-7-

BCs with battalion HQ and the OP portion with the companies to whom they were allotted.

28. The OP parties were split between the companies. In the leading two companies the troop commander was with one and his OP Assistant with the other. The other troop commander end his OPA did the same in the reserve companies. This minimised the chance of all Gunners becoming casualties and ensured that every company had a Gunner on whom he could call for fire support.

29. In addition there was also a Regimental FOO whose job it was to control and adjust the fire of the regiment during the run in.

30. Forward Observer Bombardment (FOB)
The FOsB were Gunner officers allotted on a scale of one for every assault battalion. They remained with Battalion HQ and worked under the BC affiliated to that battalion. They were in communication with the Royal Navy and could obtain fire support from the bombarding cruisers etc.

GROUPING AND ALLOTMENT

31. See 50 (N) Infantry Division Operation Order No 1 Appendix J, Annexure 5. [Details of this, for the initial stages only, will be inserted here in the final draft].

FIRE PLAN

32. As it had been decided to carry out the OVERLORD assault during the daylight, the greatest importance was attached to the provision of overwhelming fire support. The fire plan therefore involved the