9. The situation from 0400, 7 June until 2400 hours.

   Against expectations no enemy attack on Caen took place during the night (a bright night). During the day the enemy limited his activities to attack north of Caen in the strength of 2-3 companies, which were repelled. West of the division sector was said to have advanced from the area Bayeux – Villiers le Sec to Tilly sur Seulles by the evening of 6 June. East of the Orne the enemy was reinforced and tried to push towards the south. All attacks by the enemy to gain terrain towards the south in the direction of Caen or at least to increase the area of the division were repelled. This showed the fact, which will be mentioned again later, that the aggressive drive, the striking power of the hostile infantry was not great without overpowering fire support from all weapons and tanks. An infantry attack supported by the heavy weapons of the infantry alone and with little artillery support (munition shortage), such as the German infantry was mostly forced to make sine 1943 and such as the Russians mostly had to make until 1943, was never made by the British and when they attempted it, it failed. The reason for this is obvious; I shall mention this later.

   Bombings and ships' artillery bombardment of Caen took place during different times during the day and at night. It should be mentioned here that the city of Caen was 2/3 destroyed on 23 June due to British bombing and artillery. On order of the 716. Div. empty convoys and vehicles returning inland were to carry fleeing inhabitants, particularly old people, children and women. In order to protect the property of the fleeing population against theft, the military police of the division was employed.

   Fighter planes and bombers penetrated far into the rear area during the day and by night.

   For the situation of the 716. and the 21. Pz. Div. at 0400 hours 7 June, see Annex 2. At about 0500 hours the attack of the first units of the SS-Div. “Hitlerjugend” was launched north west and west of Caen. The Pz. Lehrdiv. Joined in the attack towards the west.

   The two divisions had the mission of attacking the enemy and pushing towards the north, as I remember. The attacks yielded local results and at least prevented the enemy from advancing further to the southeast and the south. Bayeux was not reached again.