Sherman tanks, carriers and infantry during Operation 'Charnwood', Normandy, 9 July 1944.

Sherman tanks, carriers and infantry during Operation 'Charnwood', Normandy, 9 July 1944.

Operation Charnwood was the name given to the Allies attempt to liberate the Normandy city of Caen from German occupation. Caen was the principal target for the Allies after the success of D-Day but their efforts from June 6th to early July had been unsuccessful. Operation Charnwood was mostly successful and by the time the operation was over, most the Caen was in the hands of the Allies – though huge damage had been done to the city.