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and this was an additional factor influencing the rate of discharge. On JUNO beach there were reported to be only eight serviceable LCT available for ferrying.

Inland, tactical reconnaissance had found little enemy movement Nevertheless, 30 Corps was expecting a counter-attack from either South-West of BAYEUX or towards the bridgehead since first light. South-West of CAEN. In the meantime it was trying to assemble a striking force which was to be directed on VILLERS BOCAGE via TILLY 8368. 8 Armoured Brigade was to form the core of this force. 1 Corps had asked for CAEN to be bombed again - and not for the last time.

The general dispositions of 1 Corps North of CAEN that morning; were: -

Opposition was increasing everywhere along the whole front, but particularly to the North and North-West of CAEN. It had been realised during the planning that failure to capture CAEN on D-day would probably result in a major effort being required later. That- proved the case. During the evening of 8 Jun, 1 Corps‘ intention was to maintain present positions to allow another twenty-four hours' build-up of 51 (H) Division before a corps attack on the town.

At OUISTREHAM there were still a few snipers. The Navy requested that these should be cleared out as soon as possible, as it was thought that OUISTREHAM would be a good deal more valuable than had been expected.

The first block ship for the MULBERRY had also been sunk during the previous evening. Despite a slew during the twenty minutes in which the ship required to settle, it promised well.

In general, 8 Jun had been a day of heavy fighting on Second Army front, particularly in the CENTRE. On the RIGHT of the Army boundary, United States forces were building up and beginning a thrust towards ISIGNY. V United States Corps intended to start its Southern advance in the direction of BALLEROY 6869 the next day.

During the morning contact was made between 50 (N) Division and the United States forces on its RIGHT. The consolidation of the assault area was firmly under way.

The unloading also showed signs of some improvement, in keeping with the weather.

Preliminary reports by naval representatives on the PORT EN BESSIN harbour, captured by 47 Royal Marine Commando, were hopeful, and augured well for "Q".

During the course of the operation from 6 - 8 Jun about 10,000 casualties were inflicted on the enemy at a cost of approximately 300 British officers and 4,000 other ranks.

During the same period Second Army lost 103 tanks "killed" and 64 battle casualties admitted to workshops.