Operation Cobra

Lore & Background

Operation Cobra commenced on 25 July 1944, with a concentrated aerial bombardment from thousands of Allied aircraft. The bombardments resulted in friendly fire casualties, including Lieutenant General Lesley J. McNair. Units of the U.S. VII Corps led the initial two-division assault. By 27 July, most organized resistance had been overcome and the VII and VIII Corps advanced rapidly, isolating the Cotentin Peninsula. By 31 July, XIX Corps had destroyed the last forces opposing the First Army, which emerged from the bocage and liberated Avranches. The largest German counterattack, Unternehmen Lüttich (Operation Liège), was launched on 7 August between Mortain and Avranches and was a costly failure. On 8 August, troops of the newly activated Third United States Army captured the city of Le Mans. Operation Cobra transformed the high-intensity infantry combat of Normandy into rapid maneuver warfare and led to the creation of the Falaise pocket.

Reader's Guide

The offensive was delayed several times by poor weather. Supporting offensives had drawn the bulk of German armored reserves toward the British and Canadian sector. Progress was slow on the first day but opposition started to crumble once the defensive crust had been broken. Reinforcements were moved west by Field Marshal Günther von Kluge and employed in various counterattacks, the largest of which was launched on 7 August. The German response was ineffectual mainly due to the effect of Operation Bluecoat.

Did You Know?

• The operation began on 25 July 1944 after being delayed by poor weather.
• The largest German counterattack, Operation Liège, was launched on 7 August 1944 and failed.