Bradley's Fourth

On July 4, 1944, the Allies had been ashore for several weeks, but things were still very much undecided -- the breakout, Cobra, was weeks away, and the overall strategy was still geared toward the original plan of a breakthrough at Caen, Monty's section. (The city was still in German hands, despite the fact Monty's goal of taking it on D-Day.)

Still, the Americans planned a special celebration.

From Chet Hansen's diary:

It was Bert Brandt’s idea last night to take Generals Ike and Brad  to artillery position where pic[ture] could be made for press of the generals ticking off guns on the 4^th of July celebration they had arranged for [a 1600 gun salute at noon]. … Drove to the artillery positions down in 29^th Division sector on the road to St. Lo. …Someone had tipped [a battery of cameramen] off and there were cameras everywhere with newsreels set up from every position. Surprised to find this display, Brandt was angry, though he did not indicate it to the general. Bradley took the lanyard when Ike demurred because all cameramen had not been notified and he was scared of exclusive. Brad grabbed cord, “Well, this is our only celebration for the Fourth.”

For more from the diary, go to my website: www.jimdefelice.com


*Hansen was Bradley's aide, and an invaluable witness to the war.