June 1944

Western Front - Battle For Caen

In the morning the Germans roll into le Quesnay, take it and push on to Briquessard where they recover some of the equipment left behind the previous day.

There are now 20 Allied divisions ashore facing 18 understrength German divisions. Montgomery orders that both Caen and Cherbourg be taken. It is to be a double envelopment method as fas as Caen was concerned, but will take place closer to the city on the west. The effort is to be made by the new arriving VIII Corps. XXX Corps will just have a supporting role. The attack will begin on the 22nd with more forces involved than before.

At 11:15am a direct hit made by a V-1 on the chapel of the Brigade of Guard while Waterloo Day observances are being held. 121 are killed, 68 wounded.

Gen Montgomery issues a directive to his army commanders, Generals Bradley and Dempsey. The immediate task for Bradley: the capture of Cherbourg; for Dempsey; the capture of Caen. In the attack for Caen, it was intended for the British VIII Corps to deliver the main attack, east of the River Orne. However, as the detailed planning began, it became obvious that a corps could not assemble in the tight bridgehead east of the Orne. It was decided to use the units already in the area for the left part of the pincer movement and shift VIII Corps to advance from the right.