Jeanne, Frederick Hold the Oak Line

Histoire illustrée de la 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Entrainement - D-Day - Contre-attaque de la "Hitlerjugend"

This work covers the operational history of the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade (part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division) from early 1944 through July 1, 1944. Unlike operations such as Epsom, Windsor, Charnwood, and Goodwood, the course of the fighting following the Normandy landings is not as easily documented. Having suffered heavy casualties on the beaches, the infantry battalions of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division quickly reached their initial D-Day objectivesthe "Oak Line," marked by the Caen-Bayeux railway. Meanwhile, two German divisionsthe 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend" and the Panzer-Lehr-Divisionarrived at the front, having been significantly delayed by Allied air superiority. These units plunged into battle almost immediately, amidst near-total confusion and without knowledge of the opposing forces. The 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade held the westernmost sector of the Canadian front, acting as the pivot point connecting to the 50th British Division, which had landed at Gold Beach. The front line was very loosely defined; the roads and sectors under control were not fully secure. The Germans sought to drive the Allies back into the sea, and the Canadians had to hold the Oak Line!