The story
Meanwhile the men of 4th CLY and Rifle Brigade at Pt 213 were effectively cut of and although the artillery spotters from 5th RHA were able to call down supporting fire, they could not find a way out, as by now Panzer Grenadiers were all around the position.
Eventually only about 30 men would make it out of Pt 213 to rejoin the Division. To the west of Villers-Bocage 1/5th Queens had taken up positions to the east of Tracy-Bocage, along with 5th RHA. Here they were attacked by two battalions of Panzer Grenadiers and some tanks. The fighting was again very fierce with 'CC' Battery, 5th RHA engaging the enemy over open sights and with Bren Guns.
Even the cooks and storemen joined the battle. During this part battle the Panzer Grenadiers suffered severe causalities and eight Panzer IV tanks were knocked out. In Villers-Bocage itself 1/7th Queens lost 8 officers and 120 men, while destroying nine German Tanks.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.