The story
The 79th Infantry Division secured its positions along the Ay River while preparing for its role in a major breakthrough offensive, codenamed COBRA.
COBRA envisioned massive “carpet bombing” just west of Saint-Lô, followed by three infantry divisions attacking to punch a hole in enemy lines.
Two armored divisions and a motorized infantry division would then exploit through the hole thus made.
As the breach widened and resistance crumpled, further forces would pour through the gap or push forward in pursuit. COBRA’s date 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 six-square-mile sector of the German front.
The 79th Infantry Division was to attack the following day keep the pressure on the Germans to their front as the breakthrough matured.
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.