사용자:인천직전/연습장: 엡섬 작전
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엡섬 작전 또는 제1차 오동 강 전투는 오버로드 작전 당시 영국군의 제2차 세계 대전 공세로, 1944년 6월 26일부터 6월 30일까지 이어졌다. 공세는 나치 독일이 점령한 캉의 외곽을 점령해 도시를 포위하는 것이 목표였다. 캉은 오버로드 작전 초기에 연합군이 중요하게 생각했던 목표 중 하나였다.
엡섬 작전 | |||||||
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캉 전투의 일부 | |||||||
1944년 6월 26일 엡섬 작전 중 영국 제11기갑사단의 탄약 운반창이 박격포 사격으로 파괴되어 불타고 있다. | |||||||
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교전국 | |||||||
영국 | 나치 독일 | ||||||
지휘관 | |||||||
리처드 오코너 |
프리드리히 돌만 | ||||||
군대 | |||||||
제43보병사단 |
제1SS기갑사단 | ||||||
병력 | |||||||
보병사단 2개 |
SS기갑사단 3개 | ||||||
피해 규모 | |||||||
4,020명 - 4,990명 |
3,000명 이상 | ||||||
엡섬 작전의 실시는 영국 및 독일 양측에서 결과를 두고 논란이 빚어졌다. | |||||||
Preceded by Operation Martlet to secure the right flank of the advance, Operation Epsom began early on 26 June, with units of the 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division advancing behind a rolling artillery barrage. Air cover was sporadic for much of the operation, because poor weather in England forced the last-minute cancellation of bomber support. Accompanied by the tanks of the 31st Tank Brigade, the 15th (Scottish) Division made steady progress and by the end of the first day had overrun much of the German outpost line, although some difficulties remained in securing the flanks. In mutually costly fighting over the following two days, a foothold was secured across the River Odon and efforts were made to expand this, by capturing strategic points around the salient and moving up the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division. In response to powerful German counter-attacks, by 30 June some of the British forces across the river were withdrawn, bringing the operation to a close.
Many casualties were suffered by both sides but unlike General Bernard Montgomery, the Allied commander in Normandy, Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel was unable to withdraw units into reserve after the battle, as they were needed to hold the front line. The British retained the initiative, attacked several more times over the following two weeks and captured Caen in Operation Charnwood in mid-July. Interpretations of the intention and conduct of Operation Epsom differ widely but there is general agreement concerning its effect on the balance of forces in Normandy. The Germans contained the offensive but only by committing all their strength, including two panzer divisions newly arrived in Normandy, which had been intended for an offensive against British and American positions around Bayeux.