Cherbourg captured by Allies

27^th June 1944 – the US VII Corps  (part of US 1^st Army) complete the capture of Cherbourg although the port had suffered considerable destruction and will not be useable for three weeks.  It was only fully operational in late September.

In Operation Epsom a German counter-attack is repulsed by the 43rd (Wessex) Division, who begin to relieve 15^th (Scottish) Division as the front line in the Odon Valley. The attack on Grainville-sur-Odon is stalled but Rauray is liberated by units of XXX Corps. The allies took the Tourmaville Bridge across the Odon river and ferocious battle begins for Hill 112, overlooking the bridgehead. (From 'The Drive on Caen, Northern France 7^th June -9^th July 1944’, a 60^th Anniversary booklet and Hill 112 Memorial Foundation.)

Eric Brewer: “Found out today that the Green Howards position which we found yesterday are missing somewhere.   A Company of 57 men altogether have not been heard of for over a week they think Gerry surrounded them and took them prisoners. Went out on patrol to find out how effective our mortar firing was but unable to get close enough to find out because of M.G.” (From Eric Brewer’s Diary by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family.)