The story
Only about two hours’ time had been allowed for preparation and information was practically non-existent, save that the town was believed to be held.
It later transpired that 9 S.S. Panzer Division was in reserve just South of the town with a counter-attack role on the town itself.
The Battalion attack went in at 1730 hours supported by 55 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY, 3 Squadron on of 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, but no 17-pounder Anti-Tank guns.
The attack was in two phases:
Phase 1 being to capture LE PONT ESNAULT which overlooks the road running East from MONTCHAMP, and
Phase 2 being the capture of MONTCHAMP itself.
Phase 1 went well and No.s 3 and 4 Companies reached their objectives without casualties.
Prince of Wales Company and No. 2 Company then attacked astride the road running North from MONTCHAMP with No. 3 Company to follow up behind them and No. 4 Company to remain at LE PONT
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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.