NOTES D-DAY

WD HQ 6 Airborne Div 6 Jun 44

6 Airborne Div - 1300 - Strong enemy attempt at infiltration 500 yds South of FONT TOURNANT sp by SP guns caused a critical situation.

Brilliant action by Brig. Poett and most determined fighting by 7 and 12 Para Bns repulsed the attack. 1 Cdo temporarily diverted to assist clear up situation.

By 1400 hrs all ground lost in the br head area had been regained. 1353 - 1 SS Bde crossed the brs - unit of 8 Inf Bde now at brs - situation completely in hand.

1 SS Bde came under comd 6 Airborne Div on crossing.

WD HQ 6 Airborne Div 6 Jun 44 I. Sum. 1

GEN. First opposition after the ldg came from a coy of Pz Grens of 21 Pz Div on anti-parachutist patrol in the RANVILLE area. These retired SW leaving a number of PW in our hands. The brs were held by 16 men from MERVIILE belonging to a coy of 716 Div. During early morning 6 Jun a number of counter attacks were made against the airborne br head on the West bank of the canal; one tk was destroyed. Other attacks were made in the area of the high ground South of RANVILLE at 1072. A Coy of Pz Grens of 21 P2 Div Sp by four SP guns attacked at approx 1040 hrs. Two guns were destroyed. and one KO. One tk, reported as a Tiger, was KO in same area at 1500 hrs.

ENEMY TACTICS
7 Coy 125 Pz Gren Regt had been camping in RANVILLE area in a role of anti paratps cdo.

6 Airborne Div "Report on Ops in Normandy"
5 Jun - 5 Sep

HQ RA 6 Airborne Div

WD 4 Airldg A Tk Bty RA
6 Jun 44

4 Airldg A Tk Bty RA
RANVILLE - Recce party landed 0055 hrs with 12 and 15 Para Bns. 0335 - Main glider party arrives. 11 guns and 2 i/c only. Guns put into action.
1030 - 4 SP guns KO.
2 guns and 3 K - 2 W.

WD 3 Airldg A Tk Bty RA
6 Jun 44

3 Airldg A Tk Bty RA
A Tp less 2 guns land near RANVILLE.
1300 - Bty commences disembark LION-SUR-MER.

WD 53 Airldg Lt Regt RA
6 Jun 44

53 Airldg Lt Regt RA Only 211/55 Bty landed.
Bty at RANVILLE and placed under comd 6 Airldg Bde.

WD 1 Glider Wing
6 Jun 44

1 Glider Wing
From Op Order No. 1 - 1 Coy 2 E Yorks plus 1 sqn.