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"A" of the 6th Armored Division.
The 8th Division advanced approximately seven miles against no opposition, to division
objectives just north of Coutances to the left of the 6th Armored Division. It, too, was delayed by
mines.
The 90th Division advanced south and established contact with 1st Division elements to their
front, along the road from St. Lo to Coutances. Very little small arms fire was encountered, but there
were extensive minefields. At the close of the day, the 90th was completely pinched out by the 1st
Division on their front and the 8th Division on the right. They organized their positions and dug in for
defense. Likewise the 83rd Division advanced until they were pinched out by the 1st Division to their
front. Resistance was very light.
The Corps right flank was protected by the 121st Cavalry Squadron of the 106th Group, which
advanced down the coast line to the mouth of the Sienne River west of Coutances. The 106th Squadron
remained attached to the 83rd Division.
Corps engineers bridged the Ay River at Lessay and worked to remove mines in Lessay to
clear a gap for the advance of the 6th Armored Division. Lessay was one of the most completely mined
and booby-trapped cities ever encountered by VIII Corps forces.
The VII Corps continued its advance, having turned to the south and many prisoners were
taken. Fighter-bombers operating to the South bombed and strafed German columns of armor and
artillery.
Early 29 July, the VIII Corps resumed its advance to the south with the 6th and the 4th
Armored Divisions abreast. One combat team each of the 79th and 8th Infantry Divisions was
motorized, to follow the advance of the armored units. The advance elements of both armored columns
ran into almost immediate trouble in the form of blown bridges, covered by enemy fire, just south of
Coutances. However, Combat Command "B", 4th Armored Division, overcame its resistance and
advanced on to La Jourdaniere. At 301430 it had reached La Haye Pesnel, southeast of Granville and at
1900 of 30 July was in the outskirts of Avranches. The 13th Infantry was motorized and moved down to
La Jourdaniere early 30 July.
Combat Command "A" of the 6th Armored Division established its bridgehead over the Sienne
River against no resistance, and advanced down the highway to Brehal. The 79th Division advanced
across the Sienne, behind the Combat Command "B" of the 6th, and on to Lingreville, about 5000 yards
north of Brehal, by the evening on 30 July.
The morning of 31 July saw both Armored divisions of the Corps continuing their advance,
although the extremely narrow Corps front made traffic a tremendous problem. A motorized combat
team of infantry was attached to each of the armored divisions.
The VIII Corps moved its CP on 30 July to the vicinity of Geffosses northwest of Coutances.
Both the 83rd and 90th Divisions continued regrouping and reorganizing, preparatory to being taken
over by the XV Corps.
By nightfall, 31 July, the 4th Armored Division had captured Avranches, including the bridge
over the See River, and had pushed on South, secured the crossing over the Salune River, above
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