[7], At 0530 elements of the 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division with tank support launched a new assault to capture the village of Grainville-sur-Odon. "I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.. Their family home is reportedly located near the college's rifle range, which is said to keep no live ammunition inside of it. [111] A British company was overrun and tanks and infantry penetrated le Valtru where anti-tank guns knocked out four German tanks within the village and artillery fire forced their supporting infantry to withdraw. [136], The 9th SS Panzer Division spent the day attempting to force the British lines between Rauray and the Odon. Gunshots were heard before the body of Epsom College's headmistress was found alongside her family, according to reports. [31], Although planned, a repeated attack from the 7th Armoured Division never materialised[32] and further offensive operations were abandoned when, on 19 June, a severe storm descended upon the English Channel. Monday evening news briefing: Death toll soars after second quake Interpretations of both the intention and conduct of Operation Epsom differ widely but there is general agreement concerning its effect on the balance of forces in Normandy. On Sunday, February 5, Epsom College head teacher Emma Pattison (45) was found dead alongside her husband, George Pattison (39), and young daughter, Lettie (7). [33] The first objective, the village of Fontenay-le-Pesnel was fought over all day but stubborn German resistance prevented its capture. [87], During the early hours of 28 June a battle group of the 1st SS Panzer Division, Kampfgruppe Frey, arrived at the front and was placed under the command of the 12th SS Panzer Division. Mrs Pattison became Epsoms first female head teacher in September of last year. Panzergrenadiers captured a tactically important wood but were forced back by a British counterattack. [64] During the rest of the day the 49th Division was able to make progress, eventually halting just north of Rauray.[60]. 552 field guns, 112 medium guns, 48 heavy guns and 24 heavy AA guns. Former colleagues have paid tribute to Mrs Pattison who became Epsom's first female head in September 2022 after six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London. Epsom College - latest: 'Gunshots heard' at school where headteacher Neighbours have spoken of their horror at the tragedy. Boarding students at the college pay over 42,000 (over $50,500) a year, according to the report. 13 rue du chemin de Fer, 59100 Roubaix France +33 6 75 96 94 64 Website Menu + Add hours. Staff told parents that discussions were ongoing about closing the school early this week for day pupils. (1960). A German 75mm anti-tank gun with deceased crew member lie in the roadway, while a disabled Panther tank sits down the lane in Fontenay-le-Pesnel, Operation Martlet. Advertisement 'Gunshots' were heard before bodies of Epsom College's first female head, her husband and daughter, seven, were found in their home on 42k-a-year school grounds - as police. One infantry battalion supported by tanks, advanced around the village to the west and took Tessel Wood but was subjected to a series of German counterattacks. [68], The 44th Brigade, not facing the same problems as the 46th and advancing with their tank support, encountered little opposition until coming under machine gun fire at a small stream, following which German resistance was much heavier. In the operation's final phase, codenamed Goitre, elements of the 43rd Division would cross the river to hold the area taken, while the 15th Division would continue to expand their bridgehead. Accompanied by the tanks of the 31st Tank Brigade, the 15th Scottish made steady progress and by the end of the first day had overrun much of the German outpost line, although some difficulties remained in securing the flanks. The area surrounding the Pattisons home, which is granted to headteachers and their families at the prestigious school, was cordoned off on Monday. Although the family moved out of the four-bedroom property in September, when it was sold for around 1.5 million, they only completed moving their belongings out in recent weeks. "I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.". Poor weather hampered the start of Operation Epsom on 26 June, where rain over the battlefield had made the ground boggy[60] and over the United Kingdom during the early hours of the morning there was a heavy mist, resulting in aircraft being grounded and the planned bombing being called off. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss. [61] No. [nb 9] The 46th Brigade initially advanced without armoured support because in bypassing the mine and booby trap-ridden village of Le Mesnil-Patry, its tanks were forced to negotiate minefields flanking the village. [148] The Second Battle of the Odon began on 15 July to divert German attention from the ground where Operation Goodwood was to take place. [45] Should resistance during the opening phase prove light, the 11th Armoured Division would seize the bridges over the Odon River by coup de main. The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and seven-year-old daughter Lettie Pattison were later discovered at the property at Epsom College, Surrey, in the early hours of Sunday. Claimed. I expect the staff will speak to the children about it in assembly. The college posted a statement on Twitter describing Ms Pattison as a wonderful head but saying that it was unable to say more about the shocking and tragic news of her death and would remain in close contact with Surrey Police over the coming weeks and months. [142] In a frontal assault the northern half of the city was captured,[145] with the remaining portions being taken during Operations Atlantic