1st KOSB WAR DIARIES

The attack on Caen was code-named Operation Charnwood. you can find a detailed account of the operation here

"Then daylight came and the order to advance into Caen, a route which took us past the Abbey Aux Dames to the fish market near the quay (where Don Mould and other KOSBS were photographed) and where the real battle started up along the quay to the rue Gilbert and along to the church of St John where 18 Platoon suffered badly. I have retraced the route many times".

1st KOSB Veteran, Jeff Henderson

"Caen was 80% destroyed by bombing. 1st KOSB led advances over mountainous rubble including cavernous hollows from 15" Naval guns. The enemy rearguards were active."

Major Alistair Renny, CO of D Company - from Monty's Ironsides. P70.

9th Infantry Brigade War Diary

2 RUR and 1 KOSB were the first units to enter CAEN.

Tks were virtually unable to operate and the inf adv slowly with the assistance of bulldozers.

2 RUR reached the line of the river by 1430 hrs and 1 KOSB on the LEFT reached the canal EAST of BASSIN ST PIERRE, after encountering opposition from MG posts by midday. Both bns closed up to the line of the canal and river EAST and WEST of BASSIN ST PIERRE, 2 RUR having to dislodge enemy MG posts in built up areas near the river, a task in the performance of which they received enthusiastic assistance from the local population, and 1 KOSB coming under MG and mortar fire from the other side of the canal and river banks.

By 1700 hrs 2 RUR had effected a junc on their RIGHT with elements of 3 Cdn Div.

During the afternoon 1 KOSB were brought further into the town WEST of BASSIN ST PIERRE. Enemy MG fire and sniping prevented close br recce