EXMES Orne - 16 km east of Argentan
The Vth Corps closed the Falaise pocket
 Mid-August 1944, the Americans entered Dreux and Orléans. General Patton launched two divisions toward the river Seine. The 90th Infantry Division under General Mac Bride was assigned the protection of the 2nd French Armoured Division rearguard; the Americans reached Le Bourg-saint-Léonard-Exmes road. On 17 August, the 2nd French Armoured Division under General Leclerc was attached to General Gerow Vth Corps. On 18 August, the Vth Corps objective was the closing of the Falaise pocket. The 80th Infantry Division was kept in check on N24 bis road; on the right flank, the 90th Infantry Division crossed Gouffern forest and moved in Le Bourg-saint-Léonard. On 19 August, the 2nd French Armoured Division Combat Group Massu started from Médavy, crossed Le Pin-au-Haras and liberated Exmes, where Colonel Langlade set up his headquarter.
  
     
   
 
     
 
 

General Leclerc stele
 Stele dedicated to General Leclerc de Hautecloque, and to the 2nd French Armoured Division who liberated the town on 19 August 1944.
 Situation : general Leclerc place, on the War Memorial
 
   
     
ROAD MAP
 
INTERESTING WEB SITES
Personal web site about the 90th US Infantry Division
http://90thdivisionassoc.org/
Personal web site about the 2nd French Armoured Division
http://www.marechal-leclerc.fr.st
Personal page about the 2nd French Armoured Division
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/stephane.delogu/division-leclerc.html
Conseil général de l’Orne web site about the liberation of the départment
http://1944.orne.fr/
Personal web site about the French Sherman tanks
http://www.chars-francais.net/listing_m4.htm
 
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