49th (West Riding) Infantry Division (UK) Objective, the village of Fontenay-le-Pesnel

Fontenay-le-Pesnel, France

Listing Details

Date

1944-06-25

Status coordinate

No status yet

Operation

Epsom June 26-30

Description

At 0415 on 25 June, the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division supported by the 8th Armoured Brigade and 250 guns, launched Operation Martlet against part of the Panzer Lehr and 12th SS Panzer divisions. The first objective, the village of Fontenay-le-Pesnel was fought over all day but stubborn German resistance prevented its capture. One infantry battalion supported by tanks, advanced around the village to the west and took Tessel Wood but was subjected to a series of German counterattacks. These were blunted by British artillery fire and close air support but by the end of the day the 49th Division had failed to reach the village of Rauray, leaving the terrain dominating the right flank of VIII Corps' intended advance in German hands. Operation Martlet forced I SS Panzer Corps to commit the remaining tanks of 12th SS Panzer to XXX Corps' front for a counterattack the following day.[58] During the night the Germans in Fontenay-le-Pesnel withdrew to straighten the front line and infantry from the 49th Division secured the village before dawn.

Comments (1)

eric parsons

about 10 years ago
#5

This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site

My father fought in the 49th west riding reg tank recce he was killed by german aps<br />on the 25th June around Cristot point 102<br />his name was Eric Carl Parsons I think he drove a humber armoured car <br />If anyone has any more info of...

eric parsons