The story
The 35th Infantry Division attacked to seize Hill 101, a ridgeline just south of Saint- Lô.
The attack progressed quickly against disorganized resistance, and the ridgeline fell within a day.
The division continued its attack and advanced rapidly at first, but slowed as the Germans reorganized in difficult terrain eminently suitable for the defense.
The 35th Infantry Division pressed on nevertheless, and by 28 July had seized Sainte-Suzanne-sur- Vire.
German resistance was crumbling, although the terrain itself in the division’s sector continued to be an impediment to rapid advance.
Small irregular hills, winding roads and a patchwork of hedge-rowed fields forced a battle at every turn, even if the enemy was falling apart.
By 31 July the division had advanced another five miles to seize the town of Torigni.
Enemy mines and artillery fire were the principal hazards in the final stages of this advance.
The advance to Torigni forced back German lines even as armored columns from the breakthrough were racing through open terrain into their rear.
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.