BIG ADVANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25562, 15 June 1944, Page 5

BIG ADVANCE

SOUTH OF TILLY

ALLIED ARMOURED THRUST PATROLS AT CAUMONT (United Press Association) , (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Rec. 1.15 a.m.) LONDON, June 14. A message from General Montgomery’s headquarters reports a big Allied advance in the . centre of the beach-head line between the Forest of de Cerisy and Tilly-sur-Seulles, which we now hold. Forward units have reached Caumont, 18 miles from the coast, while other advanced elements are reported to have reached Bocage, eight miles east of Caumont. “Allied armour found the enemy flank west of Tilly, states to-day’s Allied communique, “and struck south with great effect. In spite of vigorous enemy reaction, our advance patrols have now reached Caumont.”

It is learned at Allied headquarters that generally the Allied advances awakened the enemy, who reacted sharply at various key points. He heavily counter-attacked near Montebourg, and

is offering strong resistance near Carentan. The'Allied movements from the Forest de Cerisy and from Balleroy are going strongly.

It is not possible to say who holds Montebourg at the moment, and it is likely that both the Germans and the Americans have a foothold in the town.

Carentan is believed to be firmly in Allied hands. The Germans state that they forced a way into the town, but that Allied warships opened up and they were compelled to withdraw.

Heavy armoured clashes occurred near Troarn, where the situation is obscure. Much milling about both west and east of Caen is* reported. The Germans are obviously trying to avoid the left and right hooks which threaten Caen. Our advances south and south-west of the town have been temporarily checked. With the Luftwaffe swamped by the flood of Allied' planes over France, the Germans have* rushed' strong anti-aircraft units to key points in an effort to stem the Allied onslaughts. The main concentrations appear to be strung out along the base of the Cherbourg Peninsula.

The activity of the German E-boats has required a great effort from the Allies, who are trying to catch these craft as they leave the harbours as well as attacking them near the lines of communication.

The Vichy radio, quoting a Berlin military spokesman, said: “Important Allied shipping movements have been observed in the last few hours in the Gulf of Gascony, which is in the Bay of Biscay, towards the Franco-Spanish border, but it is too early to say whether this is a feint or a prelude to a forthcoming attack.” Beach weather reports state that landing conditions were good last night.