 In the early hours of 8 August 1944 , II Canadian Corps launched the attack using mechanized infantry . They broke through the German front lines and captured vital positions deep in the German defences . It was intended that two fresh armoured divisions would continue the attack , but some hesitancy by these two comparatively inexperienced divisions and German armoured counter @-@ attacks slowed the offensive . Having advanced 9 mi ( 14 km ) , the Allies were halted 7 mi ( 11 km ) north of Falaise , and forced to prepare a fresh attack . 
