50TH (NORTHUMBRIAN) DIVISION CROSSES THE NOIREAU RIVER [Allocated Title]

The extent of 30th Corps' advance is dictated by the need to replace blown-up bridges at every river crossing, as exemplified here by 50th (Northumbrian) Division's construction of a Bailey bridge over the Noireau river.

The division's sappers have constructed a Class 40 bridge near Caen, thus allowing its own and 30th Corps units to continue their advance. The Bailey bridge replaces an old bridge blown up by the 'Maquis' while nearby the Wehrmacht destroyed a railway viaduct which carried a single-track line from Condé-sur-Noireau to Caen over the river. A mobile NAAFI canteen joins the procession of lorries using the bridge. A 50th Division (?) White scout car heads through the village of La Carneille; a road sign points the way to Athis and Condé. In Athis' main square, members of the Resistance confer with 11th Armoured Division and 30th Corps officers, with a US liaison officer in attendance. Some refugees return to their homes in Athis while others head back towards Condé.

35mm