parent regiment in Ensdorf after crossing river in assault boats. 6th Cav Gp takes over sector on S flank of corps from elements of 5th Div. After receiving surrender of Fort Driant, 2nd Inf of 5th Div turns over Metz sector, where Fort Jeanne d’Arc is still holding out, to 87th Div of III Corps. In XII Corps area, 35th Div attacks across the Sarre, 134th Inf crossing by bridge S of Sarreguemines and 320th by boats in region to E; 134th clears Sarreinsming and pushes NE under heavy fire from Sarreguemines; 320th, whose 3rd Battalion is unable to cross until night 8-9, establishes bridgehead and with aid of arty and fighter-bombers halts counterattack as it is forming. 26th Div attacks Maginot Line within its sector after arty and air preparation: 328th Inf begins assault on Fort Wittring and Grand Bois, fighting through night 8-9; 104th, to right, easily takes 4 mutually supporting forts in Achen area.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 12th Armd Div completes relief of 4th Armd Div (XII Corps) in place. 44th Div pushes into Encherberg and 100th into Lemberg, but enemy is defending both towns. VI Corps is conducting deception program to lead enemy to expect Rhine crossing in Strasbourg area or attack in vicinity of Bischwiller. 45th Div begins attack on Niederbronn. In 79th Div zone, 94th Cav Rcn Sq clears Gambsheim.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps is still undergoing lively counterattacks. U.S. 36th Div troops are driving on Kayserberg. 1st Corps gains foothold in Thann.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet forces, Berlin admits, “widen their breach” N of Budapest. Troops of Third Ukrainian Front clearing region between Lake Balaton and the Danube are roughly 10 miles from Szekesfehervar. Germans are warding off breakthrough attempts between Lake Balaton and the Drava.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, enemy abandons rest of M. Penzola.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps begins relief of 46th Div with Indian 10th Div.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese take Tonk-wa from outnumbered Chinese. In British Fourteenth Army area, 4 Corps hq moves from Imphal to Tamu and is placed under Lt Gen Messervy, who succeeds Lt Gen Sir Geoffrey Scoones. Corps is to move secretly southward down the Gangaw Valley to S flank of army, where it will seize bridgehead
over the Irrawaddy in Pakokku area and thrust toward Meiktila and Thazi.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Sq of 112th Cav begins action to locate and sever Japanese supply line to ridge SE of Limon. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div (reinforced by 2nd Battalion of 306th and supported by arty, Co A of 776th Amph Tank Battalion and Co A of 88th Chemical Weapons Battalion) drives N astride Highway 2 from Ipil toward Camp Downes, less than a mile from Ormoc. Platoon of Co A, 776th Tank Battalion, moving by sea, reconnoiters Camp Downes area, meeting enemy fire. 305th Inf protects S flank of div, holding perimeter from Ipil area S to Baod R. Americans consolidate positions in Buri airfield area.
VOLCANO IS. – B-29’s and warships join B-24’s in bombardment of Iwo Jima.
9 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army area, 75th Div is assigned to army and on 11th further assigned to XVI Corps. In XIX Corps area, 30th Div is ordered to secure region between Inde and Roer Rivers within its zone.
In U.S. First Army area, army maintains and improves defensive positions.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div commits its full strength to Dillingen bridgehead battle: 359th Inf begins clearing mutually supporting fortifications between 357th and 358th Regiments, easing pressure on right flank of 357th; 357th holds its weak perimeter on N flank of the bridgehead against repeated counterattacks that are debilitating to both sides; supply situation of 358th, fighting indecisively along RR tracks in Dillingen, improves as rafting operations are begun in afternoon and first tank crosses by treadway ferry in evening, but 359th and 357th Regiments must still rely on assault boats, carrying parties, and aircraft for reinforcement and supply. 95th Div continues almost futile efforts to expand Saarlautern bridgehead; supply problem is intensified by rapidly rising Sarre R. With relief of 10th Inf on S flank of corps by 6th Cav GP, 5th Div is able to assemble in preparation for attack on West Wall. In XII Corps area, 35th Div’s bridgeheads across the Sarre continue to receive heavy enemy fire, but 2 Class 40 bridges are completed by midnight; 1st Battalion of 137th Inf is sent to Sarreguemines to mop up in W part of city, since 134th Inf can make little headway until this is done; 320th moves forward more rapidly because of 26th Div’s action to right. 328th Inf, 26th Div, completes capture of Fort Wittring by dawn and after daylight finds that enemy has abandoned Fort Grand Bois; 104th Inf is pushing steadily toward Gros Réderching. In III Corps area, 87th Div is assigned to XII Corps to replace 26th Div, and 346th Inf starts by truck to Gros Réderching area.
6th Army Group: In XV Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd Div, driving NE on left flank of corps, takes Singling. Enchenberg falls to 44th Div and Lemberg to 100th. In VI Corps area, 45th Div clears Niederbronn. 79th Div overruns Bischwiller and pushes to edge of Haguenau.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps is still strongly opposed but clears Mittelwihr. In 1st Corps area, 2nd Moroccan Div continues clearing Thann. 4th Mtn Div is meeting vigorous opposition at Lutterbach.
EASTERN EUROPE – Moscow confirms German reports of Soviet breakthrough NE of Budapest, announcing that forces of Second Ukrainian Front have reached the Danube bend at Vac. Other troops of this front, having crossed to W bank of the Danube from Csepel I., S of Budapest, gain contact with troops of Third Ukrainian Front at Lake Velencei, between the Danube and Lake Balaton. Budapest is thus about two-thirds encircled. Sofia announces that Bulgar and Yugoslav Armies, assisted by Soviet aircraft, have completed the expulsion of Germans from Serbia and Macedonia during the last few days.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 78th Div extends eastward to M. dell’Acqua Saluta-M. del Verro area as 6th Armd Div prepares to continue offensive.
In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps contains determined counterattacks but in so doing is too weakened to exploit this success and suspends offensive.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese forces from Tonk-wa reach Mohlaing, where Ch 22nd Div CP is located. U.S. 475th Inf, which is arriving in this area, joins Chinese in counterattack that restores positions. 113th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, has been unable to penetrate into Bhamo; 114th adopts American suggestion of taking full advantage of supporting arty and aircraft and is working forward methodically in N defenses. S of Bhamo, elements of Ch 90th Regiment, 30th Div, become isolated during Japanese counterattack.
CHINA – Failure of 2 Ch armies (5th and 53rd) to concentrate for defense of Kunming endangers success of ALPHA plan and brings protest from Gen Wedemeyer to Chiang Kai-shek, who replies that he is keeping the 5th back to defend Kunming.
LEYTE – Last of Japanese reinforcements arrive at Palompon.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 112th Cav continues efforts to dislodge enemy from ridge SE of Limon and to cut enemy’s supply line. In XXIV Corps area, convoy arrives with supplies and rest
of 306th Inf, 77th Div. 307th Inf, passing 1st Battalion of 306th Inf through 2nd Battalion of that refit, continues toward Camp Downes and takes it. 3rd Battalion, 306th Inf, is committed to protect E and center of beachhead. 305th Inf secures region NE of Camp Downes and protects NE flank of div. 2nd Battalion of 511th Para Inf, 11th A/B Div, joins 3rd Battalion at Mahonag, from which patrols are being sent out. 1st Battalion, 149th Inf, drives N across Buri airstrip but is forced back to S edge by enemy fire. 1st Battalion, 382nd, probes to locate enemy and contains night counterattack against its perimeter.
10 December
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS – France and USSR sign treaty of alliance in Moscow.
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps begins coordinated attack to clear W bank of the Roer and city of Dueren, employing 104th Inf, 3rd Armd, 9th Inf, and 83rd Inf Divs. Elements of 414th Inf, 104th Div attack toward village of Schophoven and Pier; penetrate into Pier but are forced out. In 9th Div zone in center, elements of 3rd Armd Div, assisted by 60th Inf, thrust to Obergeich and gain positions in Echtz; elements of 39th Inf driving SE from Obergeich get into position for assault on Merode and Schlicht. 83rd Div pushes into villages of Gey and Strass, NE of Grosshau, with 331st and 330th Refits; 329th Inf advances on left flank.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, Germans make all-out effort to destroy Dillingen bridgehead, counter-attacking all along line. 90th Div contains the onslaughts but cannot move forward. In 95th Div’s Saarlautern bridgehead, 377th Inf deepens penetration into Fraulautern but 378th and 379th Refits are prevented by counterattacks from advancing. In XII Corps area, main body of 137th Inf, 35th Div, crosses the Sarre to clear E part of Sarreguemines and begins house-to-house battle. 134th and 320th Refits push toward Blies R. Gros Réderching falls to 104th Inf, 26th Div. 87th Div begins relief of 26th Div; latter, as relieved, moves to Metz in III Corps zone.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, newly arrived 63rd and 42nd Divs, whose refits are organized as TF Harris and TF Linden, respectively, are assigned to army. In XV Corps area, CCA of 12th Armd Div takes Rohrbach-lès-Bitche. 44th Div secures crossroads below Petit Réderching in brisk fighting. In VI Corps area, 45th Div seizes Reichshoffen and Gundershoffen. 79th takes Marienthal and Kaltenhouse but is still held up at Haguenau. Crossing the Zintzel, 102nd Div troops clear N part of Mertzwiller. 117th Cav Rcn Sq relieves 94th Cav Rcn Sq at Gambsheim.
In French 1st Army’s 1st Corps area, 2nd Moroccan Div completes capture of Thann. 9th Colonial Div reduces last enemy bridgeheads W of the Rhine between Kembs and Swiss border.
EASTERN EUROPE – Second Ukrainian Front pushes in toward Pest, portion of Budapest E of the Danube. Germans are withstanding Soviet attacks SW of Budapest and near Miskolc. In N Yugoslavia, Soviet and Yugoslav forces driving toward Vinkovci penetrate into Vukovar, Yugoslavia reports.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Cdn 1 Corps begins attack across the Lamone late in day.
