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The Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment was the reserve armoured unit for Juno beach, the Canadian sector during the Normandy invasion. Due to congestion on the beachhead, it would be almost noon before they began unloading. Further traffic jams were experienced on the roadway, as there was only the one leading inland. By evening they were within view of the main objective, Carpiquet airfield. Out of friendly artillery range and no ground troops in the vicinity, the Shermans pulled back to a more secure position.
On D-Day+1, the drive forward continued. Unknown to the Canadians was the arrival of elements of the 12SS (Hitler Jugend) Panzer Division during the night. Two companies of Panzer IVs along with panzergrenadiers were given specific orders that afternoon - simply put, drive the allies back into the sea.
During the afternoon the two offensively minded sides would meet. Both forces were new to battle, resulting in some reckless behaviour. For two hours, tank versus tank battles raged in the area between Authie and Buron. Final figures vary on losses. but Chaser was one of the them. Though the Canadians were given a bloody nose, they did managed to straighten their line and hold ground, stuffing the enemy's counter attack.
regards,
Jack
