SECRET

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A further theory advanced in connection with the continual and accurate shelling was that a concealed line existed from the village of LEBAS de RANVILLE and the German posns at ST HONORINE.

For remarks on (a) "Sniperitis" see Apr B (ii)

(b) A/Tk layout in Def Sec App B (ii)

Owing to inclement weather, fighter cover was not available through - out the day. The G.A.F. took advantage of this and troops were continually being harassed by hostile a/c dropping a.per bombs and machine gunning. One a/c with Allied markings was observed circling over the Bn posns and the bridge during the morning.

From 1930 - 2030 hrs the enemy put down very heavy concentrations of mortar arty and rocket projectile fire. By 2000 hrs the fire was intense and coys were ordered to "stand to" to meet an attack. The intelligence 0.P. received a direct hit and two men were killed. At the same time our own arty and mortars opened their defensive fire, Lieut T.D.D. BOWMAN controlling the mortars from an O.P. in 'A' Coy area.

At 2030 hrs the enemy laid smoke and launched an attack which appeared to be directed on to No 7 (LT.R.WHITEWAY) Pl and No 8 Pl (LT HOBBS) and towards 'C' Coy (see Appx 'D' for layout). A report, subsequently found to be erroneous, was received to the effect that the enemy were in No 8 Pl locality. The C.O. moved forward to 'A' Coy's HQ. Where he was joined by the Bde Comd It was found then that the enemy's attack was being directed against 'A' Coy's forward Pls. (Comds LT HOBBS and LT.WHITEWAY). So effective was the arty and mortar fire and the small arms fire of 'A' Coy that the attack was broken up by 2200 hrs and the enemy seen to suffer casualties. Ono MMG Pl did not open fire at all in order not to disclose its positions, and leading infantry held their fire until it could be effective.

10 JUN.

A quiet day; air cover was resumed. 'B' Coy relieved 'D' Coy as left flank coy. Lieut. GERMAIN (E Coy) was killed by shell fire from a SP gun from the direction of BREVILLE about 0805 hrs. A patrol under comd Lt. SNEEZUM was sent out between 2330 hrs and 0230 hrs 11 Jun to get identifications, but without success. The Germans had removed all dead at the earliest opportunity.

11 JUN

Sparodic shelling and C.B. throughout the day. Thanks to tireless work by Pte.DONALDSON of the 1 Sec all refugees and "doubtful" civilians were evacuated, and a concealed tel.line to emery positions was cut.

12 JUN

A plan was made during the day for 5 CAMERONS to assault ST HONORINE from LONGEVAL at 0400 hrs 13 Jun with arty support 'D' Coy were to co-operate by mopping up Ring Contour at 0430 hrs and thus assist 5 CAMERONS during consolidation. At 1930 hrs 'D' Coy (Maj,J.A.F.W. BAMPFYLDE) received orders to move to AMFREVILLE 1274 to attack BREVILLE from the NORTH, under comd 12 Para Bn, a locality which had already repulsed two attacks by 5 B.W. The attack to be supported by five field Regts and tanks.