Michael Wittmann’s rampage at VillersBocage was just the start of a fight that was far from the great victory the Germans would claim it to be.

At 0930 on 13 June 1944, in the chaos that followed Wittmann’s fortuitous lunge into the British column, the men of the 4th Country of London Yeomanry lick their wounds and set up their defences.

They’ve been given the order to hold the VillersBocage at all costs and will soon be fighting for their lives against a superior German force.

By the end of the day, a young Lt. Bill Cotton will have earned the Military Cross and a promotion to Captain. His Sergeant will earn a Military Medal and his Corporal a Distinguished Conduct Medal…

In the hype surrounding the career of Michal Wittmann – has the role of Bill Cotton and his troop been overlooked? Was he the real hero of VillersBocage?

Watch our video on Wittmann’s Tiger Tank Rampage:    • Wittmann's Tiger Tank Rampage | Ville...  

00:00 | Introduction
00:56 | Aftermath of Wittmann’s Rampage
01:48 | Reconnaissance and Reinforcements
03:24 | Lt. Bill Cotton
05:26 | Bayerlein Strikes
07:05 | Three Tigers Taken Out
08:18 | The Heroes of VillersBocage
10:42 | Bramall’s Ingenuity
14:48 | The End of the Assault
16:16 | Conclusion

This video features footage courtesy of British Pathe.

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