Carpiquet: 4 July 1944

After the initial Normandy landing (6 June 1944), the Allied forces experienced determined resistance as the Germans reinforced their troops in the area. Before the Allies could advance inland, they had to gain control of the village and airfield of Carpiquet. The 3rd Canadian Division finally seized Carpiquet after a fierce battle with the German defenders. Once Carpiquet was taken, the 1st British Corps, which included the 3rd Canadian Division, prepared to attack Caen. At the same time, the Germans had deployed seven and a half of their eight Panzer (tank) divisions along the British-Canadian sector.