DIFFICULT COUNTRY AHEAD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25563, 16 June 1944, Page 3

DIFFICULT COUNTRY AHEAD

OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE RUCBY, June 14.

Difficult, but strategically important, ground lies immediately ahead of our advances in the Battle of France, says a correspondent. The high ground east of the Rivers Odon and Orne is of great importance to Caen. In the Bocage country the high ground is' not of great value. The country is thick, and there is no observation from the heights, which renders them militarily useless. But the village of Caumont is on a steep hill, with a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. Beyond it to the south the hills go higher and higher, to 1100 ft above sea level. St. Lo is on a rocky hill, and has been one of the most important military stations in Normandy since the twelfth century. The river which runs through it was navigable' for barges before the war. South-east of Caen there are small wooded fields and many orchards. This country has also many ditches, ruts, and hedges, and it is described in old guide books as “ very suitable for ambushes.”