The story
The 35th Infantry Division repositioned and prepared for its role its role in the major breakthrough offensive, codenamed COBRA.
COBRA envisioned a massive “carpet bombing” followed by three infantry divisions attacking to punch a hole in enemy lines, and then 34 two armored divisions and a motorized infantry division exploiting through the hole thus made.
As the gap widened and resistance crumpled, further forces were to pile on.
The 35th Infantry Division’s initial role was to hold the eastern shoulder of the breakthrough sector, securing the flank of the attack.
It assumed responsibility for the defense of Saint-Lô itself, and extended its sector about four miles east and west of the town.
COBRA was set for 21 July, but was postponed to 22, 24 and then 25 July because of weather.
On the morning of 25 July more than 2,400 Allied planes dropped more than 4,000 tons of bombs.
The bombing and subsequent infantry attacks totally disrupted the defenders along thousands of yards of front.
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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.