 Although the first day 's progress was slower than expected , Operation Tractable resumed on 15 August ; both armoured divisions pushed southeast toward Falaise . The Canadian 2nd and 3rd Infantry Divisions — with the support of the Canadian 2nd Armoured Brigade — continued their drive south towards the town . After harsh fighting , the 4th Armoured Division captured Soulangy but the gains made were minimal as strong German resistance prevented a breakthrough to Trun . On 16 August , the Canadian 2nd Infantry Division broke into Falaise , encountering minor opposition from Waffen @-@ SS units and scattered pockets of German infantry . Although it would take two more days to clear all resistance in the town , the first major objective of Operation Tractable had been achieved . Simonds began to reorganize the bulk of his armoured forces for a renewed push towards Trun to close the Falaise Pocket . 
