Monday, August 7, 1944. German counter attack.

The British Operation Bluecoat, part of the Normandy breakout, ended in a British success.  Operation Totalize was launched as an immediate follow-up, spearheaded by Canadians.

The Battle for Brest began.

The Germans launched Operation Lüttich against the US 1st Army, seeking to split it into two zones.  The Germans retook Mortain. The offensive was launched a day prior to the date that Hitler preferred, given the rapid Allied advance.  Hitler was upset by the local commander ignoring his preference.  Heavy Allied air attacks arrested further German progress.

The Red Army captured Sambor southwest of Lvov.

Heavy fighting occurred on Guam.

The Nagara was sunk by the USS Croaker.

Production of the Volkswagen Beetle was halted.  Production would not resume until 1945, and at that time at the insistence of the British.

President Roosevelt visited Kodiak, Alaska.

Friday, August 5, 1944. The Wola Massacre.

Labels: 1940s, 1944, Collaborators, Freiwilligen SS, German SS, Heinrich Himmler, Normandy Breakout, Prisoners of War, Russian Liberation Army, Soviet Navy, The Holocaust, Waffen SS, Warsaw Uprising, World War Two

Friday, June 9, 1944. D+3

Allied (British, Canadian and Polish) and German flotillas fought off the coast of Brittney in what started as a nighttime action.  The German effort was to relocate their remaining destroyer fleet to a port with better anti-aircraft protection following the invasion in Normandy.  The message was intercepted, and accordingly the flotilla was as well. The Germans lost two destroyers.

The 7th Corps took Azeville.  The 5th Corps took Trevieres.  The British and Canadians were engaged in heavy fighting around Caen, which the Germans were reinforcing.

Actions resulting in Medals of Honor to two of the airborne, one a glider infantryman and the other a paratrooper, occured.

PFC CHARLES N. DEGLOPPER

Medal of Honor Action: June 9, 1944

On 9 June 1944 DeGlopper was advancing with the forward platoon to secure a bridgehead across the Merderet River at La Fiere, France. Shortly after penetrating the outer line of defense, the platoon was surrounded by German forces. DeGlopper volunteered to support his comrades by fire from his automatic rifle while they attempted a withdrawal. He leveled his heavy weapon against the enemy fire upon them, killing many until he was cut down.

PVT JOE GANDARA

Parachuted into France as part of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Medal of Honor Action: June 9, 1944

Gandara distinguished himself during combat operations against an armed enemy in Amfreville, France on June 9, 1944. Gandara’s detachment was pinned under heavy German fire for four hours. Gandara voluntarily advanced alone and destroyed three hostile machine guns before he was fatally wounded. 

The Germans killed 99 civilians in Tulle in reprisal for attacks by the French Resistance.

German POW's in England.

French refugees of uncertain status brought to the UK for questioning, June 9, 1944.

French detainee who had shortwave transmitter in home.

The Fifth Army took Tarquinia and Viterbo.

Regrouping, partially in contemplation of Operation Dragoon, commenced for Allied forces in Italy.

A new Italian government was formed.

The Soviets launched a massive assault on the Finnish front, but did not achieve a first day breaktrough.

The Matsukaze was sunk by the USS Swordfish and the Tanikaze by the USS Harder.

Last Prior edition:

Thursday, June 8, 1944. D+2

Labels: 1940s, 1944, Battle of Biak, Battle of Bréville, Battle of Port-enBessin, boats and ships, Italy, Operation Aubrey, Operation Overlord, Rome, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Weapons, World War Two