Caen

Cravings for good sushi sent us to Caen yesterday. The sushi place is across the street from a castle wall, part of the enormous Chateau de Cean complex, which was built by William the Conqueror around 1060. Like most of what used to be a lovely Medieval city, Caen was bombed heavily by the Allies on June 6, 1944, D-Day. It was a critical objective due to it's control of roads and rivers.

Interestingly, there were not that many Germans occupying the city at that time. But, after it was bombed, Caen became a defender's paradise. British General, George Montgomery, then had to fight the crack troops of the  21st Panzer Division first, later joined by the notorious 12th SS Hitler Youth.

In the future, we hope to bring you clips from our interview with Lothar Eiding of the 12th SS.

These were horrific, drawn out operations, causing massive British & Canadian casualties. All failed. Then, on July 7th, the Allies began Operation Charnwood, launched with 2,000 tons of bombs unloaded on the city. They attacked the following day. By the next day, July 9th, the 12th SS had withdrawn.

Whether by twist of fate or strategic plan, while the battles for Caen were occupying many of the elite German troops, American forces, including General George Patton's 3rd Army, were finally able to break out and begin the task of encircling the Germans.

More on Patton's moves soon . . . .