The Simmering Cauldron*
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Date: June 25, 1944*
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Battle Location: Fontenay-le-Pesnel, Normandy, France.*
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Battle Type: Britian advance vs Germany delay*
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Description: Operation Martlet was part of the larger Operation Epsom, and aimed at securing the population centre of Fontenay-le-Pesnel and the high ground to the south which would open the door for the British VIII Corps which had been tasked with encircling the city of Cean.*
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The perhaps thoughest objective in the early stages of Martlet was the capture of Fontenay itself, and it had been given to Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomerie-Cunninghame and his 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers, supported by B Squadron, Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and elements of the 2nd Kensingtons.*
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Historically the attack was bedevilled by a thick ground mist and even though the British put in a spirited attack that included house-to-house fighting they were unable to completely dislodge the Germans from Fontenay. The defenders belonged to the 12th SS Panzer Division and the divisional commander, Meyer, viewing the battle and impacting artillery over Fontenay described it: 'like a simmering cauldron.'*
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Notes: If played against the AI the human player should take the British side.*
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Sources:*
Delaforce, P; The Polar Bears*
Reynolds, M; Steel Inferno*
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Design by:  Ulf Lundstrom.**


