Rommel became increasingly aware of the threat to Cherbourg and feared that the Cotentin Peninsula was about to be cut off. On 7 June he rushed more troops to the area, including the 77th Division which was eventually sent to Montebourg. From 8 June to 1 July, General von Schlieben set up a defensive line from le Ham to the west of the N13, through Montebourg to Quineville on the coast to the east. On 10 June the 505th Parachute Infantry attacked le Ham, with the objective of taking Montebourg station. The attack bogged down after a successful start, and Montebourg was still in enemy hands by 12 June. The Germans were prepared to fight hard for what they felt was the vital key town to the defense of Cherbourg. They repelled attacks over the following days until finally, on 18 June, General Collins developed his plan for the final drive to Cherbourg with General Bradley, knowing that Schlieben was withdrawing to Cherbourg. The attacking American divisions encountered little resistance. When the 3rd Battalion of the 22nd Infantry entered Montebourg at 1800 hours on 19 June they found it deserted, but 90 per cent destroyed.