BURMA – In NCAC area, British 36th Div completes its part of Phase 2, CAPITAL, ahead of schedule as patrols enter Indaw and Katha. Later in month, div crosses the Irrawaddy at Katha and drives toward Kyaukme. Japanese forces working toward Bhamo to assist withdrawal of garrison penetrate positions of Ch 30th Div S of Bhamo; vigorous counter-attack forces enemy to go on the defensive. U.S. 475th Inf, less 1st Battalion in Shwegu area, is concentrated in Mohlaing-Tonk-wa area, where it will conduct holding action while Ch 22nd Div flies to China.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer urges Chiang Kai-shek to order troops of Y-Force on Salween front to take Wanting, at NE exit of Shweli Valley where Ledo Road is to meet old Burma Road. Chinese halted offensive operations with fall of Che-fang on 1st. Japanese in S China link up with Japanese French Indochina Garrison Army, thus opening route for movement of 2 divs in small groups into Indochina. This, plus their push into Kweichow, which ended on 3 December, marks high tide of Japanese invasion of continent of Asia.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32nd Div continues to press southward as does 112th Cav of 1st Cav Div to E. 2nd Sq, 112th Cav, is relieved by 2nd Sq, 7th Cav, on ridge SE of Limon and passes to army control. 12th Cav prepares to attack to reduce strongpoint in Mt Cabungaan area. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div, supported by arty and naval vessels, takes Ormoc. Co A of 776th Amph Tank Battalion moves into the city at 0900, before infantry assault begins, and starts shelling buildings there. 307th and 306th Refits, former driving along highway and latter to E, attack northward and clear the city. 7th Div continues forward toward 77th Div. 11th A/B Div defeats dispirited counterattack in Burauen area by enemy battalion that has made its way over mountains from Ormoc Bay. 1st Battalion of 149th Inf, 38th Div, attacks and clears Buri airfield area. In a final major effort against Burauen airfields, beginning at 1930, Japanese force Fifth Air Force personnel to fall back, but positions are restored in counterattack.
11 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, enemy continues successful defense of Pier and Schophoven, but elements of 415th Inf, 104th Div, take Merken and Vilvenich. 60th Inf, 9th Div, and armor of 3rd Armd Div overrun Geich. CCR of 3rd Armd Div, reinforced by battalion of 60th Inf, makes futile and costly effort to take Hoven. 39th Inf of 9th Div seizes Merode and Schlicht. In V Corps area, 2nd Div closes in corps zone and is attached to corps. In VIII Corps area, 106th Div, with 14th Cav Gp attached, takes over positions in the Schnee Eifel formerly held by 2nd Div.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 357th Inf of 90th Div withdraws a little on N flank of Dillingen bridgehead in order to shorten front and secure supply lines; 359th and 358th Regiments attempt in vain to find passage through fortified belt between them; 359th loses 3 pillboxes during counterattack; 90th Rcn Tr takes responsibility for W bank of the Sarre so that the covering force previously deployed there can be used to strengthen the bridgehead. 95th Div expands Saarlautern bridgehead in costly fighting: 377th Inf pushes to center of Fraulautern; 378th clears about 5 city blocks in Ensdorf; progress of 379th in Saarlautern-Roden is negligible. In XII Corps area, 137th Inf of 35th Div finishes clearing Sarreguemines, except for a few snipers, and blocks at Frauenberg; main body of div continues toward Blies R; at night, div prepares to attack across the Blies on 12th. 328th Inf, 26 Div, continues toward German frontier.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div elements take Petit Réderching; others reach Siersthal. In VI Corps area, Haguenau falls to 79th Div.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div is ordered to attack for Tossignano, night 12-13.
In British Eighth Army’s Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div and 5th Armd Div gain bridgeheads across the Lamone and push to Fosso Vecchio Canal. Tanks are unable to cross into bridgehead. Porter Force is dissolved, but elements continue to assist 5th Armd Div.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, advance elements of 268th Brig reach Indaw.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer drafts directives for ALPHA that Chiang Kai-shek later approves. Gen Ho is to command ALPHA forces, but Gen Chennault will command air forces in the area. U.S. SOS will assist Gen Ho in supply matters. ALPHA forces are to complete concentration in Kweiyang area, protect Kunming and Kweiyang, and train reserves.
ULITHI – Fast carrier groups of U.S. Third Fleet leave for Luzon.
LEYTE – Leyte-based planes of Fifth Air Force begin mission in support of coming invasion of Mindoro.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Sq of 12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, reduces strongpoint N of its perimeter in Mt. Cabungaan area after intense preparatory fire. Patrols of 2nd Sq, 7th Cav, probe both sides of ridge SE of Limon before general frontal and flanking attack is begun behind arty bombardment; advance stops for night at base of the hill. 128th Inf, 32nd Div, begins patrolling Limon area. XXIV Corps gains firm control of Ormoc Bay as advance elements of 7th Div overtake 77th Div troops at Ipil. Japanese forces on Leyte are thus divided. 77th Div attacks from Ormoc with 307th and 306th Regiments but makes little progress. 305th Inf’s 2nd and 3rd Battalions enter line between 307th and 3rd Battalion of 306th, leaving regiment’s 1st Battalion just S of Camp Downes on extreme right flank. Japanese attempts to land reinforcements at Ormoc Bay, night 11-12, are frustrated. A few Japanese succeed in landing but are unable to take an active part in the battle for Ormoc corridor.
12 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div takes Pier in 2-pronged assault and forces enemy to withdraw across the Roer. Elements of 60th Inf, 9th Div, drive into Mariaweiler. Hoven is cleared of enemy. CCR, 3rd Armd Div, and 60th Inf finish clearing most of region W of the Roer NW and W of Dueren during day. 39th Inf, 9th Div, begins clearing Derichsweiler.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, situation in Dillingen bridgehead improves. 357th Inf, 90th Div, mops up bypassed resistance within its sector and 359th and 358th establish contact, opening corridor through fortified belt through which tanks are moved to 357th. Vehicular ferry is put into operation. Effective smoke screen permits delivery of tanks and TD’s to bridgehead. Limited progress is made in Saarlautern bridgehead by 95th Div. Combat efficiency of both 90th and 95th Divs has been lowered sharply because of insufficient reinforcements and exhaustion. In XII Corps area, 35th Div begins attack across the Blies early in morning: 1st Battalion, 134th Inf, crosses and begins to clear Habkirchen, gaining weak hold there; 320th Inf, assisted by tanks, clears Bliesbruck, on near side of the river, in preparation for crossing. 328th Inf, 26th Div, gets forward elements across German border and its relief is begun by 87th Div, night 12-13.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps is virtually halted by Maginot fortifications
in Hottviller-Bitche area, but CCA, 12th Armd Div, reaches Bettviller, its objective. VI Corps commits 14th Armd Div between 103rd and 79th Divs. 79th Div enters Soufflenheim as enemy pulls back toward West Wall; begins clearing Seltz.
In French 1st Army area, Gen de Lattre alters plan of action, calling for capture of Colmar and Cernay but deferring drive to the Rhine at Brisach unless circumstances are favorable. 2nd Corps is to make main effort through Colmar to Rouffach, where it will link up with 1st Corps coming from Cernay. 1st Corps is so spent that it suspends offensive until 15th.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, Germans, counterattacking at dawn, temporarily force back outpost of 19th Indian Brig on M. Cerere. 6th Armd Div begins second phase of its offensive, night 12-13, employing 61st Brig, which gets elements into Tossignano, where they come under heavy pressure.
In British Eighth Army’s Cdn 1 Corps area, 5th Armd and 1st Inf Divs advance from Fosso Vecchio to Naviglio Canal, which runs from Faenza to the sea, and attack across it, night 12-13. 1st Div gains bridgehead N of Bagnacavallo, but 5th Armd Div is forced back to the Fosso Vecchio.
BURMA – In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps begins offensive (ROMULUS) to clear Arakan coastal sector and gain air and naval bases from which to support future operations. While Indian 25th Div pushes southward along Mayu Peninsula toward Akyab, W African 82nd Div begins clearing Kalapanzin Valley in Buthidaung area and W African 81st Div attacks in Kaladan Valley in vicinity of Kyauktaw.
LEYTE – U.S. Seventh Fleet Task Groups 78.3 and 77.3 leave Leyte Gulf for Mindoro; together with TG 77.12, which has sailed from Kossol Roads, move through Surigao Strait into Mindanao Sea, night 12-13.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32nd Div straightens lines S of Limon and during night 12-13 shells enemy positions ahead of it on Highway 2 as far S as Lonoy. XXIV Corps chases off enemy vessel sighted near Linao at dawn. 77th Div consolidates positions just N of Ormoc while amassing supplies and arty.
13 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: British Second Army starts regrouping for offensive to clear region between the Maas and the Rhine. 30 Corps, which will at first be employed, turns over its sector and troops to 12 Corps.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps, area, 30th Div, in limited attacks, clears most of region between Inde and Roer Rivers.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 104th Div reaches the Roer on 4-mile front. 39th Inf, 9th Div, finishes clearing Derichsweiler. This virtually ends current mission of corps. V Corps opens offensive for Roer and Urft dams, employing 78th Div (untried as yet in combat), 2nd Div, and 99th Div. 78th Div is held up near Kesternich. 2nd Div is slowed by obstacles and enemy fire in center of corps. 99th Div attacks in Monschau Forest and gains preliminary objectives.
U.S. Third Army draws up plans for air-ground assault on West Wall. III Corps accepts surrender of last of the Metz forts – Jeanne d’Arc. In XX Corps area, 90th Div prepares for all-out effort to take rest of Dillingen on 15th, regrouping and building up supplies. 95th Div makes very slight progress in Saarlautern bridgehead, although elements of 2nd Inf, 5th Div, are committed with 377th Inf to guard bridge. In XII Corps area, 35th Div strengthens its hold across the Blies; 1st Battalion, 134th Inf, undergoes enemy counterattacks in Habkirchen, beginning early in morning, and is forced back toward river; 3rd Battalion joins in battle for Habkirchen; battalion of 320th Inf crosses the Blies at Bliesbruck and takes Hill 321; small force from 137th Inf crosses N of Habkirchen but is pinned down.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, 44th Div begins struggle for Fort Simershof, near Hottviller, which is barring forward movement. In VI Corps area, 14th Armd Div attacks between road and 79th Divs, CCA taking Soultz-sous-Forêts. 79th Div completes capture of Seltz and overruns Niederroedern.
EASTERN EUROPE – Forward elements of Second Ukrainian Front thrust to within 6 miles NE and 8 miles E of Budapest.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 61st Brig of 6th Armd Div gets additional elements into Tossignano. 36th Brig of 78th Div begins attack for Parocchia di M. Maggiore, night 13-14, but is unable to reach top and withdraws at dawn.
