@218@SUBJ: TACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR @4@11 July. 1944
@218@AMERICAN OPERATIONS:@4@
In the month since the invasion, the First Army has been struggling for every foot of ground in the Norman "Bocage." The American buildup has reached the point where a breakout is possible, but first, St Lo must be taken.
You are in command of a reinforced Infantry battalion with orders to advance and take the dominating hills outside the city of St Lo.
@218@AMERICAN UNIT DISPOSITIONS:@4@
For this operation the following forces will be engaged in the American sector:
- elements of 116th Infantry Battalion/29th Infantry Division, and elements of the 747th Tank Battalion and 121st Combat Engineer Battalion.
@218@GERMAN OPERATIONS:@4@
Intelligence reports all indicate the start of a major American drive in the St Lo area. All dominating terrain in the area must be held at all cost. Mobile units of Panzer divisions in the area must act as fire brigades to stop any American advance.
You are in command of a reinforced panzer company kampfgruppe, in addition, infantry units in the area have been seconded to your command. Your objective is to hold the high ground surrounding the approaches to St Lo at all costs!
@218@GERMAN UNIT DISPOSITIONS:@4@
For this operation the following forces will be engaged in the German sector:
- elements of the Panzer Lehr Division, and elements of the 353nd Infantry Division.
@218@WEATHER:@4@ Overcast Skies
@218@AFTER ACTION REPORT @4@
The attack by the 29th Division failed to gain the ridges outside St Lo. The American offensive continued for the next eight days, with four infantry and one armored division taking part. After ten days of continuous bloody combat through the hedgerows, St Lo fell to the 29th Division on the 19th of July. The fall of the key city prepared the way for the American breakout on 25 July.
