This tour traces the entire route of Operation PERCH on 12 and 13 June 1944 whereby the British 22nd Armoured Brigade under Brigadier William “Loony” Hinde advanced through a gap between British and US forces in an audacious flanking manoeuvre to capture and hold the high ground east of the town of Villers-Bocage. It was hoped that this would open a route into the city of Caen and in the process also encircle the German Panzer Lehr Division.
However, no-one had taken the German Panzer Ace Michael Wittmann into account.
His actions at Villers-Bocage are famous – but with the legend comes the exaggerated myths and historical innaccuracies. Here we untangle the mess and you will learn the true story of The Battles of Villers-Bocage.
This a truly remarkable tour with great stories of innitiative, bravery and luck – but disaster for the inhabitants who could only watch as their town was reduced to ruins.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Part I– The Start Line for Operation PERCH to Villers-Bocage
La Butte
The Calvary
Livry – Harbouring position
Villers-Bocage (bottom of town)
Part II– The First Battle of Villers-Bocage & Michael Wittman
Villers-Bocage > Caen Road British position
101st SS Heavy Tank Battalion harbouring position and start point for Wittman
Route of Michael Wittman’s Tiger into Villers-Bocage
Villers Bocage main street and Town Hall
*** Lunch in Villers-Bocage***
Part III– Michael Wittman’s Escape and The Second Battle of Villers-Bocage
Route of Michael Wittman’s escape to Orbois
Orbois – General Fritz Bayerlein’s Panzer Lehr Divisional HQ
Villers-Bocage – The second battle and various spots in and around the town
Part IV – The Island
Amaye-sur-Seulles (The Island position)
(Secret) Locations of subsequent battles with 101st SS Heavy Tank Battalion Tigers
Tilly-sur-Seulles CWGC British Military Cemetery
