The Operation “Chastity” offensive
was planned to gain control of the large harbors of Brest and Lorient whose
facilities were needed to provide the logistical support the Allies would need to
drive across France. General Ramcke and the 2nd Fallschirmjäger Division were
primarily responsible for the defense of Brest. Ramcke formed a defensive line
five miles from the center of the city. Loyal to the Führer, he directed the
fallschirmjägers to hold the line to the last man. It was not until August 23rd,
when three Infantry Divisions from the VIII Corps arrived, that the Americans
had enough strength to actually begin the offensive. The small town of Plouzané was the first objective of the
175th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division. They attacked
Plouzané, held by fallschirmjägers and a marine unit from the Brest Naval
Base.
Attacker: American (2nd Batt., 175th Inf. Regiment, 29th Inf. Division)
