JULY 1st. The opposition in Caen was virtually the same now as it stood at D-Day.
The landing beaches and approach roads were totally blocked with up to 875,000 men, 150,000 vehicles and 520,000 tons of stores. The failure to secure Caen was creating serious logistical problems, with the massive amount of equipment being landed on the beach-head having nowhere to go!!
The allied airforces who were performing magnificently in keeping the German troops away from the battle-grounds, were desperate for air fields within Normandy, but far enough away from enemy fire.
Nothing could progress until Caen was taken!!

The city was totally ringed with German defences. It was essential that the village of Le Carpiquet and the airfield west of Caen was captured, in order to achieve a successful attack on the city itself.
JULY 4th After massive air and artillery support the Canadian 8th. Brigade under the command of Brigadier Blackader and supported by the 79th. Armoured Division moved forward to try and take these objectives.

The calibre of the German defenders cannot be overstated, they were of  the highest imaginable.          The Canadians were met by no less than The Hitler Jungen Division!!
The fighting was ferocious, even with all the firepower available to the Canadians, they struggled to take the village of Le Carpiquet, but take it they did, at tremendous cost. 350 killed in action and the airfield was only partially taken. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles again took most casualties, with 100 men killed, only to be back where they started when the day was over….

It was now obvious to Montgomery, that to take Caen, it would have to be virtually reduced to rubble by using Bomber Command and heavy artillery fire.
July 7th. was the date set for the bombing and bombardment to take place, followed the next day by the ground assault of the British 1 Corps and Canadian 3rd. Division.

This was code named OPERATION CHARNWOOD.

The following 24 hours saw heavy fighting, with the Canadians losing more men than they did on D-Day.
Even then only the northern area of Caen was taken, the Germans maintained their grip on the southern and eastern parts of the city.
Shaef headquarters were now getting impatient, for the victory at Caen. Montgomery knew he had to deliver.
During this time the Americans were taking Cherbourg but were finding it difficult to advance on St. Lo.