In British Eighth Army’s Cdn 1 Corps area, 1st Div maintains bridgehead across Naviglio Canal against severe counterattacks.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 114th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, breaks through northern defenses of Bhamo and is pushing into central part. In Tonk-wa area, U.S. 475th Inf quickly repels enemy attack.
P.I. – As U.S. Seventh Fleet task groups move W through Mindanao Sea, covered by CVE aircraft, which make a few air strikes, enemy planes, including kamikazes, begin strikes that damage Adm Struble’s flagship, , and USS , both of which turn back.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32nd Div makes limited progress southward; southernmost
elements are isolated from main body and out of food. Japanese counterattack, night 13-14, penetrates CP of 126th Inf. Enemy is driven back before dawn. 2nd Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, again attempts to take ridge SE of Limon but cannot advance. In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf, making main effort of 77th Div, is held up in Cogon area, N of Antilao R on Highway 2 just N of Ormoc, where enemy is strongly entrenched and holds blockhouse strongpoint. Special TF under Col Paul L. Freeman, consisting of Cos E and L, is unable to take the blockhouse by storm. 306th Inf assists 305th with fire. 307th, on left flank, drives W along Ormoc-Linao road and takes Linao. Enemy positions in Cogon area are shelled during night 13-14. 32nd Inf, 7th Div, starts NE from Ormoc Bay in effort to make contact with 11th A/B Div moving W.
14 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 30th Div troops finish clearing region between Inde and Roer Rivers.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, factory between Mariaweiler and Dueren is cleared of enemy. V Corps continues offensive but makes little headway.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div continues attack preparations. Vehicular ferry is put out of action by enemy fire. 95th Div makes little progress in expanding Saarlautern bridgehead. In XII Corps area, 35th Div continues battle for Habkirchen, crossing 2nd Battalion and Co K of 134th Inf over river to join in attack. Bailey bridge is put across the river to the village, night 14-15. 87th Div, which has been moving toward Rimling, takes that village, but resistance is stiffening.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s XV Corps area, elements of 100th Div attacking Fort Schiesseck, near Bitche, are pinned down by enemy fire. In VI Corps area, Lembach falls to 45th Div. 103rd Div encounters strong rear-guard opposition at Climbach. 79th Div column drives to outskirts of Lauterbourg.
ITALY – AAI: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div loses contact with elements within Tossignano and fighting for this objective ceases after futile efforts to take it.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps renews offensive, night 14-15, pushing forward to left of 5 Corps and in conjunction with it. 5 Corps, after regrouping, jumps off, night 14-15, with Indian 10th Div on left and NZ 2nd Div on right, Indian 10th attacking toward Pergola ridge and NZ 2nd in Colle area, W of Faenza. In Cdn 1 Corps area, 5th Armd Div forces Naviglio Canal to right of 1st Div and establishes bridgehead.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese garrison of Bhamo prepares to withdraw. U.S. 475th Inf repels another enemy attack on Tonk-wa, after which activity subsides to patrolling; makes patrol contact with British 36th Div at Katha.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer starts on field inspection trip.
P.I. – Planes of U.S. Third Fleet’s fast carrier groups begin attacks on Japanese airfields on Luzon. Japanese continue air attacks on the Mindoro-bound task groups of U.S. Seventh Fleet.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 126th and 127th Regiments of 32nd Div, pressing slowly southward down Highway 2, come up against enemy’s MLR on series of ridges commanding Highway 2 and for the next few days can make only minor gains. 2nd Sq of 7th Cav, 1st Cav Div, succeeds in dislodging enemy from ridge SE of Limon. 12th Cav, which has been patrolling in Mt Cabungaan area, is ordered W to block Highway 2 South of 32nd Div and then attack N toward that div. In XXIV Corps area, 305th Inf of 77th Div reduces opposition in Cogon area, TF Freeman taking the blockhouse and road junction N of Ormoc to sever enemy’s line of communication. On div right flank, 184th Inf relieves 306th Inf in line. 32nd Inf, 7th Div, is advancing steadily over precipitous terrain toward 511th Para Inf, 11th A/B Div.
15 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: In U.S. First Army area, V Corps continues to gain ground slowly. 78th Div secures Kesternich but enemy infiltrates in some strength and isolates elements.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div opens assault for rest of Dillingen and Prims R bridge on Dillingen-Saarlautern road under smoke screen with 359th Inf on left and 358th on right; attack penetrates enemy MLR in Dillingen sector and gets well into the town. Lull develops after this and 90th Div suspends attack. 95th Div continues slow advance in Saarlautern bridgehead. In XII Corps area, 134th Inf of 35th Div, assisted by tanks and TD’s, takes Habkirchen; to left, 137th Inf is driven out of Breiterwald with very heavy losses in enemy counterattack. 87th Div is also bitterly opposed but 347th Inf takes Obergailbach and heights overlooking the Blies.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, CCA of 14th Armd Div, seizes Riedseitz; CCB takes Salmbach and Schlerthal. One 79th Div column clears Lauterbourg and another reaches Lauter R at village of Schiebenhardt.
French 1st Army begins offensive against Germans W of the Rhine in Colmar area. 2nd Corps, making main effort, penetrates to Orbey.
EASTERN EUROPE – Red Army troops cross Ipely (Ipel) R north of Budapest and establish bridgehead on Czechoslovak soil at Sahy.
ITALY – AAI: In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps pushes forward on left flank of army across the Sintria R toward the Senio. In 5 Corps area, Germans struggle to prevent encirclement of Faenza, exerting strong pressure on NZ forces in Colle area and bringing Indian 10th Div to a halt short of Pergola during day but withdrawing, night 15-16. Cdn 1 Corps joins and consolidates bridgeheads across Naviglio Canal N of Faenza and spends the next few days improving bridgehead.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Japanese garrison of Bhamo escapes through Ch lines early in morning and the relief force S of the town begins to disengage. Ch 38th Div moves into Bhamo. CAI and Y-Force are only 50 air miles apart. 112th Regiment, Ch 38th Div, which was recently withdrawn from Bhamo battle, is driving on Namhkam. Elements of U.S. 475th Inf move from Mo-hlaing to Tonk-wa area.
In British Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps makes rapid strides on Arakan front. W African 82nd Div takes Buthidaung and establishes bridgehead across the Kalapanzin.
MINDORO – Western Visayan Task Force invades Mindoro at 0735 after preparatory bombardment. 19th Inf, 24th Div, lands between Caminawit Pt and San Agustin; reinforced 503rd Para Inf, less Co C, on beach fronting San Agustin; Co C, 503rd, across river mouth from San Agustin. From San Agustin, 3rd Battalion of 503rd Para Inf drives inland about 8 miles to final beachhead line, securing airstrip, sugar plant, and village of San Jose without opposition. 19th Inf also drives inland to final beachhead line, the only contact with enemy being made at Caminawit Pt. Western Visayan Task Force suffers no casualties. Adm Struble turns over command ashore to Gen Dunckel. Airdrome construction is begun at once and new site, about 2 miles NW of White Beach, is selected. Although there is no ground opposition, enemy planes continue to attack shipping, destroying 2 LSTs and causing minor damage to other vessels. Unloading proceeds rapidly, permitting LSMs and APDs of Task Group 78.3 to withdraw ahead of schedule.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Sq (-) of 12th Cav Regiment starts W toward Highway 2, reaching previously selected drop area, a banana plantation about 1,800 yards E of Lonoy; rest of regiment joins 1st Sq there by 17 December. In XXIV Corps area, with port of Ormoc sealed off, 77th Div pauses to consolidate. 32nd Inf, 7th Div, makes contact with 11th A/B Div’s 511th Para Inf, Co G of which enters its lines. Co G has been isolated for 4 days. It is decided to withdraw 1st and 3rd Battalions of 32nd Inf to clear pockets in Ormoc area and let 2nd Battalion continue eastward to establish contact with rest of 511th Para Inf force.
16 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps begins concentrating in Nijmegen area for drive on Krefeld, scheduled to begin on 10 January.
12th Army Group: Field Marshal von Rundstedt opens all-out counteroffensive in the Ardennes early in morning, taking Americans by surprise and penetrating lines of U.S. First Army. 6th Pz Army on N and 5th Pz Army on S press vigorously toward the Meuse on broad front, former directed ultimately toward Albert Canal in Maastricht-Antwerp area and latter toward Brussels-Antwerp area. Enemy paratroopers dropped behind U.S. lines to seize key points succeed in disrupting communications and causing widespread confusion.
In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, in conjunction with offensive against First Army, enemy counterattacks in vicinity of Leiffarth and penetrates 84th Div line, but positions are soon restored.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 9th and 83rd Divs contain enemy thrusts toward Mariaweiler and Guerzenich. Elements of 5th Armd Div reach the Roer in Bilstein area. Corps releases 1st Div to V Corps. In V Corps area, German counteroffensive hits S flank of corps and VIII Corps line to S. 99th Div holds back enemy in Hofen area, S of Monschau, on N but gives ground to S and Germans penetrate almost to Buellingen. Continuing offensive to N, 2nd Div seizes road junction on Hofen-Rocherath road in Monschau Forest. 78th Div repels counterattack against Rollesbroich but is unable to take Kesternich. 2nd Ranger Battalion is attached to 78th Div. VIII Corps’ 106th Div (reinforced by 14th Cav Gp), 28th Div, 9th Armd Div, and N flank elements of 4th Div all fall back under enemy onslaughts. Germans drive several miles W, cutting main N-S highway between Our and Clerf Rivers, encircling Echternach, and threatening St Vith. CCB, 9th Armd Div, is attached to 106th Div to help defend St Vith.
In U.S. Third Army area, XX Corps releases 10th Armd Div to VIII Corps. 95th Div continues battle to expand Saarlautern bridgehead. Its relief is begun, night 16-17, by 5th Div. 6th Cav Gp is attached to III Corps. III Corps is assigned zone between XX and XII Corps. Holding its front are 6th Cav Gp (TF Fickett) on N and 6th Armd Div, formerly of XII Corps, on S. 26th Div remains at Metz to train
replacements. In XII Corps area, 35th and 87th Divs continue to clear outer positions of West Wall. News of the Ardennes counteroffensive cancels plans for corps assault on West Wall.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, VI Corps gets elements of all its assault divs to German border. 45th Div troops take Bobenthal and Nothweiler. 103rd Div bypasses Wissembourg, which CCA of 14th Armd Div occupies. CCB of 14th Armd Div and 79th Div are coming under heavy fire from the Bien Wald.
