Operations of the Eighth Corps

VIII Corps fought on the western front in 1944 and 1945 as part of the Second Army. From 21 January to 27 November 1944, it was commanded by Lieutenant-General Richard O'Connor. At the start of the Normandy Campaign, it comprised: [9] - Guards Armoured Division (later transferred to XXX Corps) - 11th Armoured Division (later transferred to XXX Corps) - 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division (later transferred to XII Corps) - 6th Guards Tank Brigade - 8th Army Group Royal Artillery - 61st (Caernarvon & Denbigh Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, RA - 63rd (Midland) Medium Regiment, RA[12] - 77th (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, RA - 146th (Pembroke & Cardiganshire Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, RA - 53rd Heavy Regiment, RA - Corps Troops: - 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment - 91st (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Anti-Tank Regiment, RA - 121st (Leicestershire Regiment) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA - 10th Survey Regiment, RA - VIII Corps Troops, Royal Engineers - VIII Corps Signals It played a major role in Operations Epsom, Jupiter, Goodwood and Bluecoat, before being reduced in size and moved to the reserve prior to the breakout from Normandy. The Corps fought in a supporting role during Operation Market Garden on the east flank of XXX Corps with XII Corps to the west of XXX Corps, capturing the Dutch towns of Deurne and Helmond, and took part in the advance on Venray and Venlo. Then in Operation Constellation beginning on 12 October 1944. VIII Corps, now commanded by Lieutenant-General Evelyn Barker, later took part in Operation Plunder, crossed the Elbe and occupied Plön in Schleswig-Holstein.