Friday, 28 July 1944
The days that marked the Battle of Normandy
The Americans continue to exploit the breakthrough south of Cotentin as part of operation Cobra. Thus, while the 2nd and 3rd Armored divisions advance respectively to the south-east and south of the starting area of operation Cobra, General Bradley‘s 1st Army positioned north of Périers is also advancing to the south. The liberation the day before of the cities of Lessay and Périers allow the American troops to engage two new armored divisions (the 4th and 6th).
The Germans retreated towards Coutances, which was reached in the evening by the 4th US Armored Division, which liberated the village of Saint-Sauveur-Lendelin along the way: its progress was dazzling and the enemy opposition very weak: nearly ten kilometers are traveled during this day by the 4th Armored Division. The 84th German corps is jostled and an unexpected opening is offered to the Allies who now have the opportunity to progress towards Avranches.
While the American front is pierced and nothing seems to be able to stop them, the British do not manage to progress. The Germans are to the south and east of Caen, firmly entrenched and not retreating in front of the mass of Commonwealth soldiers.
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