Battle for Buron Memorial

The village of Buron, just northwest of Caen, is remembered in Canadian military history as “Bloody Buron.” Its name reflects the ferocity of the fighting that took place there during the summer of 1944. The first clash occurred on June 7, D-Day+1, when Canadian troops advancing toward Caen encountered a fierce counterattack by the 12th SS Panzer Division. The Canadians were forced back, and Buron remained in German hands for another month. The second and decisive battle came on July 8, 1944, during Operation Charnwood, when the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, supported by the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment and Royal Artillery, assaulted the village. They faced determined resistance from the 25th SS Panzergrenadier Regiment of the 12th SS Panzer Division. The fighting was brutal: the Highland Light Infantry of Canada suffered 262 casualties, including 62 killed, in a single day. By the end of the battle, however, Buron was liberated, paving the way for the capture of Caen the following day.

Today, three monuments stand side by side in Buron (Saint-Contest) to commemorate the Canadian regiments that fought there. The first, dedicated in May 2018 by the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, perpetuating regiment of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, recalls the Battle of Buron and the heavy losses sustained in the liberation of the village. Its inscription reads:

"The Battle of Buron
On 8 July 1944, soldiers of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada (HLI of C), 9th Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, assaulted the German positions within the town of Buron, supported by tanks of the Sherbrooke Fusiliers and Royal Artillery. The HLI of C faced stiff opposition from members of the 25th Panzer Grenadiers of the 12th SS Panzer Div. The Battalion suffered 262 casualties, including 62 killed while liberating the town.
This monument was dedicated in May 2018, by members of The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada (The HLI of C’s Perpetuating Regiment) in memory of those who fell during the battle of Buron.
We will remember them."

The second monument, unveiled on July 21, 1969, honors the Highland Light Infantry of Canada more broadly for their service in the Second World War. Its text emphasizes their role in the Normandy campaign:

"BURON – ST. CONTEST
Dedicated July 21, 1969, to honor the men who served with the Highland Light Infantry of Canada in World War II. The ‘H.L.I.’ were among the first Allied troops to enter Caen, following the Normandy landing, June 6, 1944."

The third monument commemorates the Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment, officially the 27th Canadian Armoured Regiment, which provided crucial armored support during the battle. Its inscription reads:

"1939 – 1945
Sherbrooke Fusilier Regiment
27th Canadian Armoured Regiment
This monument is to the everlasting memory of those who gave their lives and to the honor of all who served the cause of freedom with this regiment recruited from the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada."

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Koos Winkelman (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), Randy Brandt (6)