The story
As the COBRA offensive sped towards Avranches and points beyond, beginning 29 July the 29th Infantry Division attacked along the left shoulder of the breakthrough to broaden the offensive and secure its flank.
In the vicinities of Tessy-sur-Vire, Villebaudon and Percy the division, accompanied by Combat Command A of the 2nd Armored Division, encountered the German 2nd Panzer Division and the 116th Panzer Division.
These were the only significant German armored forces proximate to the breakthrough, and were rolling west in a desperate effort to plug the emerging hole in the German defenses.
Instead they ended up in a roiling mobile battle with the 29th Infantry Division, Combat Command A, and friendly flanking units.
The 2nd Panzer Division and 116th Panzer Division never made 29 it far enough west to interfere with the COBRA breakout.
The Battle for Normandy had ended and the Battle for France had begun.
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.