The 12th Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. Oxley, landed on 15th June with the 8th Armoured Brigade. They took part in the 49th Division's attack on Rauray under Major-General (later Lieutenant-General Sir E. Barker, of the Regiment; and after a short rest took over a sector of the line east of Caumont, at very close quarters to the Germans. This was followed by a successful battalion attack at Robin on 1st August, with two troops of the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards (tanks) in support, against strong enemy opposition including tanks.

In June the Regiment lost Lieutenant-Colonel H. R. Woods, D.S.O., M.C., killed in action in command of a battalion of the Durham Light Infantry.

The Falaise Pocket

Both the 2nd and 12th Battalions took part in the fighting round Falaise. At the end of this operation the 2nd Battalion, with the 44th Royal Tank Regiment, cleared a section of the pocket and captured many thousands of prisoners. During this time the 12th Battalion had some hard fighting near Danvou.

8th Battalion Disbanded

Owing to the heavy casualties incurred by the other battalions the War Office decided to disband the 8th Battalion at the moment when they were due to embark for Normandy. The Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel C. T. Mitford-Slade, had reached a high state of efficiency after long training. Most of the personnel were drafted to the 2nd and 12th Battalions, for which they proved most valuable and timely reinforcements.

The Pursuit into Belgium, August 1944

The Battle of Normandy was over and the pursuit northwards began during the last week of August. Armour played a prominent part and both battalions, with their respective armoured brigades, were well to the fore. The 2nd Battalion advanced to the Seine and crossed by Bailey bridge at Louviers on 28th August. The 12th Battalion crossed at Vernon the same day, both crossings being almost unopposed.

The 2nd Battalion advanced to the Somme without any pause, brushing aside light opposition and capturing numerous prisoners. A stiff enemy pocket was encountered on 1st September at Airaines, where their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Little-dale, D.S.O., was killed in the town. From Airaines the pursuit continued. The Somme was crossed at Picquiny, and Auxi le Chateau, St. Poi, Lille and Oudenarde were captured in quick succession. Everywhere the Allied armies received