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The majority of glider loads experienced considerable difficulty in removing the tail unit and unloading was therefore rather slower than would otherwise have been the case. It did M appear that gliders had been fully modified in the same manner as those on which instruction had been carried out at Netheravon However, by using saws, axes and other suitable implements, most tails were soon removed, gliders unloading and the Battalion concentrated South of Ranville in accordance with the pre-arranged plan at 2230 hours.

At this stage the Battalion had sustained only one casualty, considerably less than the actual casualties usually sustained on an air exercise - certainly a remarkable achievement and a very great credit to the RAF and Glider Pilots. The only casualty was caused after landing and was due to mortar fire. On reaching the concentration area, the Commanding officer (Lieut—Colonel R.J.H. Carson) went to Brigade HQ in order to obtain the latest information. The original plan envisaged the Battalion Second in Command (Major J.Drummond) landing with advance Div HQ on the night of "D" minus 1 and of being well in the "picture" when the Battalion arrived. This was not to be, as the glider in which he originally took off made a forced landing at Worthing at 0300 hours. The Second in Command, however, just managed to get back to the take—off airfield in time to take part in the rather trivial excitement of taking off for the invasion twice within 24 hours.

Information received by the Commanding Officer at Brigade HQ showed that the main objective of the Battalion (Ste Honorine) was occupied by the enemy and that "Ring Contour 30" to the North of Ste Honorinc was also held. It was also reported that the enemy were also in occupation of Longueval ("D" Company objective). The Battalion was ordered to remain in the concentration area at Ranville until further orders were received. These were received at 2345 hours, when it was decided to seize the area. of "Ring Contour 30". "C" Company (Major F.R.A. Hynds) was ordered to seize this high ground and by 0200 hours the objective was reported occupied. The enemy who had been in this locality had withdrawn to area of Ste Honorine.

At 0200 hours on 7th June the Battalion received orders to proceed with the original intention of seizing and holding Ste Honorine and Longueval. Placed in support of the Battalion were one field battery, one light battery, with the additional call on the cruiser HMS Arethusa, for fire support on Ste Honorine. The plan for the capture of Longueval was briefly as follows:-

"C" Company with one platoon MMG (Lieut H.R. Morgan) to remain on Hill 50 as fire company. The Battalion mortars (less "C" Company Detachment which was in position on Hill 30) to take up a position South of Ranville and support the attack. The Battalion Second in Command as ordered to co—ordinate the fire support and contact the FOOs and FOB on Hill 30. The remainder of the Battalion to carry out a right flanking attack on Longueval with "B" Company on right, "A" Company on left and "D" Company supporting "A" Company. Zero hour for the attack was 0900 hours.

The Battalion moved to FUP without incident. In the meantime life on Hill 30 was full of incident. "C" Company, which had of necessity occupied hastily-prepared positions in the dark, was in full view of the enemy from Ste Honorine. The range was about 1,200 yards, very suitable for mortars and SP guns, which opened up a heavy and relentless fire. A number of casualties were sustained The FOO from the field regiment was contacted but was uncertain as to. whether he would have completed ranging by Z - 15 minutes The FOO from the light regiment was later contacted some distance away but stated that he could not reach Hill 50 owing to the intense fire. The FOB with a call or HMS Arethusa was present on hill 30 but stated that:—