Operation Goodwood was an odd battle. Midway through a series of Field Marshall Bernard Law Montgomery's Normandy offensives, which more-or-less followed a similar pattern, Goodwood stands out. It was the biggest tank battle the British Army fought in the Second World War. Unlike most of Montgomery's ‘set piece’ battles, it was fought in a manner which presented major logistical difficulties. A departure from the close network of Normandy Hedgerows, the battlefield itself was unusually open. And debate is destined to continue over Goodwood 's outcome.

The battle -- The Normandy battle ground -- Allied strategy: the hinge of Caen -- The Goodwood plan -- The attacking force -- The defenders -- Monday, 17 July: the eve of battle -- Aerial bombardment -- Tuesday, 18 July: 11th Armored Division -- Tuesday, 18 July: 21st Panzer Division -- Tuesday, 18 July: afternoon -- Wednesday, 19 July: once more unto the breach -- Thursday, 20 July: stormy weather -- Aftermath and assessment.