7 June 1944

7 June 1944

Batteries Strasbourg and Mirus engaged hostile aircraft over Guernsey, while Battery Annes, Alderney, also fired at passing aircraft. A separate air attack on St Peter Port caused damage to a harbour vessel and casualties but did not produce a landing attempt. [T-1022/2174, PG 38468, scans 0304 and 0310-0315]

The Normandy situation remained confused. Enemy warships and landing craft stood off the beaches while naval gunfire supported the bridgehead. Reports concerned the position of Batterie Marcouf, fighting in the Cotentin, movements near the Vire and Orne, and attempts to restore communications with isolated units. British landing-craft survivors were reported to have surrendered at one locality.

German coastal batteries continued firing at warships, landing craft, beach exits and troop concentrations. The H.K.A.A. 1255 battle report recorded missions against landing craft at Riva Bella, a crossroads at Sallenelles, an artillery position of 1./1716, and the beach at Sallenelles. Observed fire was reported on target in several missions.

Orders and reports concerning preparations to deny or destroy port facilities at St Malo and Granville were passed as the command considered the danger of an enemy advance toward the western ports. Granville was attacked by about ten Thunderbolts, and the diary recorded damage and casualties in the sector.

During the evening and night the diary followed continuing fleet movements, artillery exchanges and reports of airborne or ground activity. A suspected enemy mine-laying incident was reported in the Granville/Jersey area. The general island situation was nevertheless described as peaceful, with no evidence of an invasion attempt.

Roll 2174, PG 38468, scans 0306–0314; supplementary battle report at PG 38469, scans 0597–0600.