Operation Martlet (referred to as Operation Dauntless in the British campaign official history) was the name given to the diversionary operation undertaken on 25 June 1944 by the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, of XXX Corps, to support Operation Epsom; the assault by the VIII Corps into the Odon Valley. The Division's role was to provide flank security for the advancing VIII Corps and to ward off any counter-attacks. It was its first combat operation of the war.
The operation failed to achieve its objectives by the end of 25 June, resulting in further heavy fighting over the following days as the 49th Division continued pushing southwards. This fighting can be seen to form part of Operation Epsom. The battle finally drew to a close on 1 July, when the division saw off a strong attack by elements of 2nd SS Panzer Division.
Read more about Operation Martlet: Planning, Martlet - 25 June 1944, The Battle Continues, Aftermath
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