Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force (July 4, 1944)
Communiqué No. 57
Allied troops in the neck of the CHERBOURG Peninsula advances at several points yesterday morning. Gains of up to two and a half miles were made in spite of heavy rains which severely restricted air support. The weather improved somewhat yesterday evening and defended localities, gun positions and a fuel dump in the LESSAY area were effectively attacked by fighter-bombers.
Our positions in the ODON salient remain firm.
Other air activity yesterday included successful attacks by medium bombers on a fuel dump near ARGENTAN and by rocket-firing aircraft on an electric power station near MÛR-DE-BRETAGNE in the BREST Peninsula.
The enemy railway system south of the battle area was further damaged during the night when a number of trains were bombed in the ORLÉANS–CLOYES-MONTFORT area.
Communiqué No. 58
Allied forces made two major attacks this morning.
In the CAEN area, our troops, driving southeast astride the railway and main road from BAYEUX to CAEN, have captured CARPIQUET. Fighting is in progress on the airfield there.
Other Allied units, moving from the eastern flank of the ODON bridgehead, advanced several miles, capturing VERSON and joining with our troops on their left.
In the base of the CHERBOURG Peninsula, Allied forces moving south captured the high ground north of the LA HAYE-DU-PUITS this morning. The successful assault of this dominating feature followed earlier advances near SAINT-RÉMY-DES-LANDES, BLANCHELANDE and LA POTERIE where substantial gains have been made.
Weather continued to interfere with air operations from midnight until noon today, but during the entire period, our aircraft, taking advantage of favorable intervals, attacked a variety of targets in support of our troops.
All types of our fighters joined in supporting ground operations in the CAEN–ÉVRECY and CHERBOURG Peninsula sectors. Fighter-bombers made low-level attacks on artillery positions, supply dumps, trenches and railways between COUTANCES and LESSAY. Troop concentrations on the railways at VILLEDIEU, VIRE, LE MANS and southeast of ARGENTAN were bombed and strafed in spite of poor visibility. Motor convoys, towing guns, were effectively hit near BETHON (south of ALENÇON) as were railway targets and oil storage tanks in the BREST Peninsula. Reports so far received show that twelve of our fighters are missing.
Heavy day bombers, escorted by fighters, this morning attacked a number of airfields in north and northwest France, bombing by instruments. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Two of our bombers are missing. Escorting fighters also bombed and strafed two Seine bridges and trains at LILLY.
Early this morning, light coastal forces intercepted a small enemy convoy to the northwest of SAINT-MALO. Two of the enemy were sunk, and damage inflicted on others.
Unsuccessful attempts were made by a number of enemy E-boats to break in to our lines of communication from the eastward during the night. The enemy was finally driven off by light coastal forces after a succession of engagements which lasted throughout the night.