Should these dams be blown, the released water would cause the river below to become so swollen and swift that a relatively small defending force could render a military crossing in this area next to impossible. The importance of these dams was fully realized by both the Allies and the Germans. On the Roer River was the Rurtalsperre Schwammenauel (53.679.760.560 US gal), and on the Urft River the Urfttalsperre (12.548.172.375 US gal). However, located on these German rivers, were two very important and well-defended Dams. The crossing of these rivers itself as they flowed at this time presented no great problem. In late autumn 1944, the US forces driving across Europe were confronted with the Roer River and the Urft River in their northern sector. On Jul 15, the 644-TDB was attached to the 8-ID and although elements of the battalion were from time to time attached to other divisions, the battalion itself remained so attached until early Dec 1944. The remainder of the battalion, also in LSTs and under the control of its executive officer, Maj Edward R. The major portion of the battalion moved across the English Channel on Jul 11 in Landing Ships and Landing Tanks. The battalion landed in Europe on Utah Beach on Jul 11. They completely covered the overhead openings of the turrets. These covers were made of a one-quarter-inch armor plate. In order to provide protection for the crews against artillery fragments, a cover for each tank destroyer turret was made. On May 10, the Battalion moved to Hungerford, England, where, along with more training, preparations were made for the move to the Normandy Peninsula. This unit left the USA equipped with the 3-inch motor gun carriage M-10 (76.2-MM), the vehicle it retained throughout its operations in Europe. The battalion landed in Northern Ireland on Jan 13 and there continued its training with emphasis placed on indirect fire. Graham, sailed from the USA on Jan 2, 1944, on board of the HMT Aquitania. The 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP)(Self-Propelled), commanded by Col Ephriam F. OPERATIONS OH THE 644th TANK DESTROYER BATTALION – ARDENNES 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self-Propelled), by Maj William F. Officers Advanced Course, Armored School. Document Source: Report about the employment of four (4) Tank Destroyer Battalions in the ETO.
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