50th Division Operation Martlet

[Attrition]

Can anyone shed light on the activities of the 50th Division during Operation Martlet please, the sources I've got are very sparse, even for 25 June. Thanks.

[Tom from Cornwall]

Hi,

Nothing in the divisional history - 'The Path of the 50th'. I'll look in a couple of regimental histories tomorrow. Was 50 Division perhaps limited to artillery support?

Cheers

Tom

[Attrition]

Thanks. I'm not sure or if after 25 June XXX Corps decided to reinforce the success of the 49th Division, when artillery was diverted to VIII Corps. The sources I have imply that it was a XXX Corps gig on 25 June, then the 50th Division seems to disappear apart from cameo appearances (in the OH), which might be patrols and raids. Regards.

[Tom from Cornwall]

From the history of the 1st Bn Dorsets ("Three Assault Landings") it seems that 50th Division were given the task of holding a firm base on the right flank of VIII Corps and 49th Division and were only going to advance south towards Villers Bocage if "Epsom" led to a German withdrawal.

Having said that, it appears that the Green Howards did make a limited attack (unsuccessful) on the 27th towards La Taille - if successful, the intention was for the Dorsets to attack the Chateau de Cordillon.

Regards

Tom

[Attrition]

Would "patrols and raiding" fit?

[Tom from Cornwall]

Hi,

I've had a look at the war diary of 7 Green Howards and "patrols and raiding" sums it up admirably.

Cheers

Tom

[Attrition]

I've had another look and think I can glean enough for a B class. Thanks for your help.