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Except for sporadic shelling of the beaches and occasional a/c raids, no enemy interference was experienced while disembarking. There were many ships at the anchorage and H.M. ships incl H.M.S.WARSPITE were sp the assaulting troops by fire.

The Bn quickly assembled at the Personnel Transit Area immediately WEST of OUISTREHAM 1079. The enemy had been cleared from the beach, except for a few snipers who remained in the ruined houses adjacent to Transit Areas.

The Assembly Area (HOMER 0877) had been altered as a result of enemy action to square 1077. However by 1530 hrs all marching troops had been assembled, but scarcely any M.T. had been disembarked.

The C.O. rode forward on a cycle to Div HQ in the area LE BAS DE RANVILLE 1073 to obtain orders.

At 1600 hrs 'C' Coy (Maj.J. HAYTHORNTHWAITE) was moved up in adv to the area LE BAS DE RANVILLE in view of the sit which then appeared serious.

At 1700 hrs the Bn moved into the area of LE BAS RANVILLE to relieve 12 Para Bn where it was joined, during the course of the night by the M.T., A/Tk guns, and MMGs. less two A/Tk guns and MMGs. under Comd Capt. T. Bridgeman, which had bean landed at a more distant beach.

Coy disposns were as shown in trace at Appx 'D' (i) For notes on take over battle posns from 12 Para Bn See Appx 'B‘ (i)

Three POW taken and identified as from 100 and 125 Pz Gren Regt.

During the night the Bn was attacked by enemy a/c which dropped new type a.per bomb. 3 O.Rs killed (B Coy) and 16 wounded. Major E.J. WARREN rejoined the Bn having been engaged in supervising the disembarkation of M.T.

b) GLIDERBORNE element ('A' Coy)

At 0300 hrs, PARKERFORCE was disbanded and 'A' Coycameundercomd 13 Para Bn in area RANVILLE.

Throughout the forenoon the Coy was engaged in clearing up snipers, of which 5 were disposed of.

At NOON the 'Coy was ordered to HEROUVILLETTE 1272 which took some time to occupy owing to enemy snipers and booby traps. In order to defend this large village, the Coy was from necessity widely dispersed, and it had no A/Tk guns.

At 1600 hrs 2 OXF BUCKS who were in posn at ESCOVILIE to the SOUTH 1271 were attacked and commenced to withdraw through the Coy posns. A posn was then taken up with 2 OXF BUCKS and the enemy held.

At 1800 hrs 10 Pl (LT.J.C.HORWOOD) engaged two enemy T.CVs containing paratps, killing or capturing the entire number. A patrol from 10 Pl later located an enemy M.M.G. and 40 men. The enemy were immediately engaged with 15 rds 3" Mortar and 10 enemy and some M/Cs were definitely accounted for.


(Archive transcripts © Copyright Normandy War Guide)

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Archive: 12 Bn. Devonshire Regt.: diary of events, 1944 June - Aug.

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