Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (September 18, 1944)
Communiqué No. 163
Allied airborne troops were landed in HOLLAND yesterday after powerful air preparation in which the Allied air forces operated in great strength. First reports show that the operation is going well.
Our ground forces near the BELGIAN-DUTCH frontier are continuing to make progress.
Further south, we have mopped up pockets of resistance on the outskirts of AACHEN. Heavy fighting continues in the city. Elements pushing on east of the town are encountering determined resistance. Advances have also been made across the LUXEMOURG-GERMAN frontier.
In the MOSELLE Valley, our troops are clearing the area west of the river of isolated enemy troops. North of NANCY, progress has been made and enemy counterattacks near PONT-À-MOUSSON were repulsed.
The Germans are fighting hard in the BELFORT GAP. Our troops have occupied the town of SAINT-LOUP-SUR-SEMOUSE and cleared LURE of the enemy. North of LURE, the enemy used tanks in resisting the advance. Local engagements took place in the area of PONT-DE-ROIDE.
Striking in advance of our airborne forces yesterday, heavy, light and fighter-bombers in very great strength attacked anti-aircraft batteries, gun positions, communications, troops and transport through a wide area of HOLLAND while fighters swept a path for the aerial transports and gliders, and provided umbrella cover for the landing. As the enemy’s guns opened fire, our fighters and fighter-bombers dived to silence them in low-level strafing and bombing attacks.
Many motor vehicles, locomotives, railway cars and barges were destroyed or damaged, and bridges and supply dumps were hit. According to reports so far received, nine enemy aircraft were shot down in combat by our fighters.
Later in the day, gun positions and troops on the island of WALCHEREN were attacked by a strong force of heavy bombers. Coastal aircraft struck at shipping off the FRISIAN Islands.
Fortified positions and garrison troops at BOULOGNE were bombarded for four hours by other heavy bombers which dropped more than 3,500 tons of high explosives. Intense anti-aircraft fire was encountered at time, but there was no opposition in the air.
Strongpoints at BREST were attacked during the day by small forces of fighter-bombers. Other fighter-bombers hit locomotives and railway cars in western GERMANY.
NOTE: NO CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNIQUE RECEIVED FROM 21 AND 12 ARMY GROUPS.
White House Statement on the Entrance of Allied Troops into Holland
September 18, 1944
For four long years the Netherlands has suffered under the heel of German oppression. For four long years its liberties have been crushed, its homes destroyed, its people enslaved. But the spark of freedom could never be extinguished. It has always glowed in the hearts of the Netherlands people. It now emerges as an avenging flame.
The armies of liberation are flowing across the borders of Holland. A gallant Queen is returning to her gallant people. The Netherlands again stands on the threshold of her ancient liberties.
But the fight will not end with the restoration of freedom to Holland. It will not end with the inevitable defeat of Germany. The people of the Netherlands know, as the people of the United States know, that final victory cannot be achieved until Japan has likewise been vanquished.
Only then can peace and freedom return to the world.