Title:THE 59TH (STAFFORDSHIRE) DIVISION GOES INTO ACTION NORTH OF CAEN, ON THE FIRST DAY OF OPERATION "CHARNWOOD" (PART 2) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 72-6
Other titles:
Summary: The 1/7th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment undergoes its baptism of fire during 197th Brigade's assault on St Contest.
Description: Riflemen from the battalion's 'D' company advance in extended order through waist-high wheat from Les Buissons towards St Contest; two infantrymen, one carrying a 2-inch mortar, crawl through the wheat as they come under fire. Riflemen advance towards their objective past an M10 Wolverine SPG from 62nd Anti-Tank Regiment RA's 248th Battery; the infantrymen with the 2-inch mortar crouches low in the wheat, waiting to move on. Filming behind a burnt-out Canadian Sherman ex-DD tank, the cameraman observes elements of 'D' company advancing towards a low ridge. An officer with a PIAT slung over his shoulders and stretcher bearers are seen accompanying the advance. Two Shermans from the East Riding Yeomanry's 'A' squadron HQ troop are seen halted below another low ridge; another Sherman races along the ridge itself to avoid anti-tank and mortar fire while infantrymen around the two tanks take cover. Two universal carriers from 68th Anti-Tank Regiment RA's 298th Battery (minus their 6-pounder guns) move up with the infantry past a Sherman.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:A70 72-6
Sound:Silent
Access Conditions:IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1944-07-08
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film Unit (Production company)
Watkins, R V (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords: Caen, Calvados, France (geography)
Saint Contest, Calvados, France (geography)
