TWO U. S. INFANTRYMEN ROUTING A SNIPER during street fighting in Cherbourg (top). German prisoners taken in Cherbourg (bottom). By 25 June U. S. forces were fighting in the streets of the city while the Germans demolished the port facilities. At 1500 on 26 June the German commanders surrendered. The Arsenal held out until the following morning and fanatical groups had to be eliminated one by one. A certain number of the enemy still remained to be rounded up in the northwest corner of the Cotentin Peninsula, but on 1 July all resistance in the northern Cotentin came to an end.
FRANCE
A MEMBER OF AN ENGINEER UNIT, operating a bulldozer, clears a street in Cherbourg (top). Members of an Engineer unit stationed in Cherbourg take time out to prepare a meal in the doorway of a house (bottom). C and K rations were generally issued to troops in combat. Where there was more time for the preparation of food, troops were given the “10 in 1” ration which contained more variety than the C and K rations. When units were more permanently settled regular messes were set up, but during the early days on the Continent just after the invasion, and while the supply situation was still critical, troops resorted to eating rations that could be more easily transported and prepared.
FRANCE
A PORTION OF CHERBOURG showing the inner harbor and docks. Fort du Roule, built high and secure into a steep rock promontory which stands immediately back of the city, dominated the entire harbor area. It was primarily a coastal fortress but was also defended against a ground attack. The P-47’s which bombed the fort did little damage to the subterranean tunnels housing the big guns. The fort was finally taken by infantry troops armed with machine guns, mortars, grenades, pole charges, and rifles. The fort surrendered in sections and it was not until late on 25 June that the complete surrender was accomplished. After the rest of the city had been taken the Arsenal still held out. This structure, partially protected by a moat, was high-walled and well-armed. On 27 June the Arsenal surrendered bringing to an end all organized resistance in the city. With the fall of the city every effort was made to clear the harbor and repair docking facilities as quickly as possible.