- published: 13 Nov 2012
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The Battle for Caen from June-August 1944 was a battle between Allied (primarily British and Canadian troops) and German forces during the Battle of Normandy.
Originally, the Allies aimed to take the French city of Caen, one of the largest cities in Normandy, on D-Day. Caen was a vital objective for several reasons. Firstly, it lay astride the Orne River and Caen Canal; these two water obstacles could strengthen a German defensive position if not crossed. Secondly, Caen was a road hub; in German hands it would enable the enemy to shift forces rapidly. Thirdly, the area around Caen was relatively open, especially compared to the bocage country in the west of Normandy. This area was valued for airfield construction.
On D-Day, Caen was an objective for the British 3rd Infantry Division and remained the focal point for a series of battles throughout June, July and into August. The battle did not go as planned for the Allies, instead dragging on for two months, because German forces devoted most of their reserves to holding Caen, particularly their badly-needed armor reserves. As a result German forces facing the American invasion thrust further west were spread thin, relying on the rough terrain of the back country to slow down the American advance. With so many German divisions held up defending Caen, the American forces were eventually able to break through to the south and east, threatening to encircle the German forces in Normandy from behind.
Coordinates: 49°10′59″N 0°22′10″W / 49.1831°N 0.3694°W / 49.1831; -0.3694
Caen (French pronunciation: [kɑ̃]; Norman: Kaem) is a commune in northwestern France. It is the prefecture of the Calvados department and the capital of the Basse-Normandie region. It is located 15 km (9.3 mi) inland from the English Channel.
Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there, and for the Battle for Caen—heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the city.
Two hours north-west of Paris, and connected to the south of England by the Caen-(Ouistreham)-Portsmouth ferry route, Caen is located in the centre of its northern region, over which it is a centre of political, economic and cultural power.
As the city of William the Conqueror, the city has a long and complex history. In the Second World War, it was a key site of the Battle of Normandy. The city has preserved the memory by erecting a memorial for peace.
LIfe is never fair, man will let you down
It's how you face your obstacles, react to things around
And I will not stand still, I'll hold my head up high
My heart is big, my passion strong, you cannot stop this drive
I know you though that this battle had been won
But I will reassure you that this battle's just begun
Get out of my way, today is the day that I am breaking free
From all of your thoughts and all of your words that tried to bring down
me - You should have thought long and you should have thought hard
before you tossed me out - 'Cause this old Tulsa boy who plays the keys
and writes these melodies is gonna rock this town
Let my life speak loud to all of you around
No matter what they say to you, they cannot hold you down
Your dreams and goals are bigger than your opposition's words
So brush 'em off and forget them, it's time to go change the world
I know you though that this battle had been won
But I will reassure you that this battle's just begun
Get out of my way, today is the day that I am breaking free
From all of your thoughts and all of your words that tried to bring down
me - You should have thought long and you should have thought hard
before you tossed me out - 'Cause this old Tulsa boy who plays the keys