Bocage [boh-kahzh] is a Norman word which has found its way into both the French and Englishlanguages. It may refer to a small forest or a decoration that includes leaves. But most often it refers to pastures bordered by thick forest or hedges. The trees and hedges around the pastures or fields are planted in earthmounds.[1] Between the planted mounds are sunken lanes.[1] The word bocage forms part of the name for several towns in parts of Lower Normandy.[1] The term Bocage Normandy refers to the area around Saint-Lô and Vire.[1]
During World War II following the AlliedInvasion of Normandy, the allies found themselves in 'hedgerow country' (bocage).[2] It was ideal for German troops to hide in and not be seen until it was too late.[2] The hedgerows were thick enough to hide tanks and artillery pieces. The final Allied breakout of the bocage into open country took over eight weeks of fighting.[3]