Drive on Caen — Memoir ’44 Scenario
The “Drive on Caen” was a series of battles during the Normandy Campaign in World War II, aimed at capturing the city of Caen in France. This was a key objective for British and Canadian forces following the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The battle unfolded in multiple phases, including Operations Perch, Epsom, Charnwood, and Goodwood, as the Allies attempted to break through German defenses.
The city of Caen was heavily defended by the German 21st Panzer Division and SS Panzer units, leading to intense urban combat and bombardment. While the British and Canadian forces faced stiff resistance, they gradually secured portions of Caen by mid-July 1944. The battle played a crucial role in drawing German forces away from the U.S. sector, aiding the overall success of Operation Overlord.
“Listen up! The Drive on Caen wasn’t just one fight—it was a whole series of hammer blows aimed at the heart of the German line in Normandy. The British and Canadians were tasked with taking that key city after D-Day, and by God, they were going to get it.
It wasn’t easy—21st Panzer, SS Panzer, and every last German who could hold a rifle was dug in deep. It turned into a meat grinder—street fights, rubble, tanks trading shots at point-blank range. Operations Perch, Epsom, Charnwood, Goodwood—each one was another turn of the screw, breaking those Germans down piece by piece.
By mid-July, they finally cracked Caen open. It didn’t just put that city back on the map for the Allies—it kept Germany’s attention right there, which meant the Americans could make their big breakout in the west.
So remember, boys—it’s not always about speed; it’s about grinding down the enemy, one bloody inch at a time, until they crack! That’s how you win a campaign!”
~~ General Howitzer
5 VP’s
Card Balance:
Allies – 5
Axis – 5
Complexity:
3
Conditions:
Countryside
Context:
Historical
Location:
France
Year:
1944
Theater:
Western Front
Campaign:
Battle of Normandy Campaign
Codename:
Operation Charnwood
Summary:
Objectives:
5 VP’s, plus the objective medals
Battlefield:
Countryside with a few forests
Troops:
Allies – 8 Infantry, 4 Armor, Artillery
Axis – 7 Infantry, 2 Armor, 1 Artillery
🔥 Winning as Allies
1. Big picture strategy for Allies is to make a relentless push towads the town of Caen, which has medal objectives, as you also attack the enemy.
2. Be aware that on your left flank, are Anti-tank equipped Infantry forces. And on your right flank, the enemy has an Artillery. This means, the center section may actually be your best way forward.
🔥 Winning as Axis
1. Big picture strategy for the Axis is that this is primarily a defensive scenario for the Axis as they attempt to prevent the historical push of the Allies toward the city of Caen.
2. The Allies have you outnumbered with armor, but if you put your two Anti-Tank Infantry to good use, you may be able to even the score.
3. You have two Medal Objectives to protect in the city of Caen. Make sure the enemy does not get close enough to capture it.
4. Be careful of moving your Armor into unprotected territory in the center section. The Allies have two armored units which can very quickly attack.
Author:
Days of Wonder
Link:
General Howitzer Battle Reports
Drive on Caen
Community results · All commanders
General Howitzer / Community Strategy
Commander Strategy Notes
Battle-tested advice from registered commanders.
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Scenario details
- Theater
- Western Front
- Battle date
- June 6, 1944
- Sides / forces
- Allies - 8 Infantry, 4 Armor, Artillery Axis - 7 Infantry, 2 Armor, 1 Artillery
- Victory conditions
- 5 VP's, plus the objective medals
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