 While based there, German cross-Channel guns periodically shelled the area, and in 1944 V-1 flying bombs became a minor issue.In December 1943, the division (reinforced, for the exercise, by the 31st Tank Brigade) played the defending force in Exercise Vulcan; a four-day training exercise aimed at improving the attacking process of the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division.During 1944, the division aided Operation Overlord in various ways.