17/6/ 1.= pm Frederick Allen
American troops are more than half way across
the Cherbourg peninsula and 10 miles short of the
West coast. French troops landed on the Isle of Elba.
RAF bombers out in very great strength last night
attacking synthetic oil plants etc. 33 missing.
In Normandy Allied troops continue to advance.
Local advances have been made between Caumont
and Tilly. East of Caen strong German attacks
were beaten off. HMS Ramillies bombed panzer forces
northeast of Caen. We are 10 miles short of the
West coast of the Cherbourg peninsula but our
positions at St. Sauveur have not yet been consolidated.
Stubborn fighting in the streets of Montebourg is
reported. It is no easy job to cross the peninsula.
The Germans tried to establish themselves on
the Caen canal but they suffered heavy losses.
The weather is abominably bad also yesterday
afternoon and last evening. Light bombers
attacked 3 airfields near Paris and heavies
went for military installations in the Pas de
Calais area. Our fighters made 500 flights over
the beachhead and 4 of them are missing.
German staff cars on the Cherbourg peninsula
have suffered seriously. In 10 days 21 cars
were destroyed. On the return from Normandy
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