ITALY – Field Marshal Sir Harold R. L. G. Alexander becomes Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater (AFHQ), replacing Field Marshal Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, who becomes head of British Joint Staff Mission in Washington, succeeding the late Field Marshal Dill. Gen Clark assumes command of Allied Armies in Italy, redesignated 15th Army Group, and is replaced as head of U.S. Fifth Army by Lt Gen Lucian K. Truscott, Jr.
In British Eighth Army area, Pol 2 Corps continues to clear region E of the Senio on left flank of army. In 5 Corps area, Indian 43rd Brig, operating with NZ 2nd Div and with specific purpose of clearing Faenza, does so with ease. NZ 2nd Div reaches the Senio. Indian 10th Div takes Pergola.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cav moves forward from Myitkyina area toward Bhamo to join in action.
In British Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Pinlebu and Banmauk fall to Indian 19th Div. From Banmauk, patrol reaches Indaw and makes contact with British 36th Div, NCAC.
CHINA – Learning from Brig Gen Frank Dorn, U.S. adviser to ALPHA forces, that Ch 57th Army is refusing to move to defend Kunming, Gen McClure protests to Chiang Kai-shek, and part of the army is flown to Kunming area. Few of the Ch forces are in place as planned to stop enemy short of Kunming. Chinese Communist leader Chou En-lai terminates negotiations between Nationalist and Communist Chinese.
MINDORO – During this and the next few days, action is limited to patrolling in beachhead area and organizing defenses about airfield perimeter. Japanese continue air attacks on shipping. Seventh Fleet detachments sail for Leyte.
LUZON – U.S. Third Fleet continues air attacks on Luzon and in evening starts eastward to refuel.
LEYTE – Airfield in Tanauan area becomes operational.
U.S. Sixth Army: In XXIV Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, starts eastward along Talisayan R bank toward 511th Para Inf of 11th A/B Div. While 305th Inf, 77th Div, takes Cogon and clears that area, 307th pushes toward Valencia, reaching San Jose. 306th starts N behind 307th
17 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 12th Army Group: Reinforcements are being sent to Ardennes sector to defend vital road centers. 2 airborne divs, 82nd and 101st, of XVIII Corps (A/B), First Allied Airborne Army, are released from SHAEF reserve for action on Ardennes front.
U.S. Ninth Army releases 7th Armd Div to VIII Corps and 30th Div, whose zone an XIX Corps front is taken over by 29th Div, to V Corps.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps, while rounding up paratroopers and guarding against possible airborne attack, continues to press its right flank toward the Roer. 83rd Div clears Roelsdorf and Lendersdorf. 9th Div gains ground slowly just W of Dueren; releases RCT 47 to V Corps. V Corps is fully occupied holding current positions N of breakthrough and delaying German offensive, which continues to gain ground slowly toward Malmédy. 1st and 30th Divs are getting into position to counterattack; 26th Inf of 1st Div is attached to 99th Div. RCT 47, 9th Div, assembles in Eupen area. In VIII Corps area, disorganized 14th Cav Gp continues to fall back on N flank of corps. German columns isolate 2 regiments (422nd and 423rd) of 106th Div in Schnee Eifel salient and push on through Heuem toward St. Vith. Elements of 7th and 9th Armd Divs are committed to defense of St Vith. In 28th Div zone, Germans drive almost to Wiltz. Corps releases CCR of 9th Armd Div from reserve to block Bastogne-Trois-Vierges road. 4th Div halts enemy S of Osweiler and Dickweiler, but units are isolated at a number of points. 10th Armd Div arrives in vicinity of Luxembourg city.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 5th Div continues to relieve 95th in Saarlautern bridgehead. Engineers complete bridge in Ensdorf area.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps is still stalled by opposition from Forts Simershof and Schiesseck. VI Corps virtually halted at outer defenses of West Wall.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps overruns Keintzheim.
EASTERN EUROPE – Elements of Second Ukrainian Front push to within 5 miles of Budapest.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div’s sector is now so narrow, because of Pol 2 Corps advance, that it is held by a single brigade, the 17th.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div begins relieving 3rd Carpathian Div along the Senio. In 5 Corps area, Indian 43rd Brig tries in vain to advance from Faenza. Indian 10th Div secures small
bridgeheads across the Senio N and S of Tebano, but no strong effort can be made to expand them until supply situation improves and environs of Faenza are cleared.
CHINA – Hump Tonnage Allocation and Control Office is established in Rear Echelon, China Theater Hq.
MINDORO – Patrolling and work on defenses continue.
LEYTE – U.S. Seventh Fleet Task Groups 77.3, 78.3, and 77.12 safely reach Leyte Gulf from Mindoro.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 32nd Div progresses slowly S of Limon. 127th Inf, to S of 126th, remains in place while 126th attempts to come abreast. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div attacks at 1415, after arty and air preparation, toward Valencia and reaches edge of the airfield. 306th stops for night 500 yards S of its objective, Cabulihan. 305th gains positions along Tambuco-Dolores road and clears Tambuco.
18 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 8 Corps extends southward to line Meeuwen-Maeseyck.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 84th Div attacks for its last objective, Wurm and Muellendorf, and takes both with ease.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 83rd and 9th Divs finish clearing their respective zones. Corps extends southward because of Ardennes breakthrough to take over part of V Corps zone, new boundary running from Eupen area to the Roer near Dedenborn. With boundary change, 8th and 78th Divs and attachments pass to corps control in current positions. Corps releases CCA of 3rd Armd Div and 9th Div, less RCTs 47 and 60, to V Corps, 104th Div takes responsibility for 9th Div zone as well as its own and is reinforced by RCT 60. 78th Div, reinforced by 2nd Ranger Battalion and 102nd Cav Gp, is to hold road center N of Konzen and Paustenbach knoll. V Corps’ mission, on its smaller front, is to stabilize line Monschau-Butgenbach-Malmédy-Stavelot. Corps holds firmly at Butgenbach and Elsenborn ridge but enemy continues to move W through gap S of Butgenbach. RCT 26 reverts to 1st Div, which joins in action to keep enemy from Malmédy, combing woods near Eupen and organizing perimeter defense of Waimes. 99th Div is attached to 2nd Div. Germans now hold Honsfeld and Buellingen; push into Stavelot. 30th Div recovers most of Stavelot NW of the Amblève R; organizes defense positions in Malmédy-Stavelot area; blunts enemy spearheads at Stoumont and Habiemont. In VIII Corps area, 106th Div’s encircled 422nd and 423rd Regiments try in vain to break out toward Schonberg. 7th Armd Div is too heavily engaged at St Vith to assist with eastward push. Germans occupy Recht and cut St Vith-Vielsalm road at Poteau but CCA recovers Poteau. 14th Cav Gp, which falls back to Petit Thier, is transferred from 106th Div to 7th Armd Div control. 28th Div is unable to stop enemy in its zone and becomes completely disorganized. Germans get almost to Houffalize and Bastogne, smash through roadblocks of CCR, 9th Armd Div, on Bastogne-St Vith road. Troops of 4th Div and 10th Armd Div remaining S of the breakthrough are placed under Third Army command. CCB, 10th Armd, remains with VIII Corps to help defend Bastogne; CCA attacks N and E through 4th Div to Berdorf and Echternach areas. 4th Div mops up infiltrators beyond Osweiler and Dickweiler and repels thrust from Dickweiler.
In U.S. Third Army’s XX Corps area, 90th Div, attacking cautiously with 2 battalions, clears most of Dillingen against surprisingly light resistance. 5th Div takes charge of Saarlautern bridgehead, and attacks at once, gaining ground. 95th Div – less 378th Inf, which continues to be responsible for Ensdorf area – is withdrawn from combat. In XII Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 320th Inf, 35th Div, takes Nieder Gailbach in hard fighting. 87th Div breaks off attack upon order.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army’s VI Corps area, elements of 45th Div attack across the Lauter into Budenthal but are isolated there.
In French 1st Army area, 2nd Corps overruns Ammerschwihr.
EASTERN EUROPE – Red Army forces reach Hungarian-Czechoslovak border on 70-mile front N of Miskolc and are crossing it.
CHINA – B-29’s of XX BC, hitherto employed against industrial targets in Japan, make strong attack in conjunction with Fourteenth Air Force on Hankow, Japanese supply base and industrial center, with good effect. Participating in the attacks are 77 B-29’s and 200 planes of Fourteenth Air Force. Thick smoke arises from incendiaries dropped. Other attacks follow later, but on a smaller scale.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 126th Inf of 32nd Div works slowly forward S of Limon and closes gap between it and 127th Inf. 12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, patrols and prepares to drive on Lonoy and Kananga. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div takes Valencia and its airstrip without opposition. 306th overtakes 307th at Valencia and makes patrol contact with 305th. 305th blocks off road to Dolores. Southern part of Ormoc Valley from Ormoc to Valencia is now clear.
19 December
WESTERN EUROPE – Allied commanders conferring at Verdun decide to halt offensives toward the Rhine and concentrate on reducing enemy salient in the Ardennes.
21 Army Group: Because of Ardennes counteroffensive, Field Marshal Montgomery abandons plan to employ 30 Corps, British Second Army, in Nijmegen area and orders it to assemble in Louvain-St Trond-Hasselt region to hold Meuse R line.
12th Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army is ordered to go on the defensive.
In U.S. First Army area, VII Corps remains generally in place. In V Corps area, 2nd and 99th Divs repel further attacks and start toward new defensive positions from which they will defend Elsenborn ridge. 9th Div (-RCT 47, which is already in corps zone, and RCT 60) takes up defensive positions in 2nd Div zone, relieving elements of 2nd and 99th Divs. 1st Div holds line E of Malmédy. CCA, 3rd Armd Div, relieves 18th Inf, 1st Div, of defense of Eupen. 30th Div holds at Stavelot and engineers blow bridge across the Amblève R there; keeps enemy from Stoumont in costly battle. CCB, 3rd Armd Div, is attached to corps to assist 30th Div. XVIII Corps (A/B) takes responsibility for region generally S of the Amblève R, including Houffalize, key road center between St Vith and Bastogne, with mission of holding N flank of enemy. 82nd A/B Div, which reverts to corps, upon closing at Werbomont relieves 30th Div troops in that region. 3rd Armd Div, less CCA and CCB, passes to corps control and starts toward Hotton-Le Grand Pré area. In VIII Corps area, hope of relieving beleaguered 422nd and 423rd Regiments of 106th Div in the Schnee Eifel fades. 7th and 9th Armd Divs (-) are aggressively defending region just E of St Vith. 112th Inf, 28th Div, is attached to 106th Div. 28th Div is ordered to abandon Wiltz and return to friendly lines by infiltration; withdraw from Diekirch area. 101st A/B Div arrives at Bastogne, which enemy has almost encircled. Also employed in defense of Bastogne area are CCB of 10th Armd Div and remnants of CCR, 9th Armd Div, the latter coming under control of 101st A/B Div.
