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The I13th Cavalry Group, in corps reserve since
II July, had been alerted to prepare to pass
through the 29th Division and maintain contact
with the enemy who, it was hoped, would withdraw
to a new MLR possibly as far south as the
high ground just north of Torigni-sur-Vire. The
cavalry group was attached to the 29th Division
late on ,8 July for reconnaissance missions. At
0200 on '9 July, Troop C of the II3th Cavalry
Squadron passed through St-Lil to conduct active
patrolling on the three main roads leading south,
southwest, and southeast out of the town. Contact
was to be gained and maintained with the enemy,
and any indication of a withdrawal by the enemy
was to be reported at once.
Troop C, reinforced, took up its mission at
04'5 and advanced against little opposition for
500 yards; then it was hit by enemy antitank,
mortar, and artillery fire. Serious casualties.
which included the commanding officer, Capt.
Frank L. Kirby, one platoon leader, the first
sergeant, and approximately 30 men, led Troop
C to withdraw its vehicles north of St-Lei and
undertake dismounted patrolling to the south.
On tl,e left flank of the 29th Division, Troop A
had also met heavy resistance and its activities
were limited to short dismounted patrols and use
of observation posts behind the American lines.
Here, too, it was apparent that the enemy had
made only limited withdrawals.
In fact, the Germans had established defensive
positions on the high ground 1,000 yards SOUtll of
St-Lo, taking full advantage of the commanding
ground for observation and of the hedgerows for
RUINS OF ST-LO 011 25 July were still being combed by pa/rols
looking lor snipers or observers directing Gawan artiflay fire.