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Sketches of the Restigouche

The Graphic

        THE NORTH SHORE IN CANADA

        THE NORTH SHORE'S STORY (Part Two)

        CHARLIE COMPANY'S LANDING

        Charlie had a less stormy passage in the early stages of the land but soon after getting out of the village they came under heavy fire from Tailleville. This was their objective so they at once deployed and began working their way forward to the wall around the main German Strongpoint. The enemy was more strongly entrenched here than had been anticipated. Numerous tunnels led from one gun pit to another; in addition their weapons were so disposed that all approaches were completely covered by fire. However, with the aid of a troop of tanks this stronghold was reduced. Four officers and 57 other ranks came out with their hands in the air. A feature of this action was the use, for the first time in the compaign, of the man-pack flame-thrower. The enemy displayed little inclination to stay at his post in the face of the searing flame. Still, Charlie Company's task was not over. Other enemy had buried themselves in the countless tunnels and cellars of this position and much clearing had to be done. After the sixth painstaking search of the grounds and buildings it was finally cleared of enemy. Able Company had come forward in the afternoon and cleared he woods south of Tailleville, as well as the numerous trench systems that stretched in front of the village. During the fighting in the houses their Company Commander, Major J.A. MacNaughton was killed by a sniper for his part in the landing operation. He was later Mentioned-in-Dispatches.

        DOG COMPANY GET ASHORE

        Dog Company's role was to clear the southern portion of St. Aubin and the area around the railway station. I was intended that when this task was finished the 46thRoyal Marine Command would pass through to the East and take out Lagrune-Sur-Mer. Unluckily, this Commando had trouble with its landing Craft, which grounded on the rocks opposite the principle beach fortress. However, they succeeded in getting ashore and, although behind schedule carried out their task. In the fighting in the town Dog Company lost approximately a do\en men, among them Sgt. Clouston, who was killed getting off the beach.

        NIGHT MUST FALL

        When darkness fell on the night of the 6th June weary men looked to their weapons and took a deep breath. Somewhere out in the blackness a bewildered enemy was collecting his strength and resources. Unbelievably the Atlantic Wall had been pierced-now he must try to throw the invader back into the sea. Therefore, little groups of men tore holes in the earth and prepared for the German's retaliatory thrust. Fortunately, it didn't materialize. It had been a long, bitter day. Five officers, and 120 other ranks were casualties, some fatal. The stretcher-bearers had snatched the wounded from exposed positions on the open beaches and brought them back to safety. Time after time the Medical Officer, Captain J.A. Patterson, and the Padre. Honorary Captain R.M. Hickey went to the waters edge to tend and comfort someone struck down by fire. Both of these officers were awarded the Military Cross for gallantry and heroism of fire was far beyond the call of duty- whose leadership and example inspired men to do great and brave things. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel D.B. Buell, Major R.H. Daughney, Charlie Company Commander were awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Private George Clark of Able Company, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Private H.C. Butland, Private Ted Savage, Private H. Blakney and Private Robert Adair won the Military Medal. Lieutenant George Fawcett, of Charlie Company, was also decorated. His splendid efforts resulting in the award of the Military Cross.

        On the morning of D plus 1 at six o'clock the Battalion began its advance inland. It was first necessary to launch an attack on a large Radar station, the defenses of which dominated the slopes running down to the beaches.

        The Radar Station proved a tough nut to crack. It was ideally situated for defense, well protected with reinforced concrete shelters, and extensive minefields across the approaches. During the first phase of the attack the Battalion cleared a large wood which formed part of the "Stations" defenses. After a day of bitter fighting, during which the rifle companies suffered many casualties including Lieutenant Fawcett and Lieutenant Dickie an order came down from higher formation to by-pass this hedge-hog and push on to the high ground beyond it around Angearney. Some conception of the Radar Station's defense potentialities may be gained by reference to the date in June it actually fell. It was continually assaulted by numerous formations from Companies to Brigades and finally capitulated in the face of a full-scale Brigade attack with massed artillery and heavy bomber support on the 17th of he month.

        "HOLD-PATROL"

        A series of small actions followed the establishment of the "lodgement" area. In Asguerny, where the Regiment stayed for three days, the fighting was mostly in the nature or probing patrols seeking information of the enemy's strength and dispositions. Plans were then being made for an attack on Carpiquet Airfield. Accordingly, the Battalion moved up to Caron and then went forward to Le Mesnil Patry to relieve the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. This was a period of artillery exchanges, patrol clashes, mine lifting, casualty replacement, and preparation for another hard blow against the enemy.

        After holding the Le Mesnil Patry line for some days the British launched a strong attack through the Third Canadian Division, the 51st Scottish Division passing through our lines to begin the clearing of the Normandy Plain on 16th June. After this attack the Battalion moved to Bouanville for a brief re-organization. Towards the end of June another major effort against the enemy was being prepared. This was known as "Operation 'Ottawa' " and had as its objective the capture of the village of Carpiquet and its aerodrome.

        "OPERATION OTTAWA"

        This operation had, at the last minute, to be cancelled because reports arrived of a tank break-through at Cheux. When this news reached the Battalion they were at Bretteville L'Orgeuileuce ready for an attack. During the night of 29th a quick move was made to la Villeneuve which was turned into a tank-proof locality to meet the expected thrust. However, in the early morning of the 30thit was learned that the break-through had not developed into a serious threat and that the front was again sable Operation, "OTTAWA" had been, however, cancelled. Instead Operation, "WINDSOR" was on.

        To be continued (CARPIQUET FALLS)

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