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Operation Charnwood was a Second World War Anglo-Canadian offensive that took place from 8–9 July 1944, during the Battle of Normandy. The operation intended to capture the German-occupied French city of Caen. It was also hoped that the attack would forestall the transfer of German armoured units to the American sector of the front. Within two days the city had been captured up to the Orne and Odon rivers. Preceded by a controversial bombing raid that destroyed much of Caen's historic Old City, Charnwood began at dawn on 8 July, with three infantry divisions attacking German positions north of Caen supported by artillery and tanks. British I Corps made gradual progress against the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend and 16th Luftwaffe Field Division. By the end of the day, the 3rd Canadian and British 3rd and 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Divisions had cleared the villages in their path and reached Caen's outskirts. Entering the city the following morning, the Allies encountered resistance from German units who were beginning a withdrawal across the Orne. Carpiquet airfield was captured during the morning, and by evening the Allies had reached the Orne's north bank. Discovering the bridges south to be defended or impassable and with German reserves positioned to oppose their crossing, the operation was halted. Despite I Corps' losses, Charnwood was a tactical success. Operationally, it achieved mixed results. (Full article...)
