Operation Epsom - Battle Zone Normandy Author:Lloyd Clark Operation Epsom, launched on 29 June, was General Bernard Montgomery's third attempt to take the city of Caen, which had been a key D-Day objective. The basic aim of Epsom was to sweep round to the west and south of Caen and reach the main Caen-Falaise road. This would almost encircle the German defenders around Caen, particularly th... more »ose at the Carpiquet aerodrome who were preventing any further progress on Montys left flank. The attack deployed VIII Corps, commanded by Lieutenant-General Richard O'Connor and consisting of 11th and Guards Armoured Divisions, 15th (Scottish) Division and 6th Independent Armoured Brigade, to force crossings over the Odon and Orne rivers and capture the vital Hill 112.« less