Villers-Bocage 11–14 June 1944

As part of Operation Perch, the British attempted to move south in order to encircle the main German force in the area of Caen. As a gap in the German front line opened, British armoured units attempted to push towards Caen through Villers-Bocage and along the southern flank of the Panzer-Lehr Division. On 13 June the British made an easy advance towards Villers-Bocage and secured the town without German resistance. A scouting force was then sent east along the ridge to secure point 213. German tank commander Michael Wittmann launched a quick ambush against the rear of the force at point 213, knocking out a tank and blocking the road. The trapped British tanks at point 213 were then attacked by the rest of Wittmann’s company, and he proceeded towards Villirs-Bocage. British forces in the town were subsequently routed during an encirclement by German panzers and had to retreat.