21/8/1944. 9.= am.
American armoured columns have
continued their thrust toward Paris
and the river Seine on either side of it.
They have reached the river at Mantes. 30
miles to the North West and the Germans
say there is violent fighting on both banks.
American patrols were last night
reported 10 miles from the centre of Paris
and at various places in an arch
from 20 to 50 miles south and southeast
of the capital.
Germans retreating form Normandy are
crossing the Seine by pontoon bridges
and ferries. Some are even swimming
over. Attempts by Germans still in the
Normandy trap to break out have
been repulsed. The German Commander
in Paris has imposed what virtually
amounts to martial law.
In Southern France the left flank of
the liberating army is about 15 miles
north of Marseilles. Other forces are cutting
the German escape route from Toulon.
In Italy Brazilian troops have arrived
on the 5th Army front.
Russian forces are attacking again
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