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Pontaubault and occupied Ducey to the southeast of Avranches.
The 6th Armored Division captured Granville, and advanced to southeast toward Avranches.
The positions occupied by units of the VIII Corps at the end of July are shown on Map "E".
July, for the VIII Corps, had been a month of extreme opposites in fighting experiences. The
attack from 3 July to 15 July was characterized by slow, costly, advance of foot troops against stubborn
hedgerow defense. Casualties were high and gains were measured in thousands of yards. The period of
25 July to 31 July was one of extremely rapid advance of armor against a defeated, disorganized and
demoralized enemy. Casualties were very light, resistance was sporadic and advances were limited
more by traffic problems arising from the fact that it was necessary to advance to armored divisions and
two infantry divisions down a narrow corridor, with never more than two class "A" roads available.
During the period 17 July until after the breakthrough, the VIII Corps was severely hampered
by an extremely low ration on the artillery and mortar ammunition imposed by Army. Even on "D"
Day, 26 July, the allowance for most calibers was approximately one-fifth of a unit of fire, dropping to
one-sixth for the days following. After the breakthrough was accomplished very little artillery
ammunition was expended and the effects of a ration were not felt, even though it extended until the
close of the month.
TROY H. MIDDLETON
Major Gen., U.S. Army,
Commanding.
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