CLOCKWORK PRECISION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 16 August 1944, Page 5

CLOCKWORK PRECISION

IMMENSE INVASION FORCE TARGET REACHED WITHOUT DETECTION (Rec. 9.45 a.m,) London, Aug. 15. Tile immense invasion force Which made to-days operation in southern France bigger than the Normandy operation, reached Ho target without detection or interference from either German aeroplanes or submarines, says an Allied radio correspondent aboard an Allied warship. The big German shore batteries which withheld their fire during the Allied bombardment were perhaps unwilling to disclOße their exact positions, hoping with the aid of low cloud to remain undiscovered, Naval authorities confirm that the assault has gone with clockwork precision. The first assault craft reached the beach assigned to them exactly on time. Mine-sweepers went in first to clear a way for the light craft* while the navies laid down a curtain of supporting fire. The weather was clear and the sea calm, providing a perfect springboard for the assault. MR CHURCHILL IN THE PICTURE Mr Churchill visited British troops just before they left for the invasion. It is revealed that the purpose of his visit to Italy was to confer with military commanders and see the troops. A Berlin military spokesman said the next few hours may witness yet another and even more formidable Allied action on the south coast of France. Berlin radio stated that the focal point invasion to-day is between St. Raphael and Cap Camrat oh a stfetch of coast about 16 miles long half-way between Nice and Toulon. Heavy fighting is in progress at a number of points. Troops continue landing Under cover of strong forces of bombers and heavy fire from warships. The Allies the evehing before the landing dropped dummy paratroops in the Marseilles area, added the radio.