The 2nd Infantry Division attacked to seize the high ground north of Vire, yet another important river crossing and crossroads.
The Germans were continuing to withdraw behind determined rear guard actions, making optimal use of difficult terrain.
The 2nd Infantry Division nevertheless battered its way forward, establishing positions overlooking Vire on 5 August.
Supported by the 2nd Infantry Division, the 29th Infantry Division then attacked and seized the town of Vire itself on 7 August.
The 2nd and 29th Infantry Divisions followed up on this success by attacking abreast southeast in the direction of Tinchebray.
By this time General George S.
Patton’s Third Army was encircling the retreating Germans, forming a major pocket in the vicinity of Falaise.
The advance towards Tinchebray increased the pressure on this ever-shrinking pocket, forcing the Germans in front of the 2nd Infantry Division to fight in one direction while fearing encirclement from another.
The website www.backtonormandy.org has evolved. It has grown, expanded, and broadened its horizons. What once focused solely on the historic events of Normandy now reaches far beyond that — embracing a larger, more inclusive story of World War II history across Europe.
As I move forward, II invite you to explore my new home: www.ww2history.eu.
The history I share is not confined to a single place or a single moment in time. It’s the story of nations, of sacrifice, of courage, and of resilience. It’s a history that spans the entire continent of Europe, where every country played its part in shaping the world we live in today. The lives of millions were touched, forever changed, by the events of World War II.
By migrating to www.ww2history.eu, I can now present a more complete, more comprehensive view of this pivotal period in our collective past. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Stalingrad, from the forests of Ardennes to the skies over London — the story of Europe during the Second World War is vast and interconnected, and it deserves to be remembered in its entirety.
I am committed to preserve these stories — of the brave men and women who fought, suffered, and died, of the ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times, and of the lessons we must never forget.
So, I invite you to visit www.ww2history.eu. Discover new stories, new perspectives, and the shared history that binds us all together. Join me in honoring the past as we shape the future. This is not just history — this is our history, and it’s waiting for you to explore.
Your webmaster Fred Vogels - www.fredvogels.com