Third Time Lucky WTO (id:#61498)

(Elite Canadians ID: MLR05)   [next]   [previous]

Prior Publication: Maple Leaf Route #

St. Martin-de-Fontenay, Normandy, France 1944-08-01 (14 others)

Overview:

The church at St. Martin was held by SS troops of the 9th Panzer Division. A night assault on 28/29 July by two companies of Le Regiment de Masionneuve had failed as had a second attempt, which was supported by artillery and Typhoons. The church held a commanding position on the outskirts of St. Martin and gave the Germans ample view of the Canadian rear area. Major Dextraze’s D Company of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal was given the job of taking the church. He was convinced that a swift, carefully coordinated attack combined with reconnaissance of the area would succeed. At 0530 hours on the morning of 1 August, the attack commenced, preceded by a preparatory artillery attack on the church.

Defender: German (SS) (9th SS Panzer Division)  

Errata (source)