and Goodwood in the third week of July. [130] The battleship HMS Rodney contributed by bombarding villages suspected of containing German headquarters; one was later found to have housed the HQ of the ISS Panzer Corps. [71] The main German opposition in this section of their outpost line had been from elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division's 1st Battalion 26th Panzergrenadier Regiment which had been mostly overrun and the pioneer battalion. taff and parents at Epsom College on Monday spoke of their deep shock at the death of the headteacher, her daughter and husband at their home in the school grounds as police investigated the triple tragedy. [146] Fighting in the Odon Valley continued. By Amir Khatri February 7, 2023 Was Emma Pattison Shot? Surrey Police said a thorough investigation was already under way to establish the circumstances of their deaths and that the familys next of kin were being supported by specialist officers. Emma Pattison,. Gunshots were heard ringing out before Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, 7, and her husband George, 39, were found dead in the grounds of Epsom College early on Sunday morning (February 5), it has been reported. Staff are understood to be telling parents they may close early this week for day pupils. "These events will no doubt have a profound and lasting impact on both the staff and students at the college and the wider local community. [125], Willi Bittrich was greatly concerned by the failure of II SS Panzer Corps to reduce the British salient much and he ordered a resumption of the offensive during the night of 2930 June, hoping to avoid Allied air support. The College community will be coming together today to process the news, grieve and pay our respects to a wonderful Head. [nb 12][82] Further attacks by 2nd Panzer were halted[84] but the entire front was "a mass of small engagements". [22] Possession of Caen and its surroundings would give Second Army a suitable staging area for a push south to capture Falaise, which could be used as the pivot for a swing left to advance on Argentan and then towards the Touques River. We hope everyone will respect the privacy of Emma's family at this time and allow the College's pupils, staff and wider community the time and space necessary to come to terms with this loss," they wrote in their tweet. After heavy and confused fighting one company was able to break out and rejoin the battalion. She told sixth form students on the school podcast Epsom Insight: "It has been a really big change for my family. [103] VIII Corps also launched spoiling moves. [112] He was found to be carrying a map and notebook containing details of new attacks. The college added: "There is nothing more that we can say regarding the circumstances around Mrs Pattison and her family's death". Police seal off Epsom College rifle range after headteacher found dead The board of the Independent School of the Year conveyed their utter shock and disbelief at the tragedy. ': Caller questions PM's evasive, UK needs to 'at the very least' rejoin the European Environment Agency, Stanley Johnson, 'I didn't dare shed a tear': Sangita Myska caller feared 'ridicule' after his wife, 'I will vote Tory negatively': Matt Frei caller refuses to vote Labour because of their, 'I am never going to vote for her': Caller refuses to support Labour after Deputy, 'This is a sweet victory for the Labour Party', says Lewis Goodall as Keir Starmer, 'It's a case of Ulez you lose', Tom Swarbrick tells Tory chairman as Conservatives, Andrew Marr: It's time to start plunging back into the wartime realities of Ukraine we. Crocker's I Corps". Police believe that the crime was an isolated incident. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, said: On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss. [45] In Phase II, codenamed Hangover, the division would advance to capture several crossings over the Odon River and the villages of Mouen and Grainville-sur-Odon. [51] The initial opposition the British would face was expected to come from the depleted 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend ("Hitler Youth"),[37] and elements of the 21st Panzer Division and Panzer Lehr. [77] It was not until 1500 that Hausser was appointed commander of the Seventh Army,[89] with Willi Bittrich former commander of the 9th SS Panzer Division replacing him as commander of II SS Panzer Corps (although Hausser was advised to retain control of the Corps until the following morning). [116] Moving towards Hill 113, elements of 10th SS Panzer (2nd Grenadier Battalion, Panzergrenadier Regiment 21 and 2nd Battalion, Panzer Regiment 10[118]) ran into British tanks and infantry (44th Battalion The Royal Tank Regiment and 2nd Battalion The King's Royal Rifle Corps) in vrecy, thwarting their attempt to occupy the hill. After battling to recapture the position, at 0930 the battalion was counterattacked by six Panthers of the 2nd Panzer Division. ", DON'T MISS: Five possible theories behind missing Nicola Bulley's disappearance [REVEALED] Epsom College head found dead at school alongside husband and daughter [REPORT] Nicola Bulley's family and friends hurt by 'vile' online theories [LATEST], Epsom and Ewell MP Chris Grayling called the deaths "an appalling tragedy", adding: "I know everyone locally will be shocked about what has happened.". Dr Wells added: "Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emmas family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career. Her husband, George, was a chartered accountant who was the director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, The Guardian reported, citing Companies House. No live ammunition is kept at the rifle range, the source claimed. The "gorgeous" pup, a Labrador called Bella, joined