Avranches is a Commune in the Manche Department in the Normandy Region in North-Western France. It is a Sub-prefecture of the Department. The Inhabitants are called Avranchinais. Avranches is situated at the Southern end of the Cotentin (Cherbourg) Peninsula on the E40 Road connecting Saint-Lô with Brittany and on the Rail Line between Lison (linking to Caen) & Dol (linking to Rennes). The Town was Founded on High Ground overlooking the Dunes & Coastal Marshes along the Bay forming the corner between the Peninsulas of the Cotentin & Brittany. From Avranches, it is possible to see the Mont Saint-Michel, which was Founded by Saint Aubert, Bishop of Avranches in the 8thC. The Liberation of Avranches during WW2 was led by General George S Patton and began on 31st July 1944.
Bob Gill’s Operation No.44 7/8th June Avranches – Fuel & Ammo Dumps 35 Squadron Lancaster Pilot W/C Rosslyn Charles Crabbe, with Bob Gill as Rear Gunner
Avranches is the Target of violent Bombings as of 7th June 1944 which are supposed to slow the Arrival of German Reinforcements towards the Normandy Landing Beaches. At 14.30hrs, 3 successive Waves of Bombers dropped their Bombs on the City, which soon became the Prey of the Flames.
80 people are Killed during this Air Raid.
Having been delayed several times by poor weather, Operation Cobra commenced on 25th July 1944, with a concentrated Aerial Bombardment from 1,000s of Allied Aircraft. Supporting Offensives had drawn the bulk of German Armoured Reserves toward the British & Canadian Sector and, coupled with the general lack of men & material available to the Germans, it was impossible for them to form successive Lines of Defence. Units of the US 7th Corps led the initial 2-division Assault, while other 1st US Army Corps mounted supporting Attacks designed to pin German Units in place. Progress was slow on the 1st day but opposition started to crumble once the Defensive crust had been broken. By 27th July, most organised Resistance had been overcome and the 7th & 8th Corps Advanced rapidly, isolating the Cotentin Peninsula (Cherbourg Peninsula).
One of the objectives of Operation Cobra, is to seize the Town of Avranches: on the one hand this Town is situated on a High Point allowing to have Views on the Region, On the other hand it represents The Gateway to Brittany. The American progression is dazzlingly unexpected: the Germans are submerged and give up their Positions to the Opposing Forces. As early as 30th July 1944, the 4th Armoured Division Commanded by Major General John Shirley Wood was only a few kilometers North of Avranches.
Allied Aircraft Flying over the area observe that the Population is waving French Flags as they pass, which could mean the absence of German Troops in the Area. The Combat Combat B (CCB) of the 4th Armoured Division began the Reconnaissance of the City’s surroundings in the evening and the information obtained confirms the information transmitted by the Allied Aviation: obviously, the Germans do not defend Avranches. Brigadier General Holmes E Dager, Commander of the CCB, receives from Wood the Commander of the 4th American Armored Division’s Forces in the Area. At nightfall, the CCB secures the approaches to the Bridge North of the City, which overlooks the Coastal River Sée, deserted from any German presence. Dager is reinforced by new Units (including Combat Combat A (CCA) and a Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division). The leading elements take up position but soon encounter a column of German Soldiers & Trucks heading North. The Americans believe 1st of all that they are Wounded who Evacuated the Front, but the latter open Fire. Soldier William H Whitson showed a courageous way: with his 7.62-mm (Browning 30. Caliber) Machine Gun, he killed 50 and put out about 20 Vehicles in his opponents area. However, the elements of the 4th Armored Division are obliged to retreat, the Germans take advantage of it to strengthen their positions but do not secure the Bridge over the Sée. Before the dawn of 31st July 1944, General Dager’s men crossed the Bridge and encountered new Columns of German Soldiers, who were obviously disorganised & retreated. Short but violent Fights are committed and it is during one of these Skirmishes that at Dawn, the Germans Counter Attacked but they are caught under the Amoured & P-47 Fighter-Bomber Attacks of the Americans: several 100 of them go to the end of the leap. Early in the afternoon, Brigadier General Dager considers that Avranches is under Control and that the Germans are no longer able to carry out a serious Counter-attack to take over the Commune. He immediately ordered the CCA to proceed in the direction of the Bridges on the Sélune in the South. In order to allow the 4th Armoured Division to remain organic, the 6th Armoured Division of Major General Robert W Grow comes to take position in the Sector of Avranches. At the beginning of August 1944, the Germans wanted to resume the initiative and take back the Town of Avranches. To this end, they are designing Operation Lüttich. But the Offensive, which begins on 7th August fails with very heavy Losses. Avranches is not affected by this Operation.
Air Gunner Bob Gill DFM 