Carman;
I found this and thought you might find it of interest,
From the War Diary of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles:
"June 6, 0400 hrs Tea and cold snack served.
0515 hrs LCA's manned and lowered 10 miles off coast.
0655 hrs Not a shot from shore; Royal Navy and arty bombardment opens up with the SP guns firing short as usual.
0749 hrs In spite of air bombardment failing to materialize, RN bombardment spotty, the rockets falling short and the AVRE's and D.D.'s being late, "C" Company C.S.R....RWR companies landed all within seven minutes.
0900 hrs The bombardment having failed to kill a single German or silence one weapon these companies had to storm their positions 'cold' and did so without hesitation.
1800 hrs "D" Company had by this time gapped a minefield at La Valette and cleared Graye Sur Mer. "B" Company crossed Seulles, cleared out 4 positions on the island......"A" coy started inland 0805 towards St. Croix pinned by 6 to 8 mgs. "C" coy approached Banville pinned down by 3 mgs. on commanding ground.
It is desired to make a special note of the services rendered to the Bn during the first day of ops by our MO (Capt Robert M. Caldwell) and the Bn RAP Staff - and the assault sec of 14 Cdn Fd Amb u/c Capt Harry Dixon. Not only were the wounded cared for with skill and despatch but confidence was developed and morale increased accordingly. A very special note, too, should be made about the general tone of the Bn during this day called D - 6 Jun 44. Not one man flinched from his task, no matter how tough it was - not one officer failed to display courage and energy and a degree of gallantry. It is thought that the Little Black Devils, by this days success, has managed to maintain the tradition set by former members. Casualties for the day exceeded 130."
I also found the War Diary page for 8 Jun 44 and will post it later for you.
Cheers
