The Recaptures of Merville*
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Date: June 7, 1944*
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Battle Location: Merville Battery, Normandy*
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Battle Type: Great Britain advance vs Germany delay*
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Description: After storming Merville Battery early on D-Day, the Para assault force had to withdraw as they were unable to transmit their success to the invasion force and as a back up plan in case the paras failed naval artillery had been detailed to plaster the battery. As it turned out the naval guns were not authorized to open fire but having no way of knowing this the British paras pulled out shortly after the battery had been taken.*
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As a result the Germans were able to reoccupy Merville Battery.*
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The next day, information that the Merville Battery, or parts of it had been brought back into action prompted a second effort at securing the Battery grounds. This time the task was given to two troops of No 3 Commando. Led by Major John Pooley, the British commandos, though unhappy with their assignment, set out to finish off Merville once and for all.*
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The German defenders were few, but fought to the death and in the process of the fighting Pooley were killed. A serious German counterattack was also not long in coming, and Merville Battery changed hands yet again.*
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Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the British side.*
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Sources: Stjernfelt, B - Alarm i Atlantvallen*
Young, P - Storm from the Sea*
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Design by: Ulf Lundstrom.**





