Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (June 26, 1944)
Communiqué No. 41
The liberation of CHERBOURG cannot be long delayed. Allied troops are fighting in the streets and by yesterday afternoon had reached the sea within a mile of the port on the east side.
During a day of fierce fighting with the support of naval bombardment, enemy strongpoints were reduced one by one and the town was entered at many points simultaneously. The mopping-up of other portions of the original outer defenses continues.
In the eastern sector, our progress in the FONTENAY area was maintained and our positions were further strengthened.
Further enemy counterattacks near SAINTE-HONORINE were beaten back.
Our Air Forces continued their attacks on the enemy’s supply system during the afternoon and evening yesterday and also gave immediate support to the land and naval forces assaulting CHERBOURG.
The railway network east and south of NORMANDY was subjected to many attacks. Targets included the railway yards at DREUX and CHARTRES and bridges and embankments in the same area.
Air fields at BRÉTIGNY and VILLACOUBLAY were bombed and a large formation of medium bombers attacked supply dumps in the SENONCHES area with good results.
Enemy opposition was on a limited scale yesterday though flak was intense at many points.
Troop concentrations south of CAEN were bombed last night.
Communiqué No. 42
Street fighting continues in CHERBOURG. The Germans are resisting desperately but the town is steadily being cleared.
In the northeastern tip of the peninsula, little opposition has been met. To the northwest in the CAP DE LA HAGUE area, there is still some enemy strength.
Progress has been made in the FONTENAY sector, east of TILLY, after heavy fighting and our positions are improved.
More than 20,000 prisoners have been taken in the beachhead since the landings.
Dense cloud and fog over the continent today brought our air operations to a virtual standstill.
Last night, two enemy aircraft were destroyed by our patrols over northern FRANCE.