June 1944

Western Front - Battle For Caen

In British 2nd Army's XXX Corps area, additional enemy pressure from the south forces the 7th Armored Division to withdraw farther northward to the Parfouru-l'Eclin area. The US V Corps artillery assists in repelling enemy attacks.

The Germans began to attack 7th Armored Division defensive box from three sides. The German shelling soon starts making its effect felt since everything is so tightly spaced. Only one battery of the 5th RHA, 4 self-propelled 25 pounder guns, are able to engage. German infantry comes up but are beaten back. In the evening the 7th Armored is pulled back 7 miles. The first attempt to encircle Caen had failed.

At 0630 the Caumont area, the British artillery opens up a tremendous barrage that lasts about 15 minutes. Next, fighter-bombers come in to attack. There are casualties among the Germans, but most stay in their slit trenches. This action is done to prevent the German 2nd Panzer from resuming their attack from the previous day.