Episodes

6 episodes in this season

The Battle for Tunisia

El Alamein

The Battle for Monte Cassino

The West Wall

Operation Market Garden

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The Battle for Caen

Battlefield

TV Series

19948.8

Documentary

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The Battle for Caen

Season 5 · Episode 6 · Jun 1, 2001

Caen, perhaps the greatest major obstacle for the Allied advance inland after the landings in Normandy, 6 June 1944. Consequently it was a key objective for 3rd British Div. landing on Sword Beach. The Allies were unable to capture the strategically important city on D-Day in the teeth of armoured counter-attacks from 21st Panzer Div. Renewed attempts by 3rd Canadian Div. on 7-8 June were foiled by 12th SS Panzer Div. 'Hitlerjugend', as were 7th British Armoured Divs. thrusts towards the city on 11-14 June. On 25 June Operation 'Epsom' was launched to take Caen. Preceded by RAF Bomber Command attacks, further British & Canadian assaults on 4 July stalled before the whole of the city could be taken. On 7 July Operation 'Charnwood' forced the Germans to withdraw from northern Caen. Heavier bombardment opened Operation 'Goodwood' on 18 July, in the course of which the Canadians finally managed to liberate the rest of Caen, by now largely demolished after five weeks of intensive fighting.

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Battlefield

TV Series

19948.8

Documentary

Now playing

The Battle for Caen

Season 5 · Episode 6 · Jun 1, 2001

More details