[mkenny]

17th SS Pz.Gr. Division 'Gotz von Berlichingen' was not released for use in Normandy until the night of 6/7 June. Some Units set of to mark the route but the bulk did not depart by train until sundown on the night of the 7th.
2 train convoys set off. The second was attacked by Jabo's and lost one Stug. and 3 killed. The first convoy was also attacked but suffered no loss. 2 aircraft were claimed shot down.
SS -Aufklarung-Abteilung 17 reached Balleroy on the evening of 8/6/44.
First contact was with US forces north of Les Veys on 9/6/44. Elements of 16(Aukl.)Kp. were in action near Isigny-sur-Mer on the 9th June.

All this shows is that the division was not significantly affected by air attack on the way to the front. The reason why there was no counter attack on the 6/6/44 had more to do with Hitler than any interception of forces.