22 July 1944 Part 2

22 July 1944 Part 2 Weekly assessment of reconnaissance and possible landings

2. Enemy situation and assessment

(a) Thirteen to fourteen enemy divisions, including two armoured divisions, have been identified in the Seventh Army sector. At his main points of effort the enemy committed six infantry divisions and two armoured divisions, together with several Army tank battalions and very strong Army artillery. The enemy can bring up additional forces and replacement transports unhindered because of his air and naval superiority, since sufficient troops and war material are available to him in his home territory. The American forces presently in western Normandy are sufficient to renew a major attack soon, after completing the regrouping that has been identified.

These findings, together with renewed destruction of transport routes behind our front and the slight activity of the enemy air force, are further signs of an early resumption of a major attack towards the south and southwest. An extension of enemy attacks to the area on either side of the boundary with Panzer Group West appears possible. Airborne and seaborne landings on the west coast of the Cotentin peninsula cannot be ruled out. The enemy is carrying out increased naval and maritime air reconnaissance in the sea area of the Channel Islands as far as the Avranches–Saint-Malo area.

German Seventh Army Headquarters (AOK 7), NARA T-312 Roll 1569. Roll 1569 Jersey and Channel Islands English translations.docx, reference 35. T312-1569.pdf, PDF page 196. PDF pages count from the first page of the supplied file.