The story
The 30th Infantry Division continued to advance against collapsing German resistance.
By 27 July it had pushed a dozen miles from its starting positions and secured bridges along the Vire River, outflanking German forces to their east.
It also cleared routes for the passage of armored combat commands through it, and began mopping up residual enemy resistance in the breakthrough area as these armored formations pressed ahead.
Arriving German reinforcements attempted to contain the American advance, and took up strong defensive positions near the village of Troisgots.
This precipitated a fierce four-day battle as further reinforcements arrived on both sides.
Ultimately the 30th Infantry Division battered its way into the village, dispatching enemy tanks with bazookas at close ranges.
The fall of Troisgots unhinged the German line in this sector, precipitating yet another German withdrawal.
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.