Operation Charnwood was a military offensive conducted by the British and Canadian forces during World War II. Launched on July 8, 1944, it aimed to capture the city of Caen in Normandy, France, which was a key objective following the D-Day landings. The operation involved heavy aerial and artillery bombardments to weaken German defenses before ground troops advanced. The operation was part of the larger Battle of Normandy and sought to secure a foothold for further Allied advances. Despite fierce resistance from the German forces, Operation Charnwood successfully captured parts of Caen, contributing to the overall Allied strategy in the region.