On this day in history for the 87th CMB 9 July 1944, Item 112 (D plus 33): Company A, detached from 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division and attached to 330th Regiment, 83rd Division, While engaged in a night firing problem of approximately 80 rounds, the enemy replied with terrific counter-battery fire on and in the vicinity of the gun positions. The mission was completed by the men jumping out of slit trenches, firing the mortars and then taking cover again. By so doing, Jerry was not able to ascertain just when he had registered on the gun position. Effective at 2400, this company was detached from 330th Regiment and attached to the 351st Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. During the day Company B fired approximately 600 rounds of observed fire on hedgerow defenses and well prepared defensive positions and was very instrumental in assisting the advance of the 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, approximately 2000 meters. There was counter-battery in the vicinity of the position day and night but no casualties were suffered. Company C, operating in support of the 331st Regiment, 83rd Division, fired approximately 522 rounds of observed fire on successive 100 yard phase lines and walked the second and third battalions right up to their objectives, thus proving again that when the infantry closely follows mortar and artillery barrages, ground can be gained with the loss of a very few men as well as the expenditure of a very small amount of small arms ammunition. During the afternoon an enemy ammunition dump was hit and blown up; the resulting fire and explosions lasted for approximately 2 hours. Effective at 2400, Company C was detached from the 331st Regiment and attached to the 329th Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. Company D, operating in support of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, fired approximately 400 rounds of observed fire on well-prepared hedgerow defenses. This company was subject to terrific enemy counter-battery during the night at all positions which they occupied during the day. However, due to well-prepared slit trenches and the defiladed positions occupied by the guns, there were no casualties. Jerry opened up immediately with counter-battery each time this company fired its two prescribed night missions. Orders were received this date from FUSA to the effect that expenditures of 4.2" mortar ammunition is restricted to one-third unit of fire per day, cumulative until further notice; unit of fire, 60 rounds per gun. This data was immediately disseminated by the Battalion Commander to the Commanding General, 4th and 83rd Infantry Divisions and copies sent to regimental commanders with whom our companies are currently operating. All officers of this battalion were likewise informed and duly instructed that under no circumstances was this restricted expenditure to be exceeded unless they were directly ordered to do so by the infantry regimental commanders whom they were supporting, who then would have to bear the responsibility. Orders concerning the above restrictions were also disseminated by HQ, VII Corps to the above divisions. Protests against this restriction have been received from all sides and it is hoped that it will soon be lifted. Mortar fire had been found to be the most effective method of dealing with well prepared hedgerow defenses found in this well defended sector through which the Corps is now advancing. Strength increased to 38 officers and 715 enlisted men. Casualties: None 9 July 1945, Item 161: Battalion departed Camp Lucky Strike, France, by motor convoy at 0600. Boarded SS Exchequer and departed Le Havre, France at 1400. Debarked at Southampton, England at 2200. Proceeded via rail to Camp Barton Stacey and arrived thereat at 2350.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:50:07 +0000
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