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49th Staffordshire Division

Détail

  • Nom
    49th Staffordshire Division
  • Date
    1944-08-12
  • Lieu
    THURY-HARCOURT
  • Contribution
    Grasset Jacques
  • ID
    2656.2770

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Memorials
49th Staffordshire Division
49th Staffordshire Division
To limit the German advance towards the coast and cut off the roads, Thury-Harcourt was bombed by Allied aircraft between June 6 and 30, 1944, killing 37 people and destroying 80% of the town. In August, during the land battle, shells fired by British artillery from the Thury heights destroyed the few houses still standing.
Almost five weeks later, on August 4, 1944, General Montgomery, commander of the British forces, ordered his men to advance westwards towards a line Thury-Harcourt, Condé-sur-Noireau, Flers. Arriving at the Pont de Brieux, the Allies attempted to cross the Orne on the night of August 6-7, But the bridge, destroyed by the Germans, had to be rebuilt.
After establishing a bridgehead and a Bailey bridge(kit bridge ready to assemble), the troops finally reached the other bank and were able to advance towards Thury.
After an abortive attempt on August 11, the 56th Brigade of the 598 Division, supported by artillery, launched the final assault on Thury on the 12th.
During the night the Germans, surrounded and forced to retreat, set fire to the castle they occupied and partially left the town. On the morning of August 13 a brigade led by sergeant Mac Lean, entered Thury, riddled with mines and literally battered. The town was completely taken on August 14.
The Battle of Thury cost the lives of 261 British soldiers 21 soldiers from the 56th Independent Brigade, including 6 from the Gloucestershire Regiment, 240 soldiers from the 598 Staffordshire Division, including 112 from the 1768 Brigade that secured the Pont à Brieux head.
After the war, the Halles and Mairie, still standing, were razed to the ground. The town was rebuilt between 1947 and 1962, largely along the lines of the old streets. Only the town hall was moved to the market square, now known as Place du Général De Gaulle.
The aerial view opposite, taken in 1944, shows the destruction of the town following bombing by the British air force, and reveals numerous crater-shaped bomb holes. It shows the castle and church, which have not yet been destroyed.

 
49th Staffordshire Division
49th Staffordshire Division.
Memoriaux
49th Staffordshire Division
49th Staffordshire Division.
Memoriaux
49th Staffordshire Division
49th Staffordshire Division.
Memoriaux
49th Staffordshire Division
49th Staffordshire Division.
Memoriaux
49th Staffordshire Division
49th Staffordshire Division.
Memoriaux

49th Staffordshire Division

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