 The German High Command (OKW) had not missed the strategic importance of the ridge.Though nowhere more than high, it dominated the Caen–Falaise road, blocking Allied forces from breaking out into the open country south of Caen.The 1st SS Panzer Corps (Sepp Dietrich) and parts of the 1st SS Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, defended the area, amply provided with artillery, "nebelwerfer" and tanks.