Involved in the Action

1^st July 1944 – the Bretton Woods conference begins in New Hampshire, USA, involving delegates from 44 Allied countries in discussions to ensure post-war economic prosperity and economic co-operation.  By 22^nd July the conference had resulted in agreements establishing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

In Italy the Allies break through the Albert/Trasimene line, the German’s next line of defence north of Rome, advancing up the western edge of Italy towards Pisa and Florence.

In Normandy the Americans secure Cap de la Hague, near Cherbourg.

Near Caen, German 1^st SS Panzer Corps launch attacks around Grainville but are held off by British 2^nd Army. 

As usual 61^st Recce appear to be involved in the action.  Eric Brewer recorded in his diary:

"July 1^st - moved to South of Grainville to forward O.P. to direct mortar fire.  Gerry about 500 yards in front.  Code/signs for mortars light or heavy shelling light or heavy also strength or movement if any.  Only one mortar and two shellings all day rather quiet.  Stayed there all night. Rather quiet - only a few buckshee mortars coming over.

July 2^nd - still same place doing same job. Had a few enemy mortars come over but don’t think he will trouble us any more by the weight of the barrage  laid down. Located enemy vehicles moving - soon had artillery firing at it.

July 3rd - position inspected by General and found to be possible for Gerry to come through valley.

July 4th - Gerry mortared to left of us but was unlucky in finding us." (Included by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family)

Eric Postles, also in 'B' Squadron, recalled that in July 1944: “We continued patrolling activity always having to be cautious beyond the start line of friendly aircraft attention even though we had red and yellow fluorescent panels on display to identify us*.  We had also to be cautious on returning back through the infantry positions.  We saw little of A and C Squadrons as we operated independently and our troop often worked alone.” (Extract from ‘My War Years’ by John Eric Postles ISO used by kind permission of the author.)

*The front-line displayed panels on the top of their vehicles to try to avoid bombing by Allied planes.