Pictures taken during the Battle for Hill 192 in Normandy – June/July 1944

Note that some of these pictures were taken in or near Saint-Georges-d’Elle

Hill 192 was located between the cities of Saint-Lô and Bayeux in Normandy. The Battle was fought between elements of the 2nd US Infantry Division and the 16,000 strong 3rd German Fallschirmjäger (Parachute) Division, commanded by Generalleutnant Richard Schimf.

Hill 192 gave the defending German forces good observation for miles in every direction. It needed to be taken in order for US General Omar Bradley to drive behind the German left flank and break out of Normandy; the attack that would become Operation Cobra.

The terrain around Hill 192 also provided the German defenders excellent cover & concealment. US Lt. General Joseph Lawton Collins, found it worse country to fight in than Guadalcanal.

The long battle among the Hedgerows finally culminated on July 10 when US forces captured Hill 192 and the surrounding area

LIFE Magazine Archives – Frank Scherschel Photographer