Operation Perch - The Battle of Lingèvres

DATE: 05/10/2025

TIME (GMT): 18:00

ERA: WW2

MAP(S): Normandy

TYPE: COOP

TEAMSPEAK: ts1.biaarma.com

GAME: Arma 3

EVENT: Official

AUTHOR(S): W.Jarvis

SLOTS: 36 / 63

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The Battle of Lingèvres took place on the 14th of June, 1944, as part of the larger Operation Perch, which aimed to capture the vital objective of Caen. After the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment attached to the 56th Infantry Brigade was mauled badly in the previous days attacks in the woods north of Lingèvres the 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry Regiment attached to the 151st Infantry Brigade was moved onto the line to maintain the pressure against the German positions.

The 9th D.L.I under the command of Lieutenant Colonel H. Woods went into the attack at 10:15 following an extensive artillery barrage and airstrikes from Spitfires. The British assault had made good progress, securing much of the woods north of Lingèvres, until a well camouflaged German tank opened fire, destroying one Sherman before it is itself knocked out by tanks of D Troop, A Squadron, 4th/7th Dragoon Guards. The infantry of the 9th D.L.I  suffered heavy losses amidst German machine gun and mortar fire, with most of the assaulting Company's (A Company) officers dead within minutes; Lieutenant Colonel Woods himself being one of the few officers still in command at this point. 

With casualties mounting, Woods radioed his Second-in-Command, Major John Mogg, ordering Company's B and D to the village to attempt to regain the initiative. Moments later, the Universal Carrier transporting Lieutenant Colonel Woods was struck by a mortar shell, killing him instantly; Major Mogg now took command of the Battalion. Major Mogg ordered the reserve Company's into the attack with the support of Sherman tanks, firing high explosive shells into the German positions.

Around noon, with artillery hitting the town once again, the remnants of the Panzer-Lehr unit defending the village retreated. The 9th Battalion, including Major Mogg, would seize control of the town and defend against a determined German counterattack until nightfall.

10:00 Hours, Lingèvres, Normandy Region, 14th June, 1944 - After heavy artillery bombardment, A Company, 9th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry move into the attack against the German held village of Lingèvres.