Operation Goodwood order of battle Facts for Kids

Opposing commanders

Lt.-Gen. Miles Dempsey

Gnl der PzTr Heinrich Eberbach

Operation Goodwood was a major attack by the British Army during World War II. It happened in Normandy, France, from July 18 to 20, 1944. This operation was part of the bigger Battle for Caen, where the Allies were trying to capture the city of Caen from the German army.

Even though Operation Goodwood didn't fully achieve its main goal of taking Caen, it was still very important. It forced the German army to keep many of their strong tank units in front of the British and Canadian forces. This made the German defenses weaker in other areas. Because of this, another attack by the American army, called Operation Cobra, which started on July 25, was able to break through the German lines more easily.

What Was Operation Goodwood?
Who Led the Armies?
The British Plan
The German Defense
What Happened?
Why Was It Important?
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What Was Operation Goodwood?

Operation Goodwood was one of the largest tank battles fought by the British Army. The plan was to use a huge number of tanks to break through the German defenses east of Caen. The British hoped to capture the high ground near Caen and then move further into France.

The British forces had a lot of power, including many tanks and special vehicles. They also had strong support from aircraft and artillery. The idea was to overwhelm the German defenders with a quick and powerful attack.

Who Led the Armies?

The British forces were led by Lieutenant-General Miles Dempsey, who commanded the Second Army. He had several corps under him, including I Corps led by Lieutenant-General John Crocker and VIII Corps led by Lieutenant-General Richard O'Connor.

The German forces were part of the Panzer Group West, commanded by General Heinrich Eberbach. His army included strong tank divisions, like the famous 1st SS Panzer Division and 12th SS Panzer Division.

The British Plan

Sherman Firefly tanks were ready for action during Operation Goodwood in July 1944.

The British planned a massive attack using three armoured divisions: the Guards Armoured Division, the 7th Armoured Division, and the 11th Armoured Division. These divisions had hundreds of tanks, including the powerful Sherman Firefly with its strong gun.

The attack would start with a huge bombing by aircraft and a heavy artillery barrage to soften up the German defenses. After that, the tanks would charge forward, followed by infantry (foot soldiers). Special tanks, like flamethrower tanks and mine-clearing tanks, were also used to help clear the way.

The main goal was to push past the German lines quickly, capture the important Bourguébus Ridge, and then move towards the town of Falaise.

The German Defense

The Germans knew the British were planning a big attack. They had strong defenses in the area, including many Panzer tanks, which were very powerful. The German forces were made up of several divisions, including the elite SS Panzer divisions.

They had dug in well, with anti-tank guns hidden in villages and along the ridge lines. Their plan was to hold their ground and stop the British tanks from breaking through. They also had powerful Nebelwerfer rocket launchers and heavy artillery.

What Happened?

Operation Goodwood began on July 18, 1944, with a massive air and artillery bombardment. Thousands of bombs and shells hit the German positions. However, the German defenses were stronger than expected, and many of their tanks and anti-tank guns survived the bombing.

When the British tanks advanced, they faced tough resistance. The flat, open ground also made it difficult for the tanks to hide, making them easy targets for German guns. The British tanks suffered heavy losses, especially as they tried to cross the Bourguébus Ridge.

Despite fierce fighting, the British managed to advance several miles and capture some key villages. However, they could not break through the main German defenses or capture the Bourguébus Ridge completely. The battle ended on July 20, with both sides having suffered many casualties.

Why Was It Important?

Even though Operation Goodwood didn't achieve all its goals, it was still a success in a different way. It forced the Germans to commit almost all their tank reserves to the eastern front of the Normandy battlefield, facing the British and Canadians.

This meant that when the American army launched Operation Cobra a few days later on the western side, the German defenses there were much weaker. Operation Cobra was a huge success and led to the breakout of the Allied forces from Normandy, eventually leading to the liberation of France. So, Operation Goodwood played a crucial role in setting up the conditions for the Allied victory in Normandy.