Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (June 17, 1944)
Communiqué No. 23
Allied troops continue their advance with leading elements in SAINT-SAUVEUR-LE-VICOMTE. Local advances were made in the face of heavy enemy opposition between CAUMONT and TILLY. East of CAEN, a strong enemy attack was beaten off.
Throughout yesterday Allied cruisers and destroyers engaged gun batteries which the enemy had established on the eastern bank of the river ORNE.
Concentrations of enemy armor northeast of CAEN were bombarded by HMS RAMILLIES (Capt. G.H. Middleton, CBE ADC RN).
Merchant convoys continue to arrive at beaches steadily and in safety.
Adverse weather again restricted air operations yesterday afternoon and evening. Heavy bombers attacked enemy airfields near PARIS and LAON and objectives in the PAS-DE-CALAIS. Railway targets, road transport and tanks behind the battle zone were attacked by fighters and fighter-bombers, and an ammunition dump near CAEN by medium bombers. Fighters also flew protective patrols and escorted the bombers.
During the night, our light bombers attacked supply dumps in the CHERBOURG PENINSULA. Two enemy aircraft were shot down over NORMANDY.