#0628_01: Operation Epsom - Day Three - Battles of Normandy

Tourmauville, West of Caen: June 28th, 1944 (Scenario Size: Corp+. Human vs AI for either side or Head to Head). While it had been costly, the third day of Operation Epsom finally brought some hope to the British that success was at hand. The 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders had captured Colleville after a sharp, but short fight, and then pushed on to the crossing of the Odon at Tourmaville. Whether the tanks of the 23rd Hussars had assisted them or just showed up after the fight is a matter of dispute, but regardless, a crossing over the Odon had been seized. During the night, the 159th Infantry Brigade moved across the river also except for a company of the Monmouths who got lost and ended up in Mouen. General Roberts ordered the 29th Armoured Brigade to seize Hill 112 and then move towards the crossings of the Orne River, while the infantry covered the flanks. Meanwhile, the Scotsmen of the 15th Division were ordered to "tidy" up the battlefield north of the Odon by pushing out on both flanks. ULTRA intercepts had detected that the Germans were planning on counterattacking with II SS Panzer Korps and what was now being called the Scottish Corridor was only a couple of miles wide. Worn down by two days of unrelenting combat, the Scotsmen once again picked up their weapons and supported by the 31st Tank Brigade, prepared to move out once again. The Germans had been busy. Kampfgruppe Wiedinger from the 2nd SS Panzer Division, along with the remaining panthers from the 2nd Panzer Division prepared to attack the western side of the British salient. Another kampfgruppe, this one from the 1st SS Panzer Division, had moved in during the night and was prepared to attack the eastern side of the corridor. The Germans planned for the two assault groups to meet at Cheux and cut off the British armour that had crossed the Odon. There were questions about artillery and armour support, but the attack was ordered to go forth regardless. It would be a long day for the troops of both sides as they attempted to make order out of the chaos of battle. This is a large scenario with units from multiple divisions on both sides. Due to the conservative nature of British assaults, especially under Montgomery, considerable numbers of the British forces are fixed at the beginning of the game. They will release throughout the day. On the XXX Corps front, the British infantry may become fixed again during the game as this attack was diversionary and had limited objectives.