Hill 262, Strategic height in Coudehard, France
Hill 262 is an elevation of 262 meters on the northern edge of Mont Ormel that overlooks the Normandy countryside near Falaise. The ridge offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape and now features a memorial dedicated to the events of 1944.
Polish soldiers captured this hill on August 19, 1944, and held it against counterattacks until August 21. Their defense blocked German forces from escaping an encirclement near Falaise.
A memorial on the summit honors the soldiers from Poland, Canada, America, and France who fought here in 1944. The site serves as a place where visitors can reflect on the multinational cooperation that defined this moment in history.
You can reach the site by car via the D16 road between Chambois and Vimoutiers, with parking available near the monument. The area is accessible on foot and offers clear sightlines across the surrounding fields.
Polish defenders suffered heavy losses during the three-day battle, yet they inflicted significantly greater casualties on German forces attempting to break through. This disparity reflects the intensity of the fighting that took place on this ridge.
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