Operation Perch - Aftermath

Aftermath

Over the following days fighting went back and forth between 50th Northumbrian and Panzer Lehr. By 15 June XXX Corps claimed to have destroyed at least 70 German tanks, and on 18 June British infantry once again entered Tilly-sur-Seulles. The town was secured the following day against light opposition; it had changed hands 23 times before its final liberation.

The same day an attack was launched towards Hottot-les-Bagues. Facing determined resistance from Panzerlehr, British infantry gained a foothold in the village but were soon forced out by German counterattacks supported by tanks. The British succeeded in retaking the village and holding it against further German assaults, but with insufficient numbers to secure their position they withdrew during the night, and Hottot-les-Bagues was reoccupied by panzergrenadiers.

The 7th Armoured Division was pulled back to be bolstered by the 33rd Armoured Brigade, which was in the process of landing and forming up within the British beachhead. It was planned that the reinforced division would renew its assault, but on 19 June a severe storm descended upon the English Channel causing widespread disruption to the over-the-beach supply operations, and further offensives were abandoned.