Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (June 23, 1944)
Communiqué No. 36
Pressure on the CHERBOURG defenses is increasing. Patrols east of CHERBOURG are finding little opposition in the sector between CAP LÉVI and SAINT-VAAST.
Local fighting continues in the CAEN-TILLY area.
Early this morning, an escorted enemy convoy was intercepted south of JERSEY by light coastal forces. One enemy armed trawler was sunk. One of the convoy was left ablaze and damage inflicted on the remainder by gunfire.
Weather restricted air operations this morning.
Fighters and fighter-bombers attacked varied rail targets beyond the battle area including the yards at MÉZIDON and a junction north of LE MANS. Rail lines south of TOURS and ORLÉANS were cut. Bridges and tracks at NANTES, LA ROCHE, SAUMUR and NIORT and to the east and southeast of GRANVILLE were attacked. Locomotives and other rail targets in the PARIS and CHÂTEAUBRIANT areas were shot up.
Preliminary reports show 11 enemy aircraft destroyed. None of ours is missing.
Heavy day bombers, escorted by fighters, attacked, without loss, flying-bomb installations in the PAS-DE-CALAIS.
Coastal aircraft attacked E-boats in the eastern Channel, sinking two, probably sinking three more and damaging several others. A minesweeper was also damaged.
Reconnaissance photographs show much rolling stock destroyed in attacks by heavy night bombers on railway yards at LAON and RHEIMS last night. Main lines were effectively blocked at many points by direct hits.