 The main opposition to Simonds 's force was the 12th SS Panzer Division , which included the remnants of two infantry divisions . German forces within the Falaise Pocket approached 350 @,@ 000 men . Had surprise been achieved , the Canadians would likely have succeeded in a rapid break @-@ through . However , on the night of 13 / 14 August , a Canadian officer lost his way while moving between divisional headquarters . He drove into German lines and was promptly killed . The Germans discovered a copy of Simonds ' orders on his body . As a result , the 12th SS Panzer Division placed the bulk of its remaining strength — 500 grenadiers and 15 tanks , along with twelve 8 @.@ 8 cm PaK 43 anti @-@ tank guns — along the Allies ' expected line of approach . 
