| Regiment | 5th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | Bernieres-sur-Mer, France |
| Entry | Tonnage 4452. "D" Company had earlier moved from Ammunition dumps, and carried out any emergency jobs. Re-called for urgent loading on two occasions. Moved to Transhipment Area. "S" Company elements also returned to Company area, and carrying out emergency. Training programmes were being carried out at nights. Fatal accident 199 G.T. Coy. One man killed in DUKW accident. General Observations of the month. From 6 June to 30 June 73,586 tons of supplies were discharged on the Company beaches. These figures would have been even higher but for the fact that weather considerably hampered the work at times. Reports from Companies show that even more could have been handled if there had been the transport to take the stores away. Air Report. Enemy air activity did not interfere with the work of the Companies. Apart from the bombing on "D" Day daylight activity in the beach area has been practically nil, and at nights the raids have only been scattered, and were not materially effective in hindering the work of the Companies. All ranks have been given day by day bulletins of news, and at nights a jeep with load speaker attached has announced the latest news. Companies have kept situation maps showing the latest position as it has been received from 2nd Army. If the men know what is happening in the sector it is an added stimulus to the work. They were also kept informed of the daily discharge of supplies. The military position at the end of the front was regarded as satisfactory. In the Eastern sector of the front British and Canadian troops had successfully pinned down the main force of Rommel's armour, while the Americans were pushing forward up the Cherbourg Peninsula. When their objective was achieved General Montgomery pushed forward in the Caen Sector. During the period when the eastern sector were "holding" Rommels armour, large reserves of supplies were built up.. Honours. R.S.M. McColm was awarded the M.B.E. during the month for long and distinguished service. On the beaches in the early phase of the invasion the Companies showed conspicuous determination and coolness when faced with the enemy. The standard of training as infantry men had not suffered at the expense of the intensive specialist training they had undergone as Beach Companies. Recommendations for awards have been submitted. Appendices: "A" Message from Army Commander "B" Special Order of the Day. Beach Group Commander Field Return. Officers and O.R.s for 10, 17 and 24 June. "C" Message of Supreme of Commander. |
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