Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (June 16, 1944)
Communiqué No. 21
There has been no major change in any sector, but Allied troops have made further progress west of Pont-l’Abbé. All attempts by the enemy to gain the initiative have been frustrated and his counterattacks have been successfully repelled. Our striking power grows steadily.
Despite rain and limited visibility over many parts of FRANCE yesterday, the Allied air forces flew 3,000 sorties, many of them by aircraft based in FRANCE attacking targets indicated by advanced air force and army headquarters.
In the afternoon, medium bombers hit fuel and supply dumps, bridges and other communications targets from VALOGNES in the CHERBOURG PENINSULA to LAVAL and DOMFRONT about 75 miles behind the enemy lines. One medium bomber is missing.
Fighter-bombers, fighters and rocket-firing fighters were active throughout the day. Their objectives included railway yards at LE MANS, FOUGÈRES, MAYENNE, VIRE, GRANVILLE, FOLLIGNY, HYENVILLE, CHARTRES and COLTAINVILLE, and a bridge over the ORNE near AMAYÉ. East of CAEN fighter-bombers attacked enemy troops and tanks sheltering in woods and orchards. Others bombed SEINE river ferries, observation posts, radio stations, artillery concentrations and several bridges and railway lines near SAINT-LÔ. In these activities, 14 enemy aircraft were destroyed for the loss of seven of ours.
Last night our heavy bombers in great strength attacked concentrations of E- and R-boats and minesweepers in BOULOGNE harbor as well as railway centers at VALENCIENNES and LENS and fuel dumps at CHÂTELLERAULT and FOUILLARD. Fourteen bombers are missing.
Four enemy aircraft were destroyed and others were damaged over FRANCE by our night intruders.