D-DAY LANDINGS continued...

...The initial problem for defence forces resulted from their autocratic command structure; authorisation had to be sought from Hitler before any deployment of key Panzer divisions. Because the Fuhrer always slept late, no-one dared wake him on the morning of the invasion and it was some time before Hitler was informed. However, by the time these divisions were released, it was too late; the Allies were firmly ashore and the opportunity to drive them back into the sea had gone.

Only the 21st Panzer Division attempted a major counter-attack on D-Day, and this fizzled out due to a serious lack of infantry support.

With more men and material landing each day, the growing power of American and British forces began the steady drive inland. The plan was for British Forces to capture Caen, just 15 kilometers from Gold Beach, within the first few days after invasion.

Although the landings had seen limited casualties
relative to the amount of men successfully put ashore, the following weeks saw some of the toughest fighting of the Second World War. Despite overwhelming air superiority, some British & Canadian infantry battalions suffered casualties exceeding those of the Somme battles in 1916 28 years earlier.

Operation EPSOM was an attempt to liberate Caen by manoeuvre instead of direct assault. British divisions faced well trained SS troopers in four panzer divisions. Both would soon learn the harsh realities of war in the hedgerows and fields of Normandy. The French referred to this terrain as boquage with its features of small fields, earth embankments and thick hedgerows. It was ideal defensive ground which was used to good effect by the enemy who were equipped with superior tanks and anti-tank weapons...