9th July 1944 – In Caen the Germans withdrew from the north of the city overnight to a very defensible front line on the south side of the River Orne, including the high ground of the Bourg. The Allies advance through the rubble of the city to the Orne and now hold most of the city. (From 'The Drive on Caen, Northern France 7th June -9th July 1944’, a 60th Anniversary booklet.)
50th Division are involved in another failed attack to take Hottot-les-Bagues, south-west of Tilly-sur-Seules.
Eric Brewer's diary for 9th July records that he: "Moved to Grainville. Infantry took it and we have a forward position." He had also written home again that he was "Still at base taking it easy...I see that you have sent me on some more cigarettes...if you send me anymore I will have to send them back home as I have more than I can smoke now; I bought 400 before I came to France and also have about one hundred besides...but the writing paper and envelopes are always welcomed, also the toothpaste". (Diary and letter extracts included by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family.)
Recent Comments