CAHAGNES
Calvados
- 5 km south-east of Caumont-l'Eventé
The VIIIth and the XXXth Corps in the Trouée de Caumont
The
ratio of strength is by a long way favorable to the British as the
Operation Bluecoat - or Trouée de Caumont - started
at the end of July 1944. Facing two Army Corps the Germans could
only oppose two infantry divisions. On 30 July the VIIIth and the
XXXth Army Corps launched the attack right and left in line with
Caumont-l'Eventé. The 15th Scottish Infantry Division and
the 6th Guards Tank Brigade - VIIIth Corps - pierced the frontline
of the 326th German Infantry Division. East of Caumont progression
of the 43rd Wessex Infantry Division - XXXth Corps - is
harder due to relief and German and American minefields. At the
end of the afternoon the British moved to positions north-west of
Cahagnes. On 31 July the Guards Armoured Division and the 21st Panzer-Division,
sent in reinforcement by Generalfeldmarshall von Klüge, fought
mercylessly at hill 309. The 43rd Wessex Infantry Division
was on the way again after corridors had been opened in the minefields.
The battle raged to seize Cahagnes and in the afternoon the town
fell in British hands.
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James Cornwall monument
