Allied Operation Cobra, during World War II. United States infantry,tanks and other vehicles advance from Lessay through the war-torn town of Periers, on their way to Coutances, France. US infantrymen (probably 90th Infantry Division) and armor of the 4th Armored Division, including M4(105) howitzer medium tanks and M4 medium tanks (part of Operation Cobra) move past a road sign that reads "Périers". At top of signpost, another sign reads: "Road cleared of mines to hedges." The tanks turn right (South) in front of the damaged Periers church, as they pass through town on their way toward the city of Coutances.
Military police guard German prisoners of war in vicinity of Periers,France, during World War II. German prisoners rest along wall in courtyard of a building. Some prisoners sleep over ruins of buildings. Military police guard them. Prisoners being marched to trucks and loaded, packed tightly onto open trucks. French women on bicycles stop and make fun of the German prisoners Damaged buildings seen in the background. Sherman tank of 4th Armored Division drives past bomb-damaged church. Road sign points along Route 71 to next town (Coutances) and end of route (coastal city of Granville).