The story
The 2nd Infantry Division defended in its sector, pinning down units to its front and anticipating 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 two armored divisions and a motorized infantry division exploiting through the hole thus made.
The 2nd Infantry Division would number among the additional divisions broadening the attack, keeping pressure on German forces to its front while the penetration deepened in their rear.
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 within a six-square-mile sector of the German front just west of Saint-Lô.
The Battle for Normandy was ending as the Battle for France began.
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.