Battle of La Haye-du-Puits
Battle during Operation Overlord / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Following the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944, Lieutenant General Omar Bradley's US First Army began an advance to the south, aiming to break through the German defenses and secure a line from Coutances to Saint-Lô. This would help the rest of the First Army cross the swamps and bocage, and put the American front on firm and dry ground more suitable for the employment of mechanized forces. Although the battle was costly for the Americans, it was also costly for the Germans; by wearing down their forces, it paved the way for Operation Cobra on 25 July, which broke through the German defenses.
Battle of La Haye-du-Puits | |||||||
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Part of the Normandy Campaign, World War II | |||||||
La Haye-du-Puits, 1944 | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
United States | Germany | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Troy H. Middleton | Dietrich von Choltitz | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
VIII Corps | LXXXIV Corps |
The most striking geographical feature of the area was the bocage, earthen embankments topped with small trees and tangled underbrush and vines, separated by sunken lanes. The hedgerows provided cover, camouflage and concealment to the German defenders, which reduced the effectiveness of American artillery. Small detachments defended each field. The terrain favoured the defense, and the Germans effectively utilized the bocage with defensive tactics that involved hoarding forces for counter-attacks.
Between 5 and 14 July, the American troops of Major General Troy H. Middleton's VIII Corps pushed southward through forest, swamps and bocage to capture the high ground around La Haye-du-Puits. The advance was bitterly contested. The 82nd Airborne Division achieved some success, taking the key positions of Hill 131 and La Poterie ridge. The 79th Infantry Division captured Hill 121 and make progress towards Montgardon ridge. The 90th Infantry Division fought through heavy German resistance to capture Mont Castre ridge and advance towards Périers. The 8th Infantry Division captured the ridge overlooking the Ay River. The Americans reached their objective, the Sèves River, on 14 July.