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Why were the hedgerows a problem for the allied troops?

Why were the hedgerows a problem for the allied troops?

Tactical interest of the hedgerows But as part of an offensive during the battle of the hedges, the attackers could very rarely have views of the whole terrain, the hedges also hid the lines of fire, while their impassable character greatly impeded the movements of the platoons and combat groups.

Who won the battle of hedgerows?

49.12
The Battle of Saint-Lô is one of the three conflicts in the battle of the hedgerows, which took place between July 7 and 19, 1944, just before Operation Cobra….Battle of Saint-Lô

Date July 7–19, 1944
Location Saint-Lô, France49.12°N 1.09°WCoordinates:49.12°N 1.09°W
Result Allied victory

What was hedgerow fighting like?

Fighting in the hedgerows, Ambrose described, was like fighting in a maze. Platoons got separated from one another in the initial moves of an assault. The 83rd Infantry Division was committed to combat for the first time in late June 1944.

Why are there no hedges in France?

Many hedges were removed in the French countryside from the 1960s onwards in a bid to improve agricultural productivity.

Why did France have hedgerows?

The hedgerows in Normandy date back to Roman times, when they were used to enclose pastures and mark property lines. Each hedge is generally between two and six feet wide at its base, and any- where from three to fifteen feet high.

Why are there hedgerows in France?

Hedges help biodiversity as they create “green corridors” in the countryside that provide shelter and food for numerous animals and insects. Gardeners in France have previously been advised against cutting hedges in summer to help protect birds.

How many soldiers died on Omaha Beach?

The Americans suffered 2,400 casualties at Omaha on June 6, but by the end of the day they had landed 34,000 troops. The German 352nd Division lost 20 percent of its strength, with 1,200 casualties, but it had no reserves coming to continue the fight.