Saint-Lambert-sur-Dive

Saint-Lambert-sur-Dive, FR

Saint-Lambert-sur-Dive was the epicentre of the German breakout attempts during the closing of the Falaise Pocket in August 1944. The village and its crossing of the Dives River lay directly in the path of German formations attempting to escape before the gap closed. **Major David Currie** of the **South Alberta Regiment** (part of the **4th Canadian Armoured Division**) led a mixed battle group that captured and held Saint-Lambert for three days against repeated German counterattacks, denying the crossing to tens of thousands of retreating enemy troops. The fighting at Saint-Lambert was intense and chaotic, with German armour and infantry attacking from multiple directions while Canadian forces held the village block by block. Currie was awarded the **Victoria Cross** — the only VC awarded for actions in the Falaise Pocket — for his leadership during this battle. The aftermath at Saint-Lambert was among the most visually devastating scenes of the entire campaign: the roads were blocked by thousands of wrecked vehicles, dead horses, and equipment abandoned by the disintegrating German army.