Told by Pat McLaughlin
However, the fighting was so terrific that it took us almost one month to take the city. When we finally captured Caen, the damage was so severe that the bull dozers had to clear a path for us to advance beyond."
"As we were advancing along a street, we came to a cross street and immediately a German machine gun opened up, killing our officer and another soldier. As we were pinned down, I said to my friend, Pat Bannigan, that something had to be done. We cut through backyards and came across a small lane. We followed this lane for a short distance and finally saw the boots of the enemy. I said to Bannigan, throw a couple of grenades, which we did and killed the two enemy soldiers. That way our platoon could continue to advance again."
We immediately attacked and found out that there were no German guards or other soldiers there. We moved up to the main gate and looked in the compound and saw about 100 Jewish people who were to be moved to Germany for liquidation.
My immediate officer said 'McLaughlin, shoot off that padlock' I said Sir I cant do that as the bullet might ricochet and kill some of these prisoners. What would you do McLaughlin, he said. I noticed one of our tank very close and I went over and asked the Sgt if he would smash through that gate. He said he certainly would and immediately rammed his tank through that gate.
Then the people started to come our and they were so grateful one man got down on his knees before me and thanked me. In that compound there were older people, teenagers, and some babies.
That was one of the nicest things I did during the war."
