Jon,
I went through Niklas Zetterling’s book “Normandy 1944” looking to get an estimate of the amount of armour facing the Canadian Corps on or about July 25th. I came up with a number close to 400 combat ready tanks and SPGs in the immediate vicinity of the Canadians. If you include the armour of 12th SS and 116th Pz Div. which was deployed further back, you can probably increase the number to more than 500. At this same time where was only a little more than 100 tanks and SPGs facing all of the American forces.
During Operation Spring the Canadians were attacking a numerical superior enemy force, occupying strong defensive positions, and possessing a technological superiority in weapons.
You must also take into account the big picture. Monty’s big offensive was to consist of three operations: Goodwood, Atlantic and Cobra. Cobra was to start on the 19th of July. It was postponed day by day, until the 25th because of poor weather. The air forces did not want to bomb unless they had perfect conditions, and Bradley did not want to launch Cobra without the bombers. Allied commanders were worried that the Germans would spot the Americans waiting on their start lines, and would move forces west to strengthen their defences. The task fell on the Canadians to keep the German attention focused on the Caen sector, and away from the Americans.
The Germans were completely suckered. During the period 19th July to 25th July the Germans were increasing the amount of armour deployed in front of the Canadians. They had missed spotting the real threat and had the bulk of their armoured forces deployed in the wrong area.
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