Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (June 27, 1944)
Communiqué No. 43
The fall of CHERBOURG ends the second phase in the campaign on liberation. Twenty days after the initial assault, Allied Forces have established a firm beachhead which includes almost the whole of the COTENTIN PENINSULA and a major port.
CHERBOURG’S liberation came after a final day of fierce fighting in the northwestern part of the city.
In the battle, the enemy has lost the greater part of four Infantry Divisions, numerous naval and marine units and line of communication troops.
Lt. Gen. KARL-WILHELM VON SCHLIEBEN, commander of the CHERBOURG Garrison, and KONTERADMIRAL HENNECKE, sea defense commander of NORMANDY, have been captured.
A strong attack toward the VILLERS-BOCAGE-CAEN main road has secured CHEUX and FONTENAY and has advanced several miles in the face of heavy German armor and infantry. Progress continues.
Storms and defense clouds minimized air activity yesterday and throughout the night.
Special Communiqué No. 3
CHERBOURG WAS LIBERATED BY ALLIED TROOPS LAST NIGHT.
ENDS SPECIAL COMMUNIQUE NUMBER 3
27 June 44
Communiqué No. 44
Allied forces in the TILLY-CAEN area have crossed the CAEN-VILLERS-BOCAGE railway near MOUEN. Our advance has been made in torrential rain and against determined resistance by enemy infantry and armor.
In the CHERBOURG PENINSULA, we are continuing our attacks against the last remnants of organized opposition. Elements of the enemy’s forces are holding out in the MAUPERTUS airfield east of the CHERBOURG, and in the northwest tip of the peninsula.
Prisoners taken in the peninsula total at least 20,000 and more are being brought in.
Bad weather during this morning severely curtailed air activity but fighter-bombers attacked a train at PARENNES (east of LAVAL) and road transport in the LAVAL and ALENÇON areas.
Early this morning light coastal forces intercepted and engaged a force of enemy trawlers and minesweepers off JERSEY.
Considerable damage was inflicted on the enemy in a gun action in which coastal batteries from the island joined, and one minesweeper was hit by a torpedo. It is considered that this enemy ship may have sunk.