On 6th August 1944 elements of the 43rd (Wessex) Division overcame fierce German resistance to secure the high ground of Mont Pinçon, the highest point in the Calvados Area of Normandy and an important strategic objective for Operation Bluecoat. (From "The Final Battle for NormandyNorthern France 9th July – 30th August 1944, a 60th Anniversary booklet .) ‘
Dick’s former regiment, 43rd Recce, had been supplemented by a squadron of the Green Howards following the sinking of the Derrycunihy and were back in action from the beginning of August. Having been relieved by 61st Recce on 3rd August (who took over holding the line near Caumont) they were deployed north-west of Mont Pinçon and heavily engaged by the enemy. (From ‘Only the Enemy in Front Every other beggar behind…’ The Recce Corps at War 1940-1946’ by Richard Doherty, Tom Donovan Publishing Ltd 1994)
Eric Postles recalled that, after capturing Villers Bocage 43 Division “pushed on to take the highest point, Mount Pinçon, which commanded the area for miles around.” (Extract from ‘My War Years’ by John Eric Postles ISO used by kind permission of the author.)
Eric Brewer was “in reserve, taking it easy” “in an orchard, round the radio. This morning reveille was at 7.30; it was more like one of those Sunday mornings you used to have in civvy street.” In his letter home he recounted how “about two weeks ago we came across a Gerry knocked out tank, a Tiger…one of the chaps found two sets of silver cutlery, also a complete carving set – about 50 different articles altogether. I reckon they had looted them on their way out of France” (extracts from Eric Brewer’s diary and letters included by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family).
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