The story
The 1st Infantry Division continued to defend in its sector, securing ground between major Commonwealth efforts to seize Caen and major American efforts to seize Cherbourg.
The division’s defense was an active one; regiments routinely sent out 60 patrols a night to probe enemy lines, keep the enemy off balance, secure tactical intelligence, and identify worthy targets for air and artillery strikes.
Stung by this rough treatment, the Germans responded with patrols and counterattacks of their own, but generally got the worst of it.
When their locations became known, they found themselves subject to deadly American artillery fire.
Indeed, artillery and snipers were dominant sources of casualties for both sides in this sector during this period.
The 1st Infantry Division perfected techniques for eradicating snipers, and many of its combat patrols were dispatched for this purpose.
The attrition and diversion of German forces continued.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.