Battle of Caen
Battle of Normandy (Second World War) · Caen, Calvados, Normandy, France
Summary
The Battle of Caen refers to fighting from June to August 1944 for the Norman capital, a key road hub toward the Seine. Planned for the evening of 6 June, its capture ultimately required six weeks and four Allied offensives against the 21st Panzer Division, 12th SS Hitlerjugend, and Rommel's Army Group B.
Historical context
After the landings, Caen and Cherbourg were major objectives. The plains around the city suited armor and airfields. Montgomery committed the British 2nd Army (150,000 men, three armored divisions) against about 100,000 Germans and seven armored divisions of Panzer Group West.
Tactics
Initial frontal assaults failed (notably Operation Perch, 7–15 June). Montgomery then planned a series of western outflanking offensives (Epsom, Charnwood, Goodwood, etc.) to seize Caen from the rear in a sector where 12th SS inflicted heavy losses on the Canadians.
Consequences
The fall of Caen opened ground suited to mobile warfare and pinned German armor, facilitating the American breakthrough in the south (Cobra) and the Falaise encirclement.