Caen 1944 by Ken Ford

Author:Ken Ford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Caen 1944: Montgomery’s Break-Out Attempt
ISBN: 9781472800121
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

OPERATION CHARNWOOD: THE CAPTURE OF CAEN

While the Epsom offensive was still at its height, both the C-in-C (West) and the commander of Army Group B visited Hitler at his retreat at Berchtesgaden. Von Rundstedt and Rommel both told the Führer that the position in Normandy was critical and that there should be some sort of a controlled withdrawal to a more easily defended line, out of range of the naval guns. Hitler told them he would consider the situation, but before they had even made the journey back to France, he sent an order that the present line must be defended at all costs.

When the news was given to Obergruppenführer Paul Hausser (temporarily commanding Seventh Army after the suicide on 29 June of Generaloberst Dollmann) and to General der Panzertruppen Geyr von Schweppenburg, commander of Panzer Group West, they both submitted reports advocating an immediate evacuation of Caen and a withdrawal to a new line. Rommel and Von Rundstedt both once again agreed and a forceful new report was sent to the High Command at OKW saying the line must be shortened and I and II SS-Panzer Corps pulled back to reserve to preserve their strength to fight a new battle on a tactically suitable line. Hitler was furious. On 2 July, he once more issued instructions that there would be no withdrawal and then dismissed Von Rundstedt, replacing him with Generalfeldmarschall von Kluge. The new C-in-C (West) arrived in Paris on the same day that Von Rundstedt left. Von Kluge was brimful of confidence regarding his ability to hold the Allies and proceeded to tell Rommel that he too would have to get accustomed to carrying out orders. On 4 July Hitler struck again, replacing Geyr von Schweppenburg with the veteran Panzer leader General der Panzertruppen Heinrich Eberbach as head of Panzer Group West.

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