The 'O' Group Normandy Campaign
1. Introduction, Background and Operational Summary
A printable version of these rules is available here
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Introduction, Background and Operational Summary
Insignia of 56th Independent Infantry Brigade
Introduction
Introduction
This short campaign covers the activities of 56th Independent Infantry Brigade in Normandy 1944 from 8th July to 1st August. During that period the three battalions of the brigade conducted a series of set-piece attacks on German positions that culminated with the capture of Anctoville.
To play this campaign you will need the standard ‘O’ Group rules, published by Reisswitz Press, and also the ‘1944 - The Battle for Normandy’ supplement, available as a PDF. All the battles are designed to be played on a 6’ x 4’ table using 10mm figures.
British reconnaissance patrol in Normandy
Sources
Sources
As far as I am aware, the only recent publication dealing with the exploits of this formation in Normandy is Andrew Holborn’s ‘The 56th Infantry Brigade and D-Day: An Independent Infantry Brigade and the Campaign in North West Europe 1944-1945’ (Bloomsbury 2010). Apart from this there is very little detailed information available in print or online, especially from the German perspective. I have, therefore, had to make some assumptions, combine some actions and take one or two liberties to make the campaign playable.
Background
Background
The 56th Independent Infantry Brigade was reformed in the United Kingdom on 15th February 1944. It consisted of three regular battalions: -
2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers
2nd Battalion the Essex Regiment
2nd Battalion the Gloucestershire Regiment
The location of the campaign in Normandy
Apart from a short period attached to 7th Armoured Division, the brigade was under the control of 50th Division until early August. The commanding officer until the beginning of July 1944 was Brigadier E.C. Pepper who was then replaced by Brigadier M.S. Ekins.
The formation took part in the D-Day landing at Gold Beach and entered Bayeux largely unopposed on 7th June. All the battalions were then involved in heavy fighting during the advance towards Tilly-sur-Suelles which was finally taken on the 19th. The brigade was next moved to Ellon for rest and refurbishment until 28th June when the three battalions were transported to new positions - 2nd Essex were located in the area west of la Polerie, 2nd South Wales Borderers were in the village of la Butte and the 2nd Glosters established themselves to the west of Parfouru l’Eclin (see Campaign Battle Area Map).
Operational Summary
Operational Summary
8th July
8th July
The initial operations executed by 56th Infantry Brigade coincided with a major offensive on Caen (Operation CHARNWOOD) which began on 7th July. The plan of attack for the brigade was as follows: -
2nd South Wales Borderers were to advance southeast from la Butte to take the junction at Granville and then to capture the crossroads further south on east-west road from la Corix des Landes to Parfouru l’Eclin just north of la Chapelle
2nd Essex, on the left of 2nd SWB, were to move south, outflank the Bois de St Germain and cut the road at la Croix des Landes. 2nd Glosters were to remain in reserve to the right of 2nd SWB.
2nd South Wales Borderers
2nd South Wales Borderers
The battalion moved off at 08:00hrs after a heavy artillery barrage, one company on each side of the road to Granville. Additional support was provided by Shermans of 4/7 Dragoon Guards plus a smaller number of M10 tank destroyers and Churchill Crocodiles. The advancing troops soon found that the area of advance was sown with both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Leading platoons then came under concentrated small arms fire from a farm at the Granville junction and also from the Bois de St Germain on the left. The advance stalled but one company managed to reach the crossroads at la Chapelle and began to spread out. However, a sudden counter-attack forced the battalion to fall back and, after suffering serious losses, all companies were ordered to hold position where they stood. Forward platoons were effectively cut off and it was impossible to re-supply them overnight. The following morning the Germans attacked but were beaten off, the enemy assault petered out and the Borderers were able to consolidate their gains. Over 150 casualties had been treated at the Regimental Aid Post.
2nd Essex
2nd Essex
At first light the battalion was forming up in orchards while armoured bulldozers were clearing the bocage hedgerows. The preparatory barrage from the Royal Artillery was particularly effective as several German infantrymen were caught in the open as they were preparing an attack of their own. The British companies then moved forward with armour in support. However, the tanks encountered several mined areas and were forced to stay back, providing remote support to the foot soldiers where possible. The difficult terrain and the intensity of the enemy fire added to the rifle companies’ problems, so much so that the battalion commander ordered his men to halt and dig in. The armour withdrew and the unfortunate infantrymen had to spend the night on the battlefield. The Germans counter-attacked with infantry and tanks the following morning before the British armour had returned. However, accurate artillery fire and the reappearance of friendly tanks broke up the German attacks and the battalion was able to hold on until nightfall, after which the enemy withdrew. 2nd Essex then stayed in their positions until 11th July when they were relieved by 2nd Glosters.
The brigade remained stationary until 20th July when a series of patrols revealed that the enemy had withdrawn from the La Chapelle area and a 2nd South Wales Borderers patrol went forward and dug itself in. This was reinforced and the three battalions established themselves in new positions ready for the next assault.
31st July
31st July
Starting at 0530hrs 2nd South Wales Borderers attacked towards the ridge on which stood the town of St. Germain d'Ectot. By evening they had achieved their final objectives. It was reported that in taking the final orchard on the ridge, D Company with bayonets fixed, actually trod in the flames of the Churchill Crocodiles supporting them
1st August
1st August
The South Wales Borderers successfully attacked and captured St Germain d’Ectot, also taking the hamlet of Candon to the south. On the same day, 2nd Glosters were now moved into position for the final assault on the Launay ridge and Anctoville. Enemy resistance was, by now, crumbling away, but the task facing the battalion was still a difficult one. The plan had been rushed, the Lt.Colonel receiving orders at 16:00hrs for an attack due to commence at 18:00hrs. He managed to get the start delayed until 20:00hrs at which point a ferocious barrage swiftly demoralised the enemy and a text-book attack secured the objectives. Over 100 prisoners were taken and much equipment seized, the remaining German forces retreating ten kilometres.
Introduction, Background and Operational Summary
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