By August of 1944, the Polish 1st Armoured was ready to strike back. Their first major task was to capture and hold the Mont Ormel ridge, known to the Allies as "Hill 262" for its 262 meter elevation. General Maczek nicknamed the hill "Maczuga", which translates to "The Mace". The hill had a complete view of the landscape below, as well as the only remaining highway in the area.