U.S. Third Army forms provisional corps from former First Army units S of the Ardennes salient, 4th Div and 10th Armd Div (-CCB); the corps is to hold enemy on S flank of the penetration and plug gap existing between it and elements of 9th Armd Div and 28th Div near Ettelbruck. XX Corps begins withdrawal from hard-won positions E of the Sarre. 5th Div maintains foothold E of the river at Saarlautern, but 378th Inf of 95th Div is ordered to withdraw from Ensdorf. III Corps is ordered N for attack against S flank of enemy in the “bulge.” TF Fickett and 6th Armd Div pass to XII Corps control. In XII Corps area, 35th Div halts attack to consolidate in preparation for relief. 4th Armd Div and 80th Div are being transferred to III Corps.
6th Army Group: U.S. Seventh Army is ordered to go on the defensive. In XV Corps area, 44th Div finds that enemy has abandoned Fort Simershof and Hottviller. Fort Schiesseck, barring access to Bitche, continues to hold out.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In British Eighth Army area, 5 Corps, renewing offensive night 19-20, clears Faenza area sufficiently for deployment of 56th Div. Cdn 1 Corps begins attack, night 19-20, to break out of Naviglio Canal bridgehead.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Indian 19th Div takes Wunthe.
In 33 Corps area, British 2nd Div, having moved forward from Kohima, crosses the Chindwin at Kalewa and is relieving E African 11th Div.
LUZON – Planned bombardment of island by large carriers of U.S. Third Fleet is canceled because of weather conditions.
MINDORO – Western Visayan Task Force, helped by Mindoro guerrillas, begins series of patrol actions along S, W, and NW shores of Mindoro and rcn of small islands offshore.
LEYTE – Japanese 35th Army learns that it must manage with its current resources.
U.S. Sixth Army: Alters intercorps boundary to give Libongao to XXIV Corps. In X Corps area, 127th Inf of 32nd Div continues to battle enemy S of Limon. 1st Sq of 12th Cav, 1st Cav Div, protecting E flank of 32nd Div, relieves 2nd Battalion, 126th Inf. 12th Cav attacks toward Lonoy, on Highway 2, and seizes this barrio. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div attacks N astride Highway 2 toward Libongao, gaining nearly 3 miles; 306th, to W, pushes toward Palompon road, which patrols reach; 305th defends Valencia area.
20 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: Takes operational control of U.S. forces N of Ardennes breakthrough, U.S. Ninth and First Armies.
In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIII Corps area, 84th Div is attached to First Army and starts to Marche (Belgium). 102nd Div takes responsibility for corps front. In XIX Corps area, 29th Div takes over defense of corps front. 2nd Armd Div is released as army reserve.
In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 5th Armd Div resumes attack toward the Roer, blocking Winden-Untermaubach highway and pushing into Untermaubach and into Schneidhausen, which enemy is defending stoutly. Although 84th Div is
attached to corps, it is verbally attached to XVIII Corps until 22nd, pending arrival of VII Corps in new zone. In V Corps area, 2nd and 99th Divs complete withdrawal to new defensive positions before Elsenborn ridge and organize secondary defense line. Germans make slight penetration in line of 99th Div W of Wirtzfeld but are sealed off and destroyed. 1st Div clears assigned region S of Eupen and contains attacks in Butgenbach-Faymonville area. 9th Div takes over new zone on N flank of corps. 30th Div, in Malmédy-Stavelot sector, is attached to XVIII Corps. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, CCB of 3rd Armd Div, is attached to 30th Div and assists in attack on La Gleize and Stoumont, which enemy defends effectively. Elements of 30th Div continue to defend Stavelot and Malmédy. 3rd Armd Div (-CCA and CCB), upon closing in Hotton area, attacks eastward to secure Manhay-Houffalize road. 82nd A/B Div is attempting to establish contact with friendly forces in Vielsalm-St Vith area, pushing toward Vielsalm and Hebronval. VIII Corps units defending St Vith (7th Armd Div, 106th Div, CCB of 9th Armd Div, and 112th Inf of 28th Div) pass to control of XVIII Corps. Enemy pressure on St Vith is undiminished. Elements of 10th Armd Div, 101st A/B Div, and 705th TD Battalion fight their way out of local encirclement on perimeter of larger encirclement of Bastogne area. 101st A/B Div extends defensive line to W and SW of Bastogne, assisted by remnants of CCR, 9th Armd Div, and CCB, 10th Armd Div, both of which are later attached to it, along with 705th TD Battalion and stragglers from other units. Marvie, SE of Bastogne, is cleared in course of tank battle. Some 25 miles SE of Bastogne, 109th Inf of 28th Div establishes defensive line Ettelbruck-Oberfeulen-Merzig and also has forces near Ermsdorf backing up CCA of 9th Armd Div, to which it is attached. Enemy now holds Waldbillig, 6 miles W of Echternach. SW of Bastogne, 28th Div hq and remnants of 110th Inf block Neufchâteau-Bastogne highway. In effort to halt enemy, engineers block roads and demolish bridges as far W of Bastogne at St Hubert. During day, operational control of corps passes to Third Army.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, III Corps moves its hq from Metz to Arlon (Belgium), and 4th Armd and 26th and 80th Inf Divs are assembling in Arlon-Luxembourg area. Elements of CCB, 4th Armd Div, push to Bastogne area and make contact with 101st A/B and 10th Armd Divs; are temporarily attached to VIII Corps. 80th Div takes up reserve battle positions on heights N and NE of Mersch. In Prov Corps area, Gen Patton strengthens corps by attaching 5th Div, CCA of 9th Armd Div, and RCT 109th of 28th Div. CCA, 9th Armd Div, is further attached to 10th Armd Div. CCA, 10th Armd Div, withdraws to assembly area as 4th Div moves up to take over its positions near Echternach. Tanks assist 12th Inf of 4th Div in futile effort to relieve isolated infantry in Echternach. In XX Corps area, 378th Inf of 95th Div completes withdrawal from Ensdorf to positions W of the Sarre. XII Corps zone is taken over by XV Corps at midnight.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, newly arrived 10th Div, its regiments organized as TF Herren, is attached to army. XV Corps, with fall of Fort Schiesseck to 100th Div, concludes offensive in this region and extends westward to St Avold to release XII Corps for action in the Ardennes.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In British Eighth Army’s 5 Corps area, 56th Div begins to clear region between Naviglio Canal and Lamone R, working northward from Faenza. NZ 2nd Div is clearing northward between Naviglio Canal and the Senio. In Cdn 1 Corps area, enemy is forced back behind the Senio, night 20-21, under pressure of 1st Div and 5th Armd Div.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 4 Corps area, Kawlin falls to Indian 19th Div.
CHINA – Continuing inspection of China Theater, Gen Wedemeyer urges that Y-Force resume offensive toward Wanting on Salween front in effort to link up with CAI forces as soon as possible, but Y-Force does not comply until late in December. At meeting of IBT and CT leaders in Kunming, Gen Wedemeyer explains his plan for controlling ALPHA.
MINDORO – Aircraft begin arriving to operate from Hill Drome. Under direction of small party from 503rd Para Inf, guerrilla force of 50 moves by water from Agustin to Pasugi-Pianag area without incident.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 12th Cav of 1st Cav Div attacks from Lonoy S along Highway 2 toward Kananga, reaching positions near that barrio. Elements of 126th Inf, 32nd Div, clear last resistance within regimental sector S of Limon. 127th Inf then relieves 1st Battalion, 126th, which assembles to rear. 128th Inf is alerted to move to W coast. In XXIV Corps area, 307th Inf of 77th Div overcomes strong opposition at Libongao and continues N toward road junction. 306th quickly reaches Palompon road; 1st Battalion then advances W along it to Togbong R and other elements of the regiment drive E along road toward its junction with Highway 2. During night 20-21, 77th Div conducts its most intensive arty bombardment of enemy positions of the Leyte Campaign. 2nd Battalion of 32nd Inf, 7th Div, continuing E to establish contact with 511th Para Inf of 11th A/B Div, is delayed by enemy entrenched on 2 ridges.
21 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: U.S. Ninth Army is reinforced by British 51st Div as its zone expands. XIX Corps releases 2nd Armd Div to First Army; takes over VII Corps sector at 2400. Under its command, in current positions, are 104th, 83rd, 5th Armd (-CCR), 8th, and 78th Divs, from N to S. XIII Corps takes over former XIX Corps front and 29th Div. XVI Corps releases 75th Div to First Army.
In U.S. First Army area, CCA of 5th Armd Div pushes about half way through Schneidhausen; CCB gains approximately half of Untermaubach. RCT 60, 9th Div, is detached from 104th Div and moves to Ouffet (Belgium). Corps is to operate next against N flank of German salient. In V Corps area, 9th Div, reinforced by 102nd Cav Gp, rounds up enemy in Monschau area. 99th Div breaks up enemy formations with arty fire. CCA, 3rd Armd Div, reverts to parent unit and moves from Eupen to Werbomont area. 1st Div contains further attacks toward Elsenborn ridge. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, CCB of 7th Armd Div withdraws from St Vith at night; CCA contains attack near Poteau; CCR clears Vielsalm-Poteau road. CCB, 9th Armd Div, is attached to 7th Armd Div. 82nd A/B Div’s 504th Para Inf clears Cheneux and Monceau, forcing enemy back across the Amblève R; 505th improves positions from the Salm at Trois Ponts to vicinity of Grand Halleux; 508th and 325th Gli Inf occupy line Vielsalm-Hebronval-Regne, making no contact with enemy; div makes contact with friendly troops in St Vith area. 30th Div is unable to take La Gleize and Stoumont; continues to defend Stavelot and Malmédy. 3rd Armd Div, to which CCA reverts, contains enemy at Hotton; continues efforts to secure Manhay-Houffalize road. 84th Div is organizing perimeter defense of Marche.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, enemy lays siege to Bastogne and extends westward; crosses Neufchâteau-Bastogne highway in force. Ammunition and food supplies of Bastogne garrison are running low. Prov Corps troops are transferred to XII Corps. CCA, 10th Armd Div, tries unsuccessfully to recover Waldbillig. CCA of 9th Armd Div and CCR of 10th Armd Div are formed into CCX, 10th Armd Div. 4th Div repels attacks toward Consdorf and Osweiler; is out of communication with troops in Echternach. RCT 10, 5th Div, is attached to 4th Div. XII Corps opens forward CP in Luxembourg. 35th Div’s relief is completed.
