der Kampf für Caen (Hagerstown, MD)

The German Army unit we will be representing is an element of the 272nd Infantry Division. The 272nd was one of the three "270" series raised in late-1943 and sent to France to train.  It was composed of veterans and a varied mix of Germans and Osten Truppen (Russians and Poles). The division had spent the last six months training in the Perpignan area. In its first battle in Normandy—Operation "Atlantic," 18-23 July, the 272nd had been roughly handled by the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division but still deployed three weak grenadier regiments, the Fusilier Battalion and its Panzer Jaeger Battalion.

British General Montgomery did not intend to rely on Operation Cobra (the American offensive) to end the Normandy stalemate. He planned a new series of battles on the Caen front, "to try to bring about a major enemy withdrawal."  For the scenario we were portraying, we chose one of Monty’s 1st blows which was Operation Spring. It was scheduled for July 25. Both 7th Armoured Div. and the Guards Armd. Div. were to join in the Canadian attack once the infantry had broken through the German defenses on Verrières Ridge. 

This tactical was the first time there has ever been an all British & Commwealth Infantry only event in the hobby.  We hope to host this event annually since  it was such a success!