FALAISE

The Battle of Falaise
The battle honour “Falaise” was awarded to the 21st Canadian Armoured Regiment (GGFG) for its pivotal role in the culminating battle of the Normandy campaign, which resulted in the encirclement and destruction of two and a half German armies.
The Mission: The First Canadian Army was tasked with bursting through the German defenses southeast of Caen and advancing to the high ground around Falaise to cut off the escape routes of the retreating German forces.
The Opening Assault: During Operation Totalize, on August 9, 1944, the Regiment concentrated at Gaumesnil and was ordered to push forward to Point 195. Fighting through intense German 88mm anti-tank, mortar, and self-propelled artillery fire, two squadrons successfully reached the objective by the following morning. Because they were temporarily cut off from supply vehicles, Sergeant Charles Fielding earned the Military Medal by volunteering to run critical fuel, water, and ammunition forward under fire.
Closing the Gap: GGFG spearheaded further efforts during Operation Tractable to fully seal the escape gap. The fighting was exceptionally bitter; by the end of August 14, the Regiment had clawed its way to Olendon but was depleted to just nine running tanks.
The Cost: The closing of the Falaise Pocket successfully ended the Battle of Normandy. However, the victory was costly for the Foot Guards, who suffered 26 killed in action, 11 dead of wounds, and 76 wounded during these August battles.