Communiqué from Allied Supreme headquarters RAF Leuchaurs 2130hrs GMT 30th December 2005
Forces of the Combined Allied armies commenced operations At 0900 UK time (Slightly delayed due to adverse weather conditions) connected to “Operation Overlord” the liberation of occupied Europe.
Airborne forces of the US and the British launched attacks by Parachute and Glider on key targets in occupied France with the first allied troops landing in France at 00.15 hrs with the first sea borne landings taking place at 0630hrs on Utah & Omaha beaches.
Ste Marie Eglise
Pathfinders of the US 82nd Airborne were dropped at 00.15hrs in the area of Ste Marie Eglise quickly followed by the remainder of the 82nd.The drop was a great success with minor losses taken during the drop, the 82nd quickly occupied strategic towns/bridges and roads in the area inflicting heavy losses on the German defenders and crushing all attempts made by German reinforcements to break through. By 0730hrs 82nd airborne commanders reported the area secure with minor moping up operations continuing. Allied losses are described as light. Although reports are coming in that the commander of the US Airborne Corps was killed
as his HQ tried to repel a German armoured unit, which was attempting to break through the 82nds defensive lines.
Merville
Units of the British 6th Airborne lead by the 9th parachute Battalion lead a daring assault at 0015hrs on the heavily defended radar station and Gun battery at Merville.
We regret to inform you that heavy losses were taken during the initial drop with detachments scattered over a wide area of the French country side, those units remaining in the area of the Merville battery and radar station succeeded in putting the latter out of action but reports indicate that the strong German garrison has beaten back our forces with heavy losses. The commander Leading the attack Col Jed Harbridge-Rose is missing believe KIA and was last heard in the thick of the fighting shouting what was thought to be his Family motto 1’s not more 1’s and something about green not being his lucky colour for dice.
Omaha
At 0630hrs troops from the US 1st Infantry Division launched a sea borne landing onto the beaches code named Omaha.
Early reports have confirmed that the first assault wave suffered severe losses with the majority of the supporting DD tanks in the first wave failing to make the shore but reports are coming in that by 0730hrs the second wave With its armour are ashore safely and are battling on the beaches to overcome the strong defending force.
Pointe du Hoc
The 2nd US Rangers at 0630hrs launched their attack on the Gun battery on the cliffs at the above location.
We regret to report they suffered heavy losses due to the severe weather conditions in the area swamping their transport. The remaining troops are continuing on their mission.
Utah
At 0630hrs the US 29th Inf Div launched a sea borne landing onto the beaches code named Utah initial reports indicate that the first 2 waves are ashore despite difficulties in landing troops on their correct sectors causing congestion the allied commanders decided to launch their attack from where they landed.
Reports indicate that casualties have been light and they are now battling to break through the German defences and to clear the beaches for the next wave.
Pegasus
A Unit of the British 6th Airborne the Ox & Bucks lead a daring Glider assault at 0015hrs on the vitally important & thought to be heavily defended bridges over the Orne river and the canal de Caen reports indicate that they have achieved their objectives and control the bridges. Heavy fighting continues from German reinforcements. Allied troops have suffered heavy losses and are waiting for relief from forces landing on the nearby beaches.(In plain English it’s a bit dodgy at the moment)
Vierville/Ste Marie Du Monte
Pathfinders of the US 101st Airborne were dropped at 00.15hrs in the area of Ste Marie Du Monte & Vierville quickly followed by the remainder of the 101st. by parachute & Glider
The drop was a great success with acceptable losses taken during the drop, the 101st quickly occupied strategic towns and roads in the area inflicting heavy losses on the German defenders and crushing all attempts made by German reinforcements to dislodge them. By 0730hrs 101st airborne commanders reported the area secure although defensive operations are ongoing as the Germans continue to launch small-scale attacks.
The US commander who hails from Falkirk seemed well pleased with the result.
Other news
Commanders from both sides report-varying degrees of financial losses as penalty payments were inflicted as per the agreement regarding gloating and such like. Most decided to pay in advance and use up their credits.
kutusov