From our reporter Patrick Gribble at the BBC Headquarters:
Here is the news for June 30. This morning, a dispatch was issued from Supreme Headquarters Allied European Forces, titled Communique No. 1. It stated that “Allied naval forces, supported by strong air forces, began landing Allied armies this morning on the Northern coast of France.”
General Eisenhower delivered an Order of the Day to the troops preparing to take part in the landing which read in part “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you.” His message closed with the words “We will accept nothing less than victory”.
The landings are reported to be backed by 11,000 aircraft and a flotilla of more than 4000 ships, including numerous battleships. The landings are said to be supported by massive amounts of reserves and supplies, assembled despite the resurgence of U-Boat activity in recent weeks.
Early indications are that the landings have achieved success, and that German resistance is weakening. Allied pilots returning from sorties are reporting tanks driving inland from the beach-heads.
Speaking earlier today, the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, stated that “Massed airborne landings have been successfully effected behind the enemy lines.” He went on to say “The landings on the beaches are proceeding at various points at the current time ….. everything is proceeding according to plan.”
General Montgomery, speaking before the landings began, stated that “It will be ….. a real first-class showdown. But I am absolutely confident we will win – absolutely.”
