TracesOfWar.com

Sherman Tracks Prints in Wall

(France - Basse-Normandie - Norrey-en-Bessin)

June 11, 1944, the Battle of Le Mesnil-Patry, a relatively unknown battle that was fought by Canadians of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade with No. 12. SS Panzer Division. The goal was to go from Bretteville l'Orgueilleuse through Norrey-en-Bessin and Le Mesnil-Patry, to the high ground around Cheux. At Le Mesnil-Patry, the tanks of the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, were however, attacked by German tanks.

During the retreat, Lieutenant George Gordon after delivering a number of injuries, tried to return to the cornfield between Le Mesnil-Patry and Norrey. He achieved to roll over the Sherman tank in a sharp curve, which completely blocked the narrow street. The prints of the Sherman tracks are still visible in the building.

Source

• Text: Jeroen Koppes
• Photos: Jeroen Koppes
• GRAVES, D.E., Fighting for Canada Seven Battles: 1758-1945.
• ZUEHLKE, M., Holding Juno, Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., Vancouver, Canada, 2006.