This map shows the position of Allied and German forces around Caen prior to the Allied breakthrough. Believing that the Allied advance would be made from Caen through Falaise, the Germans moved three Panzer Divisions into the area on 24 July, thereby weakening their positions elsewhere along the front. An attack by the 2nd Canadian Corps on 25 July along the Falaise road kept the main German armoured strength away from the American breakout in the west that same day. Canadian casualties numbered some 1,500.
