Operation Bluecoat

After two months of bitter combat in Normandy, Operation Bluecoat transformed the campaign into a war of movement. British and German armored divisions were flung against one another. Over the rugged terrain of the 'Suisse Normande', thrust met with counter thrust in a rapidly changing mobile battle. This is the story of the breakthrough begun on 30th July by 11th Armored Division, Guards Armored Division, and 15th (Scottish) Division. This was initially opposed by 21. Panzer Division, and later by the Germans' most powerful divisions in the west: 9. SS-Panzer 'Hohenstaufen' and 10. SS-Panzer 'Frundsberg'. The story of Bluecoat includes examples of virtually every type of Second World War armored combat: from infantry tanks to specialized flame-throwers and minesweeping tanks; from light armored reconnaissance units to the heaviest battle tanks of the Second World War. The experiences of both sides, German as well as British, are related as the story of a swirling armored Melle is played out under the hot summer sun between Caumont and Vire.