EASTERN EUROPE – Berlin reports fierce fighting SW of Budapest between Lake Balaton and the Danube where troops of Third Ukrainian Front are again on the offensive. Germans continue to withdraw from the Balkans.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army’s British 13 Corps area, 6th Armd Div takes command of M. dell’Acqua Saluta-M. del Verro sector from 78th Div.
In British Eighth Army’s Pol 2 Corps area, 5th Kresowa Div, having relieved 3rd Carpathian Div, begins mopping up E of the Senio. 5 Corps continues to clear northward astride Naviglio Canal. Cdn 1 Corps overruns Bagnacavallo and reaches the Senio in Cotignola-Alfonsine area, but enemy retains positions along the river on both flanks.
BURMA – In NCAC area, Ch 114th Regiment of 38th Div, with orders to cut Burma Road in Ho-si area, is now near U.S. 5332nd Brig.
In ALFSEA area, 15 Corps is making such rapid progress on Arakan front that Adm Mountbatten holds commanders conference at Calcutta to discuss exploitation and presents alternative plans for assault on Akyab. By this time, river craft have been launched in the Kalapanzin to assist Indian 24th Div.
MINDORO – Japanese, having received reinforcements by air for defense of Mindoro, attack resupply convoy moving toward that island, destroying 2 LSTs and damaging other shipping. From Pasugi-Pianag area, patrol of guerrillas and 503rd Para Inf sail N to Sabalayan; from there move on foot to Mamburao to reconnoiter toward Palauan and Abra de Ilog.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: Effects junction between X and XXIV Corps just S of Kananga at 1645, opening Highway 2 from Ormoc to Pinamopoan and gaining complete control of Ormoc Valley. In X Corps area, 12th Cav attacks and takes Kananga; makes patrol contact with 77th Div to S. In XXIV Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 306th Inf, 77th Div, continues E along Palompon road to its junction with Highway 2, then N along the highway toward Kananga, making contact with Tr A of 12th Cav at 1645. 307th reaches road junction N of Libongao without trouble and assists 306th Inf. On div W flank, 1st Battalion of 306th Inf, after concentrated arty preparation, takes ridge commanding Togbong R bridge site and outposts it but is driven off. In preparation for next task of 77th Div – drive W and seize Palompon – arty is emplaced near San Jose within range of Palompon.
22 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 5th Armd Div clears Untermaubach and Schneidhausen before being relieved in line by 8th and 83rd Divs. 8th Div attack on Obermaubach fails.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, Germans breach lines of 1st Div at Butgenbach and of 9th Div in Monschau Forest but are unable to exploit
their success. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, withdrawal of delaying forces in St Vith area through 82nd A/B Div line begins. 82nd A/B Div is under strong pressure along the Salm in Trois Ponts area. 30th Div column captures Stoumont. 3rd Armd Div maintains roadblocks at strategic points and attempts to clear Hotton area. VII Corps, reconstituted to consist of 75th and 84th Inf Divs and 2nd Armd Div, is rapidly concentrating in Durbuy-Marche area of Belgium and organizing defensive line. 84th Div completes perimeter defense of Marche and establishes counter-reconnaissance screen to S and SW.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, Brig Gen McAuliffe, acting CG 101st A/B Div, refuses German demand for surrender of Bastogne. Garrison is holding under heavy fire and sharp attacks. 28th Div troops blocking road SW out of Bastogne at Vaux-lès-Rosières are forced back to Neufchâteau. U.S. ammunition shortage is becoming acute and weather conditions prevent aerial resupply. III Corps begins northward drive to relieve Bastogne. On W, 4th Armd Div columns reach Burnon and Martelange. 26th Div, to right, marches about 16 miles before making contact with enemy in Rambrouch-Grosbous area. After 5-mile advance, 80th Div runs into stiff resistance at Merzig and Ettelbruck but clears most of Merzig. XII Corps, in new zone along E border of Luxembourg, attacks with 4th Div SW of Echternach but is held to small gains. 10th Armd Div maintains positions NE of Luxembourg and straightens lines. 5th Div closes N of Luxembourg. 35th moves from Puttelange to Metz. 2nd Cav Gp assembles near Vatimont. In XX Corps area, 90th Div completes withdrawal of Dillingen bridgehead.
BURMA – In NCAC area, 29th Brig of British 36th Div, moving down the Irrawaddy, gets patrols to Tigyaing, from which Japanese have withdrawn. From Tigyaing the brig is to cross the river for drive on Mongmit while rest of div closes in on Mongmit from N.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 127th Inf of 32nd Div reaches Lonoy. 1st Battalion of 34th Inf, 24th Div, aided by mortar platoon brought forward by sea, clears Tuktuk. In XXIV Corps area, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of 305th Inf, 77th Div, start W from Valencia toward coast at Palompon, passing through 1st Battalion of 306th at Togbong R and continuing across Pagsangahan R toward Matagob. Engineers follow closely to work on bridges.
23 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 83rd Div, whose relief in line is begun, drives to edge of Winden in limited attack.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 1st Div restores line at Butgenbach, as does 9th Div in Monschau Forest. RCT 60 reverts to 9th Div. 5th Armd Div is attached to corps. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 7th Armd Div, remnants of 106th Div, RCT 112 of 28th Div, and CCB of 9th Armd Div withdraw from St Vith area as planned, moving through lines of 82nd A/B Div. Assault on La Gleize by 30th Div is unsuccessful. 3rd Armd Div passes to control of VII Corps in place. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div attempts to clear Hotton-Soy road but makes little headway; loses key road junction SE of Manhay. Germans penetrate 84th Div positions between Hargimont and Rochefort. 4th Cav Gp, with mission of screening along Lesse R, organizes defensive positions between Ciney and Marche. CCA, 2nd Armd Div, organizes Ciney for defense and starts toward Buissonville. 75th Div, in corps reserve, establishes outposts along the Ourthe R.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, improving weather conditions permit extensive air support, particularly in Bastogne area, where supplies are dropped to the garrison. In VIII Corps area, enemy continues to press in slowly on Bastogne. In III Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div clears Martelange and continues 2 miles up Arlon-Bastogne highway while CCB, on secondary road, drives to Chaumont, from which it is ousted in counterattack; CCR begins drive toward Bigonville (Luxembourg). 26th Div’s 104th Inf clears Grosbous and pushes on to Dellen and Buschrodt; 328th occupies Wahl. 80th Div seizes Heiderscheid and holds it against counterattacks; finishes clearing Merzig; takes Kehmen; continues to battle enemy at Ettelbruck. Roadblocks on div’s S flank are turned over to XII Corps. In XII Corps area, attack SW of Echternach still gains little ground. 10th Armd Div continues action to shorten and improve its line. 35th Div passes to Third Army control.
EASTERN EUROPE – Soviet forces succeed in encircling about three fourths of Budapest. Moscow confirms reports that Third Ukrainian Front is on the offensive in vicinity of Szekesfehervar, SW of Budapest.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, because of indications of enemy build-up in W sector during past few days, 92nd Div in Lucca area will be reinforced with 2 brigs of Indian 8th Div and 2 RCTs of 85th Div plus chemical, tank, and arty battalions. In British 13 Corps area, Indian 8th Div seizes M. della Volpe and M. Tondo with ease and, less 17th Brig, is ordered to Fifth Army’s W flank to avert threat of enemy attack there.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Indian 19th Div takes Kokoggon.
MINDORO – New airfield, called Ellmore Field, on S bank of Bugsanga R, is ready for limited use.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: X Corps begins advance W toward coast from Highway 2. 1st Cav Div, on S flank, leads off, moving slowly over difficult terrain unopposed by enemy. 32nd Div reconnoiters with 127th and 128th Regiments in preparation for drive W. In XXIV Corps area, in preparation for assault on Palompon by land and sea, 77th Div arty and Fifth Air Force planes pound the town. Reinforced 1st Battalion, 305th Inf, which is to make the amphibious assault, moves to Ormoc. 305th Inf (-1st Battalion) continues overland drive toward Palompon, pushing through Matagob under heavy fire. Enemy efforts to penetrate U.S. lines, night 23-24, fail.
POA – CG V Amphib Corps Landing Force issues preferred plan for invasion of Iwo Jima, VAC LANDFOR Operation Plan 3-44, calling for landing of 4th and 5th Mar Divs abreast on SE Iwo Jima on D Day, tentatively set as 19 February. 3rd Mar Div is to be held in floating reserve until released to corps.
24 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army’s 30 Corps area, 29th Armd Brig clashes with enemy spearheads between Dinant and Ciney.
In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 83rd Div, in limited attacks, clears about two thirds of Winden and 8th improves positions near Obermaubach. 104th Div takes responsibility for N part of 83rd Div zone, turning over its positions in Inden-Pier-Schophoven region to 29th Div.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, 1st Div repels another enemy bid for Butgenbach. 5th Armd Div closes in Eupen area and is held in reserve. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 30th Div overruns La Gleize and releases CCB, 3rd Armd Div. 82nd A/B Div is under strong pressure in Manhay area; loses Manhay, although elements of 7th Armd Div are pressed into action in that region. 17th A/B Div is being flown to France from England and subsequently operates under VIII Corps. In VII Corps area, Germans reduce 3rd Armd Div’s roadblock at Belle Haie, on road to Manhay; CCR columns attacking E from Hotton and W from Soy clear Holton-Soy road. Elements of 75th Div enter combat for first time: RCTs 290 and 289 are attached respectively to CCR and CCA, 3rd Armd Div. In 84th Div zone, Germans drive through Verdenne. CCA, 2nd Armd Div, reaches Buissonville; 4th Cav Gp, attached to 2nd Armd Div to cover its assembly and maintain contact with adjacent units, makes contact with British at Sorinne.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, heavy fighting continues around Bastogne perimeter. The city is badly damaged by air attacks. 11th Armd Div, released from SHAEF reserve to corps on 23rd, is held in mobile reserve W of the Meuse. Combat engineers are guarding Meuse R line and blocking approaches to bridges. In III Corps area, CCB of 4th Armd Div is meeting lively opposition S of Chaumont, as is CCA at Warnock; CCR seizes Bigonville. 318th Inf (-), 80th Div, is attached to 4th Armd Div. 6th Cav Gp (TF Fickett) arrives from XX Corps front to guard W flank of corps in Neufchâteau area; 6th Cav Rcn Sq is assigned sector between 4th Armd and 26th Inf Divs. 26th Div secures Rambrouch and Koetschette but is held up at Arsdorf and Hierheck. 80th Div contains determined counterattacks. In XII Corps area, 5th Div, to which RCT 10 has reverted, relieves left flank elements of 4th Div and attacks toward Haller and Waldbillig, making slow progress. 2nd Cav Gp, designated TF Reed, relieves right flank units of 4th Div along the Moselle. CCA, 10th Armd Div, captures Gilsdorf and Mostroff on Sauer R.
