28th June 1944 – Grainville-sur-Odon was at last in British hands and, briefly, Hill 112, strategically important high ground south of the Odon. Here, 11th Armoured Division was attacked by 1st SS Panzer Division, 21st Panzer and SS Panzer das Reich. The British Second Army was now under attack by seven panzer divisions including four elite SS panzer divisions (SS Panzer divisions were substantially larger and better equipped than their Wehrmacht counterparts). Hitler was determined that their front line would not progress south or east, threatening Paris or cutting off the German 7the Army. The Allies badly needed the flat ground south of Caen for airfields but Monty was now focused on Caen and claimed this drew in the the panzer divisions so the Americans could make progress to the west. (From ‘Overlord’ by Max Hastings, Macmillan 2016 edition and 'The Drive on Caen, Northern France 7th June -9th July 1944’, a 60th Anniversary booklet.)
Roy Howard reports that 61st Recce crossed the River Odon to Mondrainville. (From ‘Beaten Paths are Safest’ by Roy Howard, Brewin Books 2004). Eric Brewer “went out to hold forward position, mainly a forward O.P. in case Gerrys put in an attack while the *59th are retiring, but was only in danger of our own chaps shooting on us as they did not know there was anyone in front of them. These tin hats want some telling from a distance if they are Gerrys or us, but I got relieved at last. I don’t know first in last out as usual.” (From Eric Brewer’s Diary by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family.)
*Possibly the 59th (Staffordshire) Division, the last British Division to arrive in Normandy?
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