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It was strange to be in FRANCE again. The coast looked bare and deserted. In place of crops there were mine-fields. On every fence hung the scull and cross—bones above which was written "ACHTUNG - MINEN" giving a sense of constriction. The country seemed poor and ill-kept.

At first there was little to be seen of the enemy, except far prisoners, but as the Bn moved to its assembly area, the road and a village came under mortar fire. A few casualties were sustained. Under this stimulous sodden packs, which a moment before seemed like lead, became in a second miraculously light. Still more prisoners were taken in the neighbourhood of the assembly area. Snipers and a few GERMANS holding out with LMGs were encountered.

The forward body moved off down the road without meeting opposition until it reached the Radar Station, which was held by about 4 MGs. To attack was a difficult problem, the carriers could not deploy off the road because at that time it was believed that every field was mined; one carrier in fact blew up on the road; there was no observation to enable the mortars and the gunners to fire. There were snipers in the wood around the building who hindered reconnaissance. However, "D" Coy made a right flanking movement and after a little delay the enemy withdrew leaving burning buildings behind them.

It was now growing dark, and the forward body pushed boldly on through the narrow lanes without encountering further resistance until it reached VAUX-SUR-AURE. There the bridge was seized and held until the rest of the Bn came up to consolidate.

What remained of the night passed quietly, except for a few enemy patrols who struck our road blocks. The liveliest encounter occurred when the neighbouring platoons of "A" and "B" Coys fired heavily at each other for half an hour. It an impressive demonstration of the fire power of the platoon, although fortunately not of the accuracy of our shooting, because no one was hit. Early next morning the Bn occupied its objective north of BAYEUX.

NOTE - The Advance Guard was commanded by Major BARLOW.

As "D" Coy was returning from attacking the Radar Station Major Martin was leading. A tank going forward exploding a mine in the road just level with Major MARTIN who caught the blast across his stomach and was severely wounded.

ATTACK ON SULLY CHATEAU THAT LINKED THE RIGHT OF THE BRITISH BRIDGEHEAD WITH THE AMERICANS.

Part of the Bn's "D" Day Task had been to establish two junction points with the Americans over a small river running northwards from BAYEUX to the coast. This had not been accomplished because of the lateness of the landing. On "D" plus 1, "A" Coy made a reconnaissance in force of the bridge at SULLY where they encountered stiff resistance, and withdrew after fighting a sharp action. There was no sign of the 1st American Division who, it was afterwards learnt, had been held up by very heavy fighting on the beaches. On "D" plus 2 it was decided to help the American advance by capturing the bridge and Chateau of SULLY.


(Archive transcripts © Copyright Normandy War Guide)

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Archive: 2 Bn. South Wales Borderers: extract from regimental history, 1944 June

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