La Varde (July 17th- July 20th) After the death of Colonel James BENDER, Colonel Robert YORK replaced him, at the head of the 331st RI This is the beginning of a long story between an officer of great value and a regiment. Upon his arrival, he met more soldiers and asked General Macon down operations because the unit is exhausted. But he accepts that July 17th, his regiment attack La Varde. The U.S. Headquarters is still obsessed by this salient in his front line. La Varde is an Peninsula with an hamlet at the north of Marchesieux that draws like a prow pf a boat. The attack is the same action as the 4th of July, a few details. At 6:00 pm, from Auxais, the 1st battalion rushes, cross the Taute river. With the dark, a frail bridgehead created. Unfortunately, at the dawn, the Germans counterattacks and in the afternoon, the battalion was forced to retreat. Errors in the patrols and reconnaissances and the progress of the opération led this action to fail. Yet Americans persist. From the north, to join the Varde there is a causeway with 3 bridges. The Germans mined it and it is under the fire of their artillery. Also cleaning operations take time, too long. However, the 3rd battalion stationed on Saint Andre de Bohon attack July 19th at 3:30 am. The crossing of the causeway is a model. The battalion quickly gained a foothold on the Varde and pushes against two German attack. Despite the loss of communications, it was decided that buries itself. The 83rd Reconnaissance troop is with him. Unfortunately, at noon, all goes wrong. One bridge was mined by the U.S. engineer for safety. Unfortunately this will turn against them when a German shell destroyed the bridge. Now, the 3rd Battalion was isolated. He courageously resist a good part of the afternoon but a final German attack will force them to retreat. The VARDE sounds like a dismal failure for the 331st RI Yes, mistakes have been made, but the men were good, brave and fearless despite their inexperience, for most, but especially on the last operation a large or great misfortune has struck them. Now the 83rd will wait COBRA
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:54:20 +0000
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