6th Army Group: Warns that enemy is massing for offensive.
In French 1st Army’s 2nd Corps area, U.S. 3rd Div clears Bennwihr, concluding operations in Colmar sector.
EASTERN EUROPE – Red Army narrows enemy escape gap from Budapest to less than 20 miles. Moscow reveals that Third Ukrainian Front, in 3-day-old offensive, has achieved breakthrough SW of Budapest in Lake Velencei-Danube R sector and has surged forward 25 miles, overrunning more than 160 towns and villages; with capture of Szekesfehervar and Biske, key points in outer defenses of Budapest, western escape routes from the besieged city are closed. Other troops of this front are pushing in on Budapest from the SW.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, British 2nd and Indian 20th Divs overcome strong opposition in Pyingaing.
LEYTE – U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Cav Div continues steadily W against scattered resistance, 12th Cav wading swamps in its sector. 32nd Div, with 127th and 128th Regiments in assault, starts W toward coast on N flank of corps, slowed more by terrain than resistance. In XXIV Corps area, 1st Battalion (reinforced) of 305th Inf, 77th Div, embarks at Ormoc and at 2000 sails for Palompon, the convoy protected by PT boats. 305th Inf, less 1st Battalion, is lightly opposed as it continues W along road to Palompon.
VOLCANO IS. – Iwo Jima undergoes air-surface bombardment.
25 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps is disposed along W bank of the Meuse from Givet to Liége.
In U.S. Ninth Army area, British 51st Div is withdrawn from army reserve and transferred to First Army as reserve: In XIX Corps area, 83rd Div completes capture of Winden and is alerted for movement to First Army zone. 8th Div gains additional ground near Obermaubach and begins assault on that town.
In U.S. First Army area, V Corps maintains defensive positions and has only light patrol contact with enemy. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 82nd A/B Div, to shorten line, withdraws from Vielsalm salient upon order, pulling back to general line Trois Ponts-Basse-Bodeux-Bra-Manhay. 7th Armd Div is reinforced by RCT 424, 106th Div; tries vainly to recover Manhay. 30th Div clears region N of the Amblève R between Stavelot and Trois Ponts. VII Corps, directed to go on the defensive, conducts limited attack to stabilize right flank of First Army. 3rd Armd Div attacks toward Grandménil and crossroads just E, which enemy has recently seized, and reaches edge of town; is establishing defensive line in Werpin-Amonines area. TF cut off in Marcouray radios that it is starting toward Soy through enemy territory. 84th Div recovers Verdenne, but an enemy pocket remains between there and Bourdon. CCB, 2nd Armd Div, seizes Celles, blocking enemy’s westward advance on Dinant; reconnoiters to Sorinne and Foy Notre Dame; CCA occupies Havrenne.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps maintains Bastogne perimeter against pressure from all sides. In III Corps area, CCR, moving to W flank of 4th Armd Div from Bigonville, launches surprise attack and gains road from Vauxles-Rosières to Chaumont; CCB and CCA seize Chaumont, Hollange, and Tintage. 26th Div TF begins struggle for Eschdorf, gaining weak hold there; other elements of the div clear Arsdorf. 319th Inf, 80th Div, clears its sector to the Sauer and makes contact with 26th Div; assisted by 317th, contains counterattacks and drives almost to Kehmen. Ettelbruck is found clear. In XII Corps area, 5th Div takes Waldbillig and Haller.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, advance elements of XXI Corps (Maj Gen Frank W. Milburn) arrive.
EASTERN EUROPE – Troops of Third Ukrainian Front cut last of western rail exits from Budapest and narrow escape gap to 9 miles.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, S African 6th Armd Div is placed under direct command of army. IV Corps takes command of 92nd Div’s sector. 19th and 21st Brigs, Indian 8th Div, are in Lucca area. Enemy patrols in Serchio Valley begin probing, night 25-26.
LUZON – Allied air attacks on island are intensified as preparations for invasion continue.
LEYTE – U.S. Eighth Army relieves U.S. Sixth Army of responsibility for Leyte-Samar area. Sixth Army is thus free for the Luzon operation. Work is progressing well on Tacloban, Dulag, and Tanauan airfields.
U.S. Sixth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Cav and 32nd Inf Divs continue W toward coast, 32nd supplied by air. 1st Battalion, 127th Inf, disperses Japanese force of 300-400. In XXIV Corps area, after preparatory fire, 1st Battalion (reinforced) of 305th Inf, 77th Div, lands unopposed N of Palompon and seizes barrios of Buaya and Look as well as Palompon; patrols push NE and S. 305th Inf (-) makes very slow progress along road to Palompon against dug-in enemy pockets.
26 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps takes command of 6th A/B Div and releases 43rd Div to 12 Corps.
In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 83rd Div is transferred to VII Corps, First Army, and turns over its sector to 8th Div. 8th Div clears Obermaubach and is working on pocket to S.
In U.S. First Army area, army halts enemy’s westward drive short of the Meuse. German supply lines are now overextended, and stalled armor becomes a lucrative target for aerial attacks. XVIII Corps (A/B) maintains defensive positions and defeats enemy efforts to break through to the Meuse. In VII Corps area, 3rd Armd Div stabilizes its front except on left, where contact has not yet been established with 7th Armd Div; seizes Grandménil and heights S of Soy-Hotton road. 84th Div reduces enemy pocket between Verdenne and Bourdon; hurls back enemy thrust toward Ménil. 2nd Armd Div repels counterattacks in Celles area and against Havrenne and Frandeux, inflicting heavy losses on enemy.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, armored units break through to Bastogne. In III Corps area, forward tanks of CCR, 4th Armd Div, push through Assenois to Bastogne, but vehicles are unable to follow. 101st A/B Div is temporarily attached to corps. CCA, 9th Armd Div, is detached from 10th Armd Div, XII Corps, and attached to 4th Armd Div for employment on W flank. 26th Div closes along the Sauer, winning Eschdorf in lively battle, and begins crossing. 80th Div, after clearing Scheidel, is halted in Kehmen area and transferred in place to XII Corps. Intercorps boundary is adjusted accordingly. 35th Div is attached to III Corps to assist in action against S flank of
Ardennes salient. In XII Corps area, 5th Div improves positions in Echternach area and takes Berdorf. 6th Armd Div, transferred to corps from XX Corps, moves into Luxembourg and relieves 10th Armd Div. Latter passes to XX Corps control. 109th Inf reverts to 28th Div (VIII Corps) from attachment to 10th Armd Div.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, army finishes regrouping. XV Corps, holding line from St Avold to Bitche, now consists of 106th Cav Gp and 103rd, 44th, and 100th Divs. VI Corps is disposed between Bitche and the Rhine and contains TF Hudelson and 45th and 79th Divs.
EASTERN EUROPE – Third Ukrainian Front virtually closes ring around Budapest; captures fortress city of Esztergom.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, 1st Armd Div, in army reserve, moves to Lucca. In IV Corps area, Germans begin series of counterattacks against 92nd Div positions astride the Serchio, forcing general withdrawal after outposts are driven back.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army’s 15 Corps area, Indian 25th Div reaches Foul Pt, at tip of Mayu Peninsula, well ahead of the expected time. Japanese decide to withdraw from Akyab.
CHINA – Gen Wedemeyer, meeting with Chiang Kai-shek, Ambassador Hurley, and T. V. Soong, proposes that the food, clothing, and pay of Chinese Army be improved; informs the Generalissimo that plans are being made for offensive (BETA) against Kweilin, Liuchow, and Canton.
MINDORO – Japanese naval surface force, despite air attacks, arrives off Mindoro and about 2300 begins bombarding beachhead.
LEYTE – U.S. Eighth Army: In X Corps area, 1st Cav and 32nd Inf Divs continue W over rough terrain. 34th Inf, 24th Div, prepares to clear NW part of Leyte Peninsula. Cos F and G sail at 2300 through Biliran Strait to Gigantangan I., where they spend the night. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div remains in place in Palompon sector.
27 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 30th Div maintains defensive positions while regrouping. 508th Para Inf, 82nd A/B Div, continues drive NE of Bra. 7th Armd Div recaptures Manhay early in day. 9th Armd Div is reinforced by RCT 112 of 28th Div. In VII Corps area, Germans are infiltrating toward Sadzot in zone of CCA, 3rd Armd Div, where front line is held by RCT 289. 84th Div clears pocket in Verdenne area. 2nd Armd Div columns envelop Humain and clear stubborn resistance there. 83rd Div, upon closing in Havelange area, begins relief of 2nd Armd Div.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 17th A/B Div takes over Meuse R sector. In III Corps area, trucks and ambulances roll into Bastogne on road opened by CCR, 4th Armd Div, ending siege of the city. 4th Armd Div and reinforcements from 9th Armd and 80th Inf Divs are broadening corridor to Bastogne and attempting to open Arlon-Bastogne highway. From S bank of the Sauer, 35th Div attacks northward between 4th Armd Div and 26th Div, 137th Inf taking Surre and 320th, Boulaide and Boschleiden. 26th Div pushes northward through 101st A/B Div, clearing Mecher-Dunkrodt and Kaundorf. In XII Corps area, 80th Div checks attack in Ringel area and blocks roads N and NE of Ettelbruck. 6th Armd Div takes responsibility for sector S of the Sauer between Ettelbruck and Mostroff. Beaufort, N of Waldbillig, falls to 11th Inf, 5th Div. 4th Div patrols find Echternach undefended. In XX Corps area, 80th Div patrols aggressively and conducts raids to keep enemy pinned down. 5th Ranger Battalion is attached to 95th Div.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XXI Corps (36th Inf and 12th Armd Divs) arrives. VI Corps is reinforced by TF Harris (63rd Div), TF Herren (60th Div), and TF Linden (42nd Div).
