Hi all. Could anyone please point me in the right direction for books or other information about operation Pomegranate July 16 -18 1944. I'm particularly interested in the 49th Infantry Division (the Polar Bears). Regards Doug.
Hi Drew5233 Thanks for your quick response, I have seen these websites which give a general overview, I'm looking for more specific information about the operation, such as divisional or unit history. Thanks again. Regards Doug.
Found three files: The National Archives | The Catalogue | Quick reference | WO 204/6856 Detecting your browser settings Detecting your browser settings
The first two are a different POMEGRANATE, CAB 106/1065 is the one to go for. WO 171/571 should also have operational details at 59 Div's level.
Doug Hi A bit from the 10th Med War Diary Cheers Rob At 0630Hrs on the 15th July the regiment left for gun area 8772, near BROUAY where they were told they were to be in action in support of X11 and XXX Corps, OPERATION “POMEGRANATE” the next day. “POMEGRANATE” together with OPERATION “GREENLINE” was Montgomery’s [feint] 2 day action, west of the RIVER ORNE to draw German troops and armour away from the south of CAEN before the beginning of the major breakout operations, “GOODWOOD”East of the ORNE RIVER on the 18th July and the American OPERATION “COBRA” on the 20th July. 16th July. At 19.30 Hrs the regiment opened fire on the positions of the German 276th and 277th Infantry Divisions and elements of the 9th (Hohenstaufen) SS Panzer Division that were opposing XXX and X11 Corps attack. The 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Division was to capture the villages of NOYERS-BOGAGE, HAUT DES FORGES and LANDELLE while the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division was to capture VENDES and the surrounding area. The regiment were firing various HF Tasks and Bombards as the two divisions advanced, they both made good progress capturing the high ground south of BRETTEVILLE and taking 300 prisoners on this the 1st day. 17th July. Regiment now at AUNRIEU and heavy fighting taking place. Firing continued all day as the 59th Division had stalled at NOYERS and could not capture the town. The 49th Division was able to capture VENDES and the 50th (Northumbrian) Division also launched an attack, capturing HOTTOT-LES-BAGUES, a village that had defied them for more than a month. At 23.20, 83rd Battery came under fire with shells landing near both troops, 83rd Battery command post was also taking heavy enemy fire, but no casualties were sustained. Rounds Fired 2700.
Not everyone's a fan of ARRSE but I have dug out a short POMEGRANATE thread on there - I knew it rang a bell. I'm afraid the link for the history is dead.
Be careful there are 2 different OP's with the WD's. Rob. Operation Pomegranate : 1944 - British attack in Normandy in support of Operation Goodwood. Operation Pomegranate : 1944 - British Special Air Service (SAS) raid against the airfield at San Egidio, Italy in support of Operation Shingle.
There are a couple of pages in Delaforce's book The Polar Bears , have you got that? I know one of our members Richard Harrison has the KOYLI history, might be worth asking him to look something up for you. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/members/richard-harrison.html
Owen Yes I have the book, I was in Normandy two weeks ago, as I'm interested in the 59th Division I visited Fontenay Le Pensnil War cemetery and paid my respects at the 49th Division Memorial nearby. I want to expand my knowledge of the 49th Divisions part in the operation. Regards Doug.
