Sheet
16 Record of 508th Participation In Normandy
Operations (page 6 of 12) |
the approach to the demolished railroad bridge southwest
of BAUPTE, and at HOTOT, east of the demolished culvert.
15 June 1944
At 0515 approximately fifty enemy cyclists attempted to cross the bridge
at HOTOT, and were repulsed in disorder by the combat group from Company
D. Nine were killed and two were captured. At 1100 the regiment received
instructions to prepare to move to the north of the DOUVE RIVER. 2nd
Battalion relieved the 3rd Battalion at PONT AUNY at 1500. The 3rd
Battalion then assembled and moved north of the DOUVE to Division
reserve at 1700. The Battalion was transported to a position one-half
mile west of LE BONNEVILLE. The 507th Parachute Infantry began relief of
the remaining two battalions at 2400.
16 June 1944
The regiment, less 3rd Battalion, moved by truck to the division reserve
position one-half kilometer northwest of ETIENVILLE at LA RUE. Regiment
was closed in the assembly area, by 0900. CP was established in an
orchard one-half kilometer northwest of ETIENVILLE. Instructions were
received from Division to alert units for a possible move to a new
reserve position near RAUVILLE by 1500. 3rd Battalion moved to a
position east of the DOUVE and approximately two miles north of ST
SAUVEUR to protect the right flank of the Division and Corps in a
defensive position astride the VALOGNES-ST SAUVEUR highway and covering
the passage of the 9th Division advancing to the west. The 1st and 2nd
Battalions plus Regimental Headquarters moved to the new assembly area
two kilometers northwest of ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE along the ST
SAUVEUR-ETIENVILLE highway, in order: 2nd Battalion, Regimental
Headquarters, 1st Battalion.
At 1915 the regiment, less the 3rd Battalion, was alerted in preparation
for relieving the 505th Parachute Infantry which was then holding a
position west of ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE. At 2200 the 2nd Battalion passed
through the 505th Parachute Infantry southwest of ST SAUVEUR and moved
to occupy an extended defensive position from LE HAMEUX on the left to
the railroad on the right, mopping up small groups of Germans in the
area. The Regimental CP was established in a French bakery previously
used for baking of bread for the German army at ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE by
2030 hour. By 2230 hour the 1st Battalion had relieved 3rd Battalion,
505th Parachute Infantry and had occupied a position one kilometer
southeast of ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE east of the ST SAUVEUR-LE HAVE DU
PUITS highway, after routing small German rearguards. This action placed
the regiment, leas the 3rd Battalion, in a defensive position protecting
ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE from the south and southwest, astride the main
highway leading south across the PRAIRIES MARACAGUESES to LE HAVE DE
PUITS.
17-19 June 1944
The 1st and 2nd Battalions mopped up the area from ST SAVEUR LE PIERRE
PONT to BRETEL AND JONAS along the edge of the PRAIRIE MARACAGUESES.
This was accomplished by many combat patrols which located and routed
out the German roadblocks and isolated strong points, aided by artillery
fire. At 1000 a message was received to mine the, bridge across the
PRAIRIES MARACAGUESES on the ST SAUVEURS-LA HAVE DE PUIT highway,
prepare the bridge for demolition, and to guard the bridge against
counter attack. That mission was accomplished by Company C which
established a combat outpost and road block. The bridge was blown per
division order, and at 2330
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