 Specifically, Operation Spring was intended to capture Verrières Ridge and the towns on the south slope of the ridge.However, strong German defenses on the ridge, as well as strict adherence to a defensive doctrine of counter-attacks, stalled the offensive on the first day, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking forces, while preventing a breakout in the Anglo-Canadian sector.Caen was captured on July 19, 1944, during Operation Goodwood, after six weeks of positional warfare throughout Normandy.