The Battle of Caen

Klappentext

Caen in Normandy became a vital 1944 objective, driving weeks of stalled fighting, bombing, and tank-led assaults.

The city of Caen, capital of the Calvados region in Normandy, played a central role in General Montgomery's plans for the 1944 Allied invasion of France. Its capture was considered vital for the expansion of operations following D-Day.

Situated roughly ten miles inland from Sword Beach, Caen was intended to fall on the very first day of the landings. To achieve this, a specially designated combined force of tanks and infantry from the British 3rd Infantry Division was assigned the objective. However, heavy congestion on the beaches, combined with swift and determined German counter-attacks supported by panzer units, significantly delayed the advance. Despite persistent and determined fighting, British forces were halted by nightfall just two kilometres short of the city.

Following this initial failure, British and Canadian forces spent the ensuing weeks attempting to capture Caen through a series of offensives to the east and west. None of these efforts succeeded, and the front facing Caen settled into a grim stalemate, with both sides digging in. Meanwhile, civilians within the city endured immense suffering as Allied bombing and artillery bombardments caused widespread destruction and heavy casualties.

After nearly a month of inconclusive fighting, Montgomery ordered renewed efforts to seize the city. On July 8, 1944, Operation Charnwood was launched by the British Second Army, involving three infantry divisions in a coordinated attack. Heavy RAF bombing preceded the assault, devastating the northern outskirts, though German defensive positions remained largely intact. Fierce resistance continued until German forces were ordered to withdraw south of the Orne River, allowing Allied troops to finally secure northern Caen.

Even then, German forces held the southern districts, necessitating Operation Atlantic, launched alongside Operation Goodwood on July 18. Canadian forces fought through difficult terrain and strong resistance, eventually securing positions south of the city. After forty-four days of intense combat, Caen was fully within Allied control.

This book tells the whole story of this drawn-out battle, uniquely illustrated with many Then and Now comparison photos which are the hallmark of After the Battle.