October 7, 1944: Canadian forces (elements of British 21st Army Group) establish two bridgeheads over the Leopold canal but German forces successfully stop the advance and counterattack.
October 7, 1944: Canadian forces (elements of British 21st Army Group) establish two bridgeheads over the Leopold canal but German forces successfully stop the advance and counterattack. The US 1st Army penetrates the German held Siegfried Line to the north of Aachen, attacking Alsdorf, Baesweiler, Kerkrade, and Schmidt. Meanwhile, to the south, forces of US 3rd Army (part of US 12th Army Group) gain some ground in Luxembourg and near Metz, attacking around Echternach, Wormeldange, and Fort Driant. Ferocious German counterattacks prevent significant progress. US 7th Army captures Vagney. Over the western front, US 8th Air Force attacks Politz with 142 bombers, Ruhland with 59 bombers, Merseburg with 129 bombers, Lutzkendorf with 88 bombers, Bohlen with 86 bombers, Kassel with 310 bombers, Magdeburg with 87 bombers, and targets of opportunity with 510 bombers. US 15th Air Force attacks Vienna with 350 bombers. RAF Bomber Command sends 351 aircraft to attack Kleve, 340 aircraft to a...