National National Archives of Canada, RG-24, volume 15122
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3 June 1944 Saturday
Weather: Clear and warm.
Breakfast for vehicle parties (Serials 1713, 1714, 1716) at 0100 hours.
It was good. We finally crossed the start point at 0245 hours and arrived
in our "box" near the hard at 0415 hours, where we stayed until
0645 hours when we were called forward to load. We embarked from G 1 Hard,
Stokes Bay, with which we were all familiar. We drew Composite Rations
for six days. They even had bread in it this time. It was a good feeling
to know we were at last on the way for the job for which we have waited
so long. I wondered what was running through everyone's mind. All ranks
were in good cheer, but I can imagine that old nostalgic feeling crept
in, because many of us have grown quite fond of England these past few
years, and now have strong ties on the little island - we will be back
soon. All we hope is that the weather will be good and there are no postponements.
We are now lying out in the Southampton waters just opposite NETLEY. The
marching parties embark on Landing Craft Infantry (Large) this afternoon
at Southampton. Tonight there is a glorious moon and as we go to sleep
we hope for good weather.
4 June 1944 Sunday
Weather: Clear and windy.
It is windy as hell this morning. We are tied up with two other Landing
Craft Tank. The Padre is on one, so he had Church service at 1030 hours
on the quarter deck of the middle craft. It was a nice voluntary service
followed by Holy Communion. The Roman Catholics had a service in the bow
of the boat. This afternoon a ship paper was published by Corporal D.
Baker and Corporal D. Lynk. It is well turned out and the copies in the
Appendix speak for themselves. The hospitality of the Skipper and crew
on this craft is of the highest order. The Skipper is Sub-Lieutenant H.B.
Stubbs and his Number 1 is Midshipman C.S. Baker. A rain squall blew up
about 2000 hours and the weather looks bad.
5 June 1944 Monday
Weather: Clear and cool.
A quiet morning was enjoyed by all on board their craft. At 1400 hours
the flotilla moved out to the open sea and formed up with the other craft
taking part in the invasion. The different types and total number of these
craft is actually amazing. It would be quite safe to say that such a sight
has never been witnessed, before in the world. At l600 hours the sand
bags containing the real maps for the invasion were opened and the maps
distributed. These maps had been issued to the serial commanders previous
to embarkation and were kept sealed until 1600 hours.
6 June 1944 Tuesday
Weather: clear and warm.
At 0630 hours all wireless sets were on listening watch to keep the Battalion
informed of the progress of the assault battalions. At 0804 hours the
leading companies of the Seventh and Eighth Infantry Brigades touched
down. At 0929 hours information had been received from the Seventh Canadian
Infantry Brigade that the operation on their front was proceeding according
to plan. At 1100 hours the order came through that we were to land through
the Eight Canadian Infantry Brigade according to plan. The marching troops
in Landing Craft Infantry (Large) touched down at 1140 hours on NAN WHITE
beach, ST BERNIERES, map reference 9985, sheet 7E/5 and reported "NAGA".
At 1235 hours, after several landings, and finding the beach blocked by
craft of the Eighth Canadian Infantry Brigade, we were able to land. Only
one Mortar carrier and crew were casualties, when they ran over a mine
after landing.
By 1400 hours all our troops were ashore, but as the Eighth Canadian
Infantry Brigade had not found the going as easy as expected, we were
unable to get through the town and were unable to assemble at "ELDER",
near BENY-SUR-MER as planned, and the Commanding Officer decided to assemble
the battalion in a field, map reference 993845. By 1605 hours the battalion
was able to move off to "ELDER", arriving there at 1644 hours
after bypassing the Eighth Canadian Infantry Brigade. We had just arrived
in this Assembly area when we came under shell and mortar fire, resulting
in five casualties, two killed and three wounded. Word was received from
the Brigadier that we were to move as soon as we were ready.
The Commanding Officer gave the order to move at l820 hours and the Battalion
moved off according to plan in the following order: The Recce troops of
the 27 Canadian Armoured Regiment forming a screen, followed by the carrier
platoon under the command of Captain E.S. Gray, each section carrying
one platoon of "C" company, followed by a platoon of Machine
Guns, one troop of M 10s, 2 assault sections of pioneers and four detachments
of our own Anti-Tank guns. This composed the vanguard under command of
Major J.D. Learment. "A" company was on the right of the axis
on "A" squadron of tanks, "B" company on the left
on "B" squadron of tanks and "D" company on squadron
"C" tanks, bringing up the rear on the main axis. Command Post
followed the vanguard, Battalion Headquarters and Support Company with
"D" company. Objective - Carpiquet Airfield. Due to the difficulty
the Eighth Canadian Infantry Brigade was having in dislodging the enemy
and as time was getting on, it was decided to break through their front
before they had consolidated on their objective, and continue along the
axis.
The vanguard did not encounter any serious opposition until it reached
VILLONS LES BUISSONS, where it passed the code word "DORIS".
However "A" company on "A" squadron of tanks became
involved in a fight at COLOMBY-SUR-THAON. It did not last long, but held
them up, as well as "D" company which was coming along behind
them on "C" squadron of tanks. By this time it was realized
the battalion could not reach its objective by dark, and we were ordered
by higher authority not to go beyond report line "DORIS", cross-roads
at map reference 007777 sheet 7F/1, but to dig in where we found ourselves
and to form a firm base while there was still light. As the van guard
was already fighting in VILLONS-LES-BUISSONS, cleaning out three machine
gun nests and killing most of the crews, taking prisoners and weapons,
the Commanding Officer decided to close up the battalion and consolidate
astride the ANISY-LES-BUISSONS - CAEN cross roads. The van guard, being
astride the main CAEN road, dug in and sent out patrols to ANISY and VILLONS-LES-BUISSONS.
"B" company on "B" squadron arrived one half hour
later and dug in on left flank astride the road running towards ANISY.
Casualties for the day:
Killed: 4 Other Ranks. Wounded: 6 other Ranks