From a collection of letters from a doctor attached to No. 14 Field Ambulance, giving some indication of where the unit was on August 27th, 1944.
https://www.warmuseum.ca/wp-content/upl ... latt_e.pdf
22 August 1944.
Only has 15 minutes to write this letter. Recaptured an American Infantry Private from Ohio that had been captured by the “Jerrys”, a “scruffy looking lot, with morale all shot to hell”.
25 August 1944.
On the move again. Because he is with the artillery, he is fully mechanized, but the distance is still great and tiring. Wandered into a farmhouse at 3:00am, and for all he knew, it could have been 10 miles behind enemy lines. Has heard reports from the Falaise Gap that 40,000 prisoners were taken, and 6,000 dead. “Jerry” is in full retreat, and they find it difficult to keep up with him.
28 August 1944.
Still on the move, trying to make contact with the Germans, who are definitely on a complete rout. Letter from General Montgomery stated that victory in the west of France was complete and they must chase the Germans back to Germany. As long as the Germans are retreating, defenses are disorganized and it is only a matter of time before victory. Staying at a hunting lodge, and it is not the trophies or sporting photographs that impressed him – it was a modern washbasin with running water and a flush toilet, the first that he has seen in France. They call it a heaven sent. In the past few days, has experienced the thrill of liberating towns. Has received many gifts such as cider and eggs from the grateful citizens. Carries extra cigarettes and chocolates for the kids because they have not experienced such luxuries in over four years.
The Official History of the Canadian Medical Services has more information on what was happening around that point in time with No. 14 Field Ambulance.
https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/theme ... s-1-en.pdf
THE ADVANCE RESUMED, 14-16 AUGUST
At noon on 14 August the columns of tanks moved forward and, despite fierce opposition, were well established within three miles of Falaise by nightfall — an advance of about five miles. On 15 August the advance was resumed, though at reduced speed, and by the afternoon of the 16th troops of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division were in Falaise.
Medical arrangements were on much the same basis as for "Totalize". The 2nd Division had one field ambulance (No. 11) operating an advanced dressing station and two (Nos. 10 and 18) on wheels ready to advance with the attacking force. The 3rd Division had an advanced dressing station operated by No. 14 Canadian Field Ambulance and No. 7 Canadian Field Dressing Station at Rocquancourt. The 4th Canadian Armoured Division had an advanced dressing station operated by No. 15 Canadian Field Ambulance at Gaumesnil, with No. 12 Canadian Light Field Ambulance ready to move forward as the battle progressed.