The beach was defended by two battalions of the 21st Infantry Division , with elements of the German 716th tank division being held near Caen in the reserve . The beach was defended by two battalions of the 21st Infantry Division , with elements of the German 716th Panzer Division held in reserve near Caen . The beach was defended by two battalions of the German 716th infantry division , with elements of the 21st armoured division near Caen in the reserve being held .