13th June 1944 – the first German V1 Flying Bomb (ballistic missiles, named for vergeltungswaffen – German for reprisal) lands in England, at Swanscombe, Kent. Another, landing in London, kills six people at Bethnal Green. Over 8,000 V1 bombs, which became known as the buzz bomb or doodlebug, were launched against England in 1944 with more than 50% reaching their target. Operation Crossbow, the campaign against the V1 assault was now a top priority for the Allies. (See 'The V1 Bomb'.)
“By 13th June the British attack on Caen from the north-east had petered out” (from ‘Overlord’ by Max Hastings, Macmillan 2016 edition). Still following Monty's plan 7th Armoured Division advance to Villers-Bocage but one German tiger tank, commanded by Obsturmfuhrer (Captain) Michael Wittman of the newly arrived 2nd Panzer Division, destroys 25 tanks and other vehicles. With further attacks by 2nd Panzer and the Panzer Lehr the British withdraw west to Tracey-Bocage. 7th Armoured had lost a total of 28 tanks and 28 other armoured vehicles and Villers-Bocage was not liberated until 4th August – by then the town was in ruins.
American forces complete the liberation of Carentan and Caumont-L’Éventé and capture Pont l'Abbe, south-west of Sainte-Mère-Eglise.
After St Leger the 61st Recce HQ moved to near Bayeux (Regimental HQ location list on re-union dinner menu 1946) where they stayed for the arrival of the rest of the Regiment.
Eric Brewer of 61st Recce was about 12 miles to the south-west. On June 13th he wrote: “Now on G.P.* near Granville*. Gerry’s 500yds away, not much activity.” (From Eric Brewer’s Diary by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family)
*Gun position? General patrol?
**Grainville-sur-Odon, between Villers-Bocage and Caen.
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