EASTERN EUROPE – Budapest is completely encircled as elements of Second Ukrainian Front clear island in the Danube N of the city and establish contact with Third Ukrainian forces. Fighting is in progress in E and W suburbs.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: In U.S. Fifth Army area, first echelon of 10th Mtn Div arrives. In IV Corps area, enemy forces further withdrawal of 92nd Div, but elements of Indian 8th Div pass through 92nd and make patrol contact with enemy.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 124th Cav, upon completing its march to Momauk, begins reorganization for combat.
In British Fourteenth Army area, 15 Corps commander recommends that operations against Akyab be advanced to 3 January.
LEYTE – In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area, Cos F and G of 34th Inf, 24th Div, sail from Gigantangan I., to Taglawigan, on NW coast of Leyte Peninsula, and land without opposition, taking Taglawigan; proceed by sea and overland to Daha, which is also secured. Co G, reinforced, moves S by sea to San Isidro area and goes ashore. 1st Battalion, meanwhile, ordered to take San Isidro, moves overland from Calumbian to heights overlooking the town. In XXIV Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 305th Inf, 77th Div, takes heights 600 yards ahead as it continues W along Palompon road against tenacious resistance. 2nd Battalion is to move forward by water. 1st Battalion,
305th Inf, remains in Palompon area, patrolling and awaiting rest of regiment.
VOLCANO IS. – Iwo Jima undergoes air-surface bombardment. Commander Joint Expeditionary Force (CTF 51) publishes Operation Plan A25-44, directing CG Expeditionary Troops to seize Iwo Jima and begin development of the island as an air base.
28 December
WESTERN EUROPE – Gen Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery meet at Hasselt (Belgium) to plan offensive.
21 Army Group: In U.S. Ninth Army’s XIX Corps area, 8th Div completes reduction of pocket S of Obermaubach.
In U.S. First Army’s V Corps area, final enemy effort to force 1st Div from Elsenborn defenses fails. In XVIII Corps (A/B) area, corps zone is relatively quiet. CCB, 9th Armd Div, and RCT 112 move into position to back up 3rd Armd Div and 75th Inf Div. In VII Corps area, 75th Div, less RCTs 289 and 290, is attached to XVIII Corps. Germans infiltrating in sector of CCA, 3rd Armd Div, take Sadzot but are driven out. 83rd Div is relieving 2nd Armd Div and takes responsibility for sector E of line Buissonville-Rochefort; elements push into Rochefort. 2nd Armd Div regroups.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army’s VIII Corps area, 11th Armd Div is transferred to corps from SHAEF reserve. III Corps makes limited progress against delaying opposition between Sauer and Wiltz Rivers. 35th Div continues drive on S flank of enemy salient despite very heavy fire SW of Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. 26th Div makes slight progress toward Wiltz. Elements of 80th Div attached to 4th Armd Div revert to parent unit. 6th Armd Div is transferred to corps from XII Corps. XII Corps is ordered on the defensive in afternoon. 80th Div repels attack for Ringel.
6th Army Group: In U.S. Seventh Army area, XV Corps releases 87th Div, which has been attached to it since 20th while reliefs were in progress.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army postpones projected offensive toward Bologna, the Serchio Valley reversals being a contributing factor. In IV Corps area, enemy begins to withdraw in Serchio Valley, and troops of Indian 8th Div gradually push northward during next few days.
LEYTE – In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area, 5th and 12th Cav Regiments of 1st Cav Div reach W coast at Tibur, barrio N of Abijao. 1st and 2nd Battalions of 34th Inf, 24th Div, take San Isidro against light resistance. In XXIV Corps area, 2nd Battalion of 305th Inf, 77th Div, moves by LCMs from Ormoc to Palompon; 3rd Battalion continues overland drive, gaining about 1,000 yards.
MINDORO – Ellmore Field is now fully operational.
29 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In British Second Army area, 30 Corps begins relief of U.S. 2nd Armd Div on W flank of U.S. VII Corps.
In U.S. First Army area, V Corps front is quiet, with both sides on the defensive. XVIII Corps (A/B) zone is also virtually static. 75th Div is attached to corps and takes over zone of 7th Armd Div. VII Corps mops up infiltrators and patrols. 83rd Div releases 331st Inf to 3rd Armd Div; attacks toward Rochefort with 329th, making slow progress.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps prepares for drive on Houffalize. 11th Armd Div moves to vicinity of Neufchâteau. 87th Div is released to corps from SHAEF reserve. In III Corps area, CCA of 4th Armd Div opens Arlon-Bastogne highway. 35th Div is clearing Villers-la Bonne-Eau-Lutrebois region; advance elements make contact with 101st A/B Div forces at Marvie, SE of Bastogne. 26th Div continues toward Wiltz against increasing resistance. Units in Bastogne (101st A/B Div, reinforced, and elements of 9th Armd Div) revert to VIII Corps. 6th Armd Div is transferred to III Corps from XII Corps and assembles between Arlon and Neufchâteau.
EASTERN EUROPE – Street fighting starts in Budapest as Soviet forces break into the city from W.
BURMA – NCAC and British Fourteenth Army fronts are linked as patrols of British 36th Div establish contact with Indian 19th Div. On Arakan front, 15 Corps now holds Rathedaung and Kudaung I.
LEYTE – In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area, 1st Cav Div reaches W coast and takes Villaba, N of Tibur. 32nd Div gains its W coast objectives to N of 1st Cav Div, 127th Inf taking heights commanding Antipolo Pt and 128th reaching high ground overlooking Tabango and Campopo Bays. Troops of 34th Inf, 24th Div, are eliminating small enemy groups along coast. In XXIV Corps area, 3rd Battalion of 305th Inf, 77th Div, after advancing 650 yards along road to Palompon, is pinned down by enemy. Prov Mtn Force gets into position for drive E along Palompon road.
30 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s XVIII Corps (A/B) area, 7th Armd Div releases RCT 424 to 106th Div. 75th Div holds positions previously occupied by RCT 424. VII Corps turns over region SW of line Marche-Namur to British. Germans abandon Rochefort.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps opens drive on Houffalize. 11th Armd
Div progresses slowly and at heavy cost. 87th Div takes Moircy but loses it in counterattack later in day. 9th Armd Div is ordered to Sedan area as SHAEF reserve. In III Corps area, Germans again attempt to cut Arlon-Bastogne highway and isolate Bastogne, reaching Lutrebois and surrounding 2 cos of 137th Inf, 35th Div, in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau. On left flank of corps, 6th Cav Gp is relieved by elements of VIII Corps.
6th Army Group: Reiterates warning of possible enemy attack. TF Harris (-) is transferred from VI to XV Corps.
EASTERN EUROPE – While Third Ukrainian Front continues street fighting in W Budapest, Second Ukrainian Front breaks into E part of city.
BURMA – In British Fourteenth Army area, 33 Corps takes Kaduma.
MINDORO – Second resupply convoy arrives. Under enemy air attack while en route, the convoy loses 3 merchant ships, 2 DD’s, 3 LSTs, and 2 LCMs at or near the island. Most of 3rd Battalion, 21st Inf, arrives.
LEYTE – In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area, 1st Cav Div makes contact with 32nd Div NE of Villaba. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div begins 2-pronged attacks to open Palompon road. While 3rd Battalion, 305th Inf, continues W to point some 1,000 yards SW of Tipolo, Prov Mtn Force attacks E until stopped about 4 miles E of Palompon. Japanese withdraw main forces, night 30-31. Co C, 305th Inf, moves by water to Abijao, N of Palompon, and burns the town; continuing N, gains radio contact with 1st Cav Div in Villaba area.
31 December
WESTERN EUROPE – 21 Army Group: In U.S. First Army’s VII Corps area, 83rd Div, to which 331st Inf reverts, takes over zone of 3rd Armd Div and is reinforced by RCT 290, 75th Div.
12th Army Group: In U.S. Third Army area, VIII Corps takes command of 4th Armd Div. Elements of 87th Div capture Remagen and close in on Moircy. CCR, 11th Armd Div, drives to Pinsamont and Acul while CCB attacks Chenogne. In III Corps area, one 6th Armd Div column secures high ground near Wardin; another advances to outskirts of Rechrival. 35th Div is unable to relieve isolated forces in Villers-la-Bonne-Eau, and they are presumed lost. Germans still hold Lutrebois. 26th Div repels counterattack and reorganizes. Corps arty places TOTs on Wiltz.
ITALY – 15th Army Group: U.S. Fifth Army has regained most of the ground lost by IV Corps in Serchio Valley and positions are about the same as they were at the end of October.
British Eighth Army has worked northward astride Naviglio Canal between the Senio and Lamone Rivers in 5 Corps zone to Granarole, but enemy holds Granarole. Preparations are made for limited attacks to bring entire army up to the Senio.
BURMA – In NCAC area, U.S. 475th Inf, upon relief at Tonk-wa by Ch 50th Div, which is now operating in center, starts march toward Mong Wi area, where 5332nd Brig is to assemble for its first operation as a brig. Ch 1st Separate Regiment, which was to be a part of 5332nd Brig, will be held in NCAC reserve.
In British Fourteenth Army’s 33 Corps area, Kabo falls to British 2nd Div.
MINDORO – Japanese continue air attacks on shipping, sinking PT tender and badly damaging a DD. Platoon of Co F, 19th Inf, lands at Bulalacao, on S coast almost 25 miles SE of San Jose.
LEYTE – In U.S. Eighth Army’s X Corps area, 1st Cav Div repels several counterattacks against Villaba. 77th Div (XXIV Corps) begins relief of 1st Cav Div. In XXIV Corps area, 77th Div’s 305th Inf finishes clearing Palompon road. 3rd Battalion and Prov Mtn Force make contact 2 miles NE of San Miguel. 77th Div estimates that, during period 21-31 December, it has killed 5,779 Japanese at cost of 17 killed.
POA – Commander Fifth Fleet issues Operation Plan 13-44, directing Joint Expeditionary Force to secure Iwo Jima, begin base development there, establish military government, and withdraw assault forces at conclusion of capture and occupation phase. 19 February is confirmed as D Day.