The story
The 8th Infantry Division continued to advance in the wake of 4th Armored Division spearheads, mopping up enemy positions the tankers had bypassed.
This pairing of an armored division in the lead with a semi-motorized infantry division following in support became a preferred technique during the exploitation.
Armored columns sustained the momentum of the advance, while the infantry subdued residual resistance and opened supply lines quickly enough to replenish the armor for further thrusts.
The 4th Armored Division virtually encircled the critical transportation node of Rennes, and then the 8th Infantry Division pushed into the town and secured it on 4 August.
Logistical routes through Rennes, once clear simultaneously supported major thrusts west towards Brest, south towards Lorient and Nantes, and east towards Le Mans and Paris.
While occupying Rennes, the 8th Infantry Division sent a regiment to reinforce the 83rd Infantry Division in tough fighting to secure Dinard, a preliminary to seizing the port of Saint-Malo.
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.