Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (July 24, 1944)
Communiqué No. 97
Sharp local engagements took place south of the river SÈVES, in the area north of the ESQUAY and on the river ORNE south of MALTOT. Our forward positions remain substantially unchanged.
Enemy supply system and airfields northeast of PARIS were attacked by our air forces during yesterday. In addition, close support was given to the land forces in NORMANDY.
Medium bombers attacked a railway bridge north of the SEINE at MIRVILLE and a railway crossing at the RISLE southwest of ROUEN, and the CHARENTONNE at SERQUIGNY. Other targets were fuel dumps in the FORÊT DE CONCHES and a railway yard near MONTFORT.
Direct hits were registered by our fighter-bombers on two double span highway bridges crossing the SEINE River at COUTANCES.
Other fighter-bombers, patrolling southward below the valley of the LOIRE, severed rail lines in many places and damaged numerous railroad cars and locomotives.
Last night, heavy bombers attacked oil storage depots at DONGES, near SAINT-NAZAIRE.
Communiqué No. 98
Early today, Allied light bombers harried enemy troops and attacked rail movements in a broad belt behind the enemy line from east of the SEINE to the battle area. A supply dump in the FORÊT DE CINGLAIS was bombed. Two of our aircraft are missing.
Enemy coastal craft were intercepted and engaged off CAP D’ANTIFER by our naval patrols early yesterday. Three enemy R-boats were severely damaged and one was set on fire.
There is nothing to report from our ground forces.