Operation Martlet (also known as Operation Dauntless) was the name given to the diversionary operation undertaken on 25 June 1944 by the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division of XXX Corps to support Operation Epsom, the assault by the British VIII Corps into the Odon Valley. The Division's role was to provide flank security for the advancing VIII Corps and to ward off any counter-attacks. It was its first combat operation of the war.
The operation...
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Operation Martlet (also known as Operation Dauntless) was the name given to the diversionary operation undertaken on 25 June 1944 by the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division of XXX Corps to support Operation Epsom, the assault by the British VIII Corps into the Odon Valley. The Division's role was to provide flank security for the advancing VIII Corps and to ward off any counter-attacks. It was its first combat operation of the war.
The operation failed to achieve its objectives by the end of 25 June, resulting in further heavy fighting over the following days as the 49th Division continued pushing southwards. This fighting can be seen to form part of Operation Epsom. The battle finally drew to a close on 1 July, when the division saw off a strong attack by elements of 2nd SS Panzer Division.
During Epsom, VIII Corps would be endangered on its right flank from the Rauray Spur, a ridge that overlooked the line of advance of 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division. The spur, and the villages...
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