Biville (Manche)
The cities of Normandy during the 1944 battles
Liberation: June 20, 1944
Deployed units:
60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division
77. Infanterie-Division
243. Infanterie-Division
History:
After the landing of Normandy, the Americans began the battle of the Val de Saire as early as 19 June 1944, which led to the liberation of Cherbourg. The 9th Infantry Division, commanded by Major General Manton S. Eddy, is responsible for seizing western Cotentin and its key points defended by elements of the 77. Infantry Division and 243. Infantry- Division.
At midday on June 20, 1944, the 60th Infantry Regiment commanded by Colonel Frederick J. de Rohan reached the heights south of Biville and it was the 3rd battalion that was in charge of seizing this town. The Germans, located to the north of the commune, are located on high points overlooking the area from where they can observe and correct artillery fire: Americans are constantly bombarded by enemy shells during their advance. However, they seized Biville in the early afternoon and settled at the point 170, the main objective of the regiment: it is a hill located to the east of the town which allows to have views on the northwestern part of the Cotentin peninsula.
Biville maps:
