[1] The film documents the attack on Fortress Europe during the Second World War and the advance of Allied forces to the borders of Nazi Germany.

The film's French version title is L'assaut.On June 6, 1944, supported by an immense naval armada, Allied troops, including the First Canadian Army, led by General Harry Crerar, launch an amphibious invasion of Normandy, France.

In the Normandy countryside, a pin-point Allied bombing campaign, along with marauding fighter-bombers, begins to wreak havoc on the enemy defences.

By the end of June, bitter street fighting in Caen gives way to attacks in the hedgerows beyond the city, with the Canadians continually forcing the Nazi defenders back.

In liberating Caen, the Canadian troops enter a devastated city, yet are warmly greeted by its remaining French citizens.