Tank crews and infantry at the start of Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944.

Operation Goodwood was the name given to the Allies attempt to capture the city of Caen in Normandy. Operation Goodwood was started in July 1944 and by the time Goodwood was declared over the city of Caen was in ruins. Ironically, the people who had come to rescue Caen from German occupation were also the same people who caused far more damage to the ancient city than the German occupiers had done. However, by the end of Operation Goodwood the city was freed of German control and for the civilians who lived in Caen, they had their city back. It may have been extensively damaged, but it was under French control one again.

Tank crews and infantry run to mount their Sherman tanks at the start of Operation 'Goodwood', 18 July 1944.