the family days before the episode was recorded. During the morning the Highlanders were counterattacked by elements of the 21st Panzer Division's Kampfgruppe von Luck; fighting lasted all morning but by midday the village was firmly in British hands. Staff are said to be in discussions over closing the school early this week for day pupils. While Surrey authorities have not released any further information about what happened to the family, they stated that there was "no third-party involvement" in the deaths. On Monday, pupils brought flowers in memory of Ms Pattison, 45 who became the boarding and day schools first female headteacher five months ago after moving from her previous job as head at Croydon High School and staff members consoled each other as they arrived for the start of the week. We are taking time to support staff and students at Croydon High School as well as everyone in the GDST family, and their wellbeing will be our priority in the coming days.. [109] Trying to strengthen their position, elements of the 11th Armoured Division launched a failed attack to take Esquay-Notre-Dame west of Hill 112[108] but a combined infantry and tank attack by elements of the 8th Battalion The Rifle Brigade and the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Tank Regiment[109] on the southern slope of the hill succeeded in driving the Germans from the position. "We are taking time to support staff and students at Croydon High School as well as everyone in the GDST family, and their wellbeing will be our priority in the coming days. [17] Some local adjustments occurred as both sides sought to improve their tactical positions, with the 12th SS Panzer Division launching a successful attack to capture Fontaine-toupefour on 2 July. I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues. Ms Pattisons husband George, 39, was a chartered accountant and a director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016. Clark, p. 104; Copp, p. 18; Daglish, pp. According to the Telegraph newspaper, gunshots were heard before the family's bodies were discovered. [73], To stop the British offensive, that evening Field Marshal Rommel ordered assistance from all available units of II SS Panzer Corps. READ MORE: Epsom College headmistress spoke of 'big change' before death next to family. The 9th SS Panzer Division suffered 1,145 casualties, the 10th SS Panzer Division suffered 571 casualties and the 12th SS Panzer Division suffered 1,244 casualties. [150], VIII Corps, in battle for the first time had broken through strongly entrenched German positions and advanced nearly six miles. A member of staff called emergency services in the early hours of Sunday morning after hearing the shots, according to a source. View our online Press Pack. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of The Victory Campaign: The operations in North-West Europe 19441945", http://web.archive.org/web/20080912012732/http://www.dnd.ca/dhh/collections/books/files/books/Victory_e.pdf, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Break out of the bridgehead, west of Caen, advance across the Orne River and capture the highground south of Caen near Bretteville-sur-Laize. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? 'Gunshots heard' at Epsom College before headteacher and family found dead Gunshots were heard before Epsom College's headteacher was found dead alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter at their home, which is near the college's rifle range. [142] The Germans moved up the 277th Infantry Division which began to relieve the 9th SS Panzer Division[143] and the battle group of the 2nd SS Panzer Division. [81] With the German forces engaged by the Highland Light Infantry, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders supported by the 23rd Hussars, were able to advance as far as Colleville with relative ease. [10] Over 120 German tanks were destroyed, the organisation of their forces was disrupted and their offensive power much reduced. "You used to hear her playing in the garden, she was always asking them questions and just seemed like a happy, inquisitive little girl. The 19th and 20th Regiments of the 9th SS Panzer Division renewed their attacks against Grainville-sur-Odon and le Valtru in the dark but little progress was made in the face of opposition from the tanks of the 11th Armoured Divisionnow in position north of the Odonand heavy artillery bombardments. [123] He ordered the 29th Armoured Brigade to abandon the hill. [49], During the night Kampfgruppe Weidinger, a 2,500-strong battle group from the 2nd SS Panzer Division arrived at the front and was placed under the command of the Panzer Lehr. She said the transition from her previous job in Croydon had been a big change for her family, with her daughter moving school and her husband getting a new job. The college remains open and pupils and staff were set to be offered counselling. Epsom College deaths: 'Gunshots heard' before head teacher found dead [100], With the weather improving over the United Kingdom and Normandy, Hausser's preparations for his counter stroke came under continual harassment from Allied aircraft and artillery fire, delaying the start of the attack to the afternoon. She was very popular and now we have to help the children come to terms with this., One parent at the school, where fees are up to 42,303 a year, said: We just cant believe it. In response to powerful German counterattacks, by 30 June some of the British forces across the river were withdrawn, bringing the operation to a close. Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39 and seven-year-old Lettie were. ", A man living in a block of flats on the road said: "The only times I spoke to them were on the front drive. ", Another local, Jasper, who lives nearby said: "I can't quite believe it. Tory MPs targeted in offensive Barbie bus stop poster campaign, Probe launched as man dies in Met Police custody, Trevor Francis, Britains first 1m footballer, dies aged 69, Tributes pour in for BBC newsreader George Alagiah, Johnsons controversial new peer Charlotte Owen takes seat in Lords, NME magazine set for print relaunch this summer, Frankie Dettoris memorabilia fetches tens of thousands of pounds at auction, Coutts issues apology to Nigel Farage after bank account closure row, Watchdog investigating Met Polices handling of serial rapist David Carrick, How to keep your energy costs down all year round. At 0810[8] General Friedrich Dollmann, commanding the German Seventh Army ordered SS-Obergruppenfhrer Paul Hausser to divert his II SS Panzer Corps to counterattack south of Cheux. [46], In Epsom's third phase, Impetigo, the 43rd Division would move forward to relieve all Scottish infantry north of the Odon. Mrs Pattison became Epsom Colleges first female head in September last year after six years leading staff at Croydon High School in south London. The bodies of headteacher Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and their daughter Lettie were found at their home on the school grounds yesterday morning (Sunday, February 5). [38] Four SS Panzer Divisions and one Heer Panzer Division were assigned to the task. Wilmot claims that this officer was carrying a copy of the II SS Panzer Corps plan of attack. [43], The revised plan called for a preliminary operation to take place three days before the main assault. The historic Normandy town of Caen was a D-Day objective for the British 3rd Infantry Division that landed on Sword Beach on 6 June 1944. A parent said that pupils and staff were being offered counselling and that a special assembly was being held. [80], At 0730 the 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders also of the 227 (Highland) Infantry Brigade, launched an attack aimed at capturing the Odon crossing at Tourmauville, northwest of the village of Baron-sur-Odon. "None of us really knew them well. Emma recalled how Bella "barked all night" in the days that followed, forcing her to apologise to her neighbours. Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time. The schools flag is flying at half-mast. "But it did and my daughter has started a new school so there's been a lot of change for us as a family.". [129] Unaware of this and believing that more German attacks would follow, Dempsey closed down Operation Epsom. Emma Pattison became the first female head of Epsom,one of England's most prestigious institutions, with alumni such as Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon and broadcaster Jeremy Vine, in September last year, as per a BBC report. [158][160] Simon Trew notes that this 'failure' "took most of six Panzer Divisions to stop Epsom short of its final objectives", with Michael Reynolds adding that without the commitment of these six divisions, it was highly likely that the British offensive would have achieved its goals. [35] Chester Wilmot states that the operation was intended to draw the I SS Panzer Corps and the newly arrived II SS Panzer Corps into battle around Caen[156] and Hart notes that Montgomery wanted to keep the operational and strategic initiative to prevent German armoured forces either being redeployed to face the Americans or being relieved and passed into reserve. [144], A few days later the British Second Army launched a new offensive, codenamed Operation Charnwood, to take Caen. Epsom College: gunshots heard before deaths of Emma Pattison and her On Monday, a rifle range at the school appeared to be closed off. Wilmot states there is no record or suggestion that Dollmann committed suicide and that Dollmann's chief of staff claims he "died of heart failure in his bathroom". [54] This success diverted German attention and resources away from VIII Corps front as the corps prepared for further attacks out of the Orne bridgehead. Encouraged by the fighting in the Odon valley, Hitler stated that "we must not allow mobile warfare to develop",[138] committing his troops in Normandy to "a policy of aggressive and unyielding defence". In an official statement, Dr. Alistair Wells, chair of the board of Governors at Epsom College, described Pattison as a dedicated educator. It was hoped that German troops would be caught by the bombing but only French civilians were present. Nothing like this happens in Epsom, it's a very quiet, very dull place." She added: "I was shocked and saddened to learn of the awful incident at Epsom College at the weekend and I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who lost their lives. Tributes to Mrs Pattison and her family were made on Monday from independent schools across the country. Drone footage showed police investigating at the familys large double-fronted home in the grounds where a Range Rover and another expensive car could be seen. [74] More tanks from the 11th Armoured Division arrived but determined German resistance halted any further advance;[73] by the end of the day the division had lost twenty-one tanks. [170] Describing the standard German practice of launching local counterattacks when driven from a position and thereby courting losses that could not be readily replaced, he writes: "One such counter-attack on 22 July resulted in 10SS regaining control of the Bon Repas [sic]-vrecy road, a clear victory in a win-lose narrative but a typical German defeat in any costbenefit analysis."[170]. Tweet. [97], South of the Odon, at 0900 the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders advanced out of the bridgehead with the aim of capturing a bridge north of the village of Gavrus.
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