Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (June 12, 1944)
Communique No. 13
The U.S. advance east of the VIRE River was continued into the FORÊT DE CERISY.
In the CHERBOURG PENINSULA, enemy mobile batteries have been under a heavy fire from Allied warships, and some further progress has been made west of the inundated valley of the MERDERET River.
Intense fighting against German armor continues in the TILLY-SUR-SEULLES area.
Air operations were curtailed sharply after midday yesterday, when cloud and rain obscured much of the battle area.
After escorting heavy day bombers, our fighters joined fighter bombers and rocket-firing fighters in attacking oil tanks, rail centers, and road and rail traffic, including several hundred railroad cars, tanks and armored vehicles. From these operations, 24 aircraft, including three heavy bombers, are missing.
During the night, heavy bombers struck rail centers at NANTES, ÉVREUX and TOURS, and a railway bridge at MASSY-PALAISEAU south of PARIS.
Allied medium and light bombers and rocket-firing aircraft hammered rolling stock, a ferry terminal and road transport.
Intruder aircraft operated with success over enemy airfields in HOLLAND and FRANCE.