On August 7th, on the personal command of Hitler, the newly formed Western Armored Group composed of: 2 Armored Division, 1 and 2 SS Armored Divisions, Kampfgruppe from 17 Armored Grenadier Divisions, SS and Lehr Armored Division, and 272 Infantry Divisions started operation under the code name "Luttich". Its purpose was to cut off the US 3rd Army from its bases in Normandy. It was a desperate attempt to reverse the fate of this campaign. Meanwhile, the British, who have been tramping near Caen for nearly 60 days, have a great desire to make a decisive break and move to Paris.

"General,
Our defense is actually no longer a line but a few points of resistance. At the moment it is of utmost importance to stop the Canadian corps pushing north. With the support of the 89th and 85th Infantry Division you have to create a defense on the Cintheaux - Falaise line.

Operational tasks:
- The 12 SS Hitlerjugend will form a line of defense on the Cintheaux - Falaise axis. For reinforcement of defense, the hills 140 and 195 and Saint Sylvain must be used. Successful retardation actions will save as many boys from the 7th Army and the 5th Armored Division as possible.

Field Marshal Gnther von Kluge "
