The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 1

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WEDNESDAY. JUNE 7. 1044 8 PAGES PRICE 2d. FRANCE TAKES FIRST INVASION BLOWS I MASSIVE AIR AND SEA ASSAULT OPENS WELL Beachheads Established and Paratroops Landed in Depth BATTLESHIPS SHARE IN GREAT NAVAL BOMBARDMENT LONDON, June 6 (A.A.P.) The Allied invasion of Europe from the west has begun. According to Mr.

Churchill, everything is going satisfactorily according to plan. Supreme Head Quarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force issued the first communique in the following terms: "Under the command of General Eisenhower, Allied naval forces, supported by strong air forces, began the landing of Allied armies this morning on the northern coast of France-" Not long after the release of the communique came the official statement that the landing had been made in the general area of Normandy, and that the aircraft which had dropped our paratroops had apparently not suffered seriously. Powerful forces of the British and American navies, including battleships, subjected the coast to unprecedented bombardment, great numbers of air-borne troops were successfully put down inland, and specially trained assault battalions got ashore at many points. The air forces covered the landings, and made a magnificent contribution to the vast undertaking generally. It was officially announced that General Sir Bernard Montgomery is in command of the army group carrying out the assault.

The group includes British, Canadian and United States forces. -jg isbw OO Villi If Jp TOff ZfC-T the big bombers, which are searching for Nazi submarines off shore. The German News Agency Allies Invade Europe. Allied paratroops are now in action following the opening of the second front, which has been launched with full blast against German-occupied Europe. The above pictures, taken in preparation for the invasion, show Top: British paratroops marching to their aircraft.

Lower Left: Taking the air. Lower Right: Paratroops in mass descent. It was officially reported in London that casualties among the Allied air-borne forces which landed in France during the night were believed to be light. A reporter who new over the invasion coast after the attack said that not a single "German coastal gun was firing in the entire invasion 7one. Returning airmen, marvelling at bold daylight landings, said they saw troops advancing inland "on the run." When news of the second front was released in Moscow it spread like wildfire.

People thronged the parks in front of loud speakers eagerly listening to the latest reports. A German statement indi cated thai fierce fighting was in progress against Allied forces in the Caen area, ten MONTGOMERY CONFIDENT LONDON. "I have complete confidence in outcome," said Montgomery, addressing correspondents. "I believe Rommel will aim defeat operations on beaches. We are "terrific team.

I don't believe Germans can go on much longer with this business. German soldier terribly good, but don't think ARMADA OF OVER 4000 SHIPS "According to Plan," Says Mr. Churchill LONDON, June 6 (A.A.P.) 1 The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill) announced the landings in the House of Commons, "During the night and early hours of the morning the first series of landings in force on the European Continent occurred," he said. "In this case the assault fell against the coast of France.

"An immense armada of upwards of 400CJ1 ships, with several thousand smaller craft, crossed the Genera! Elsenhower, Supreme Allied Commander (top) General Sir Bernard Montgomery, Commander of the Invasion Land Forces (centre), and Air Chief Marshal Sir A. Tedder, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander (lower). LEADER TO HIS MEN The Great Crusade LONDON, June 5. General Eisenhower issued the following order of the day to each individual of the Allied expeditionary forces: "Soldiers, sailors and airmen the A.E.F., you are about to embark on' the great crusade yior wnich we have striven these mony months. The world's eyes are upon you and the hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.

"In the company of our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe and security for ourselves in a free world. "Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely, but this is the year 1944 and much lias happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940 and 1941. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats In open battle, man to man.

Our all offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. "Our home fronts have given us overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned. Free men ol the world are marching together to victory. "I am full of confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill In battle.

We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty Goa upon this great and noble undertaking." The order was distributed to assault elements after embarkation and read by appropriate commanders to all other troops in the A.E.F. ALLIED GAINS IN BURMA LONDON, June 6 (A.A.P.). A South-East Asia communique states that Lieutenant-General Stllwell's forces at Myitkylna, in Northern Burma, captured a Japanese position on the northern edge of the town. They also destroyed defences in the south and south-western seotors.

An attack against a road block fouth-west of Kamaing was re-Pulsed, and two villages to the north were occupied. The Chinese at Mogaung advanced on both sides west of the Wer. The enemy further with drew east of Kohima. SLASHING THEIR WAY INLAND The first returning photograph reconnaissance pilots reported that Allied landing forces had established beachheads on the northern French coast, and were slashing their way Many British and Americans had been taken prisoner. Hitler is taking personal command of all anti-invasion operations, according 'to news reaching London "from underground sources, says Reuter.

He is surrounded by a brilliant staff, comprising four marshals, including von Rund-stedt, the titular commander in chief, and Marshal Rommel, inspector general. Hitler is believed to have moved his head quarters to somewhere in northern France in order to be nearer the scene of operations. All Australian heavy bomber squadrons based in Britain took part in the attack against the coastal batteries. Squadrons of fighter pilots patrol the French coast in endless relays to prevent interference of the Seine estuary and the mouth of the Vire River on a broad front. "In addition to numerous landing craft of various types, the Allies are employing light naval craft in considerable numbers.

Six heavy naval units ana 20 destroyers were observed off the Seine estuary, against which German coastal batteries took up the fighting. "We have already wiped out considerable parte of the para chute formations who had to carry out the initial attack against western Europe by massed descent on the river estuaries and near the most important ah-fields in the Normandy penin sula. The first British parachute division, according to preliminary reports, may have been considerably mauled already." The military commentator foi the German News Agency, von Olberg, declared: "The day haa dawned, and the Invasion has begun," and added, "it remalm to be seen whether, this landing attempt marks the beginning of the great Invasion. It is possible the enemy Is planning a feint in order to deceive the German High Command and cause premature German troop movements. SURGING INLAND Tanks Now in Battle LONDON, June 6 (A.A.P.) The umbrella bombardment from Allied war ships began as soon as dawn broke, according to a military observer who landed with the first wave.

"It seemed as though hell Itself was let loose." he added. "Our gqns opened from the right and left. From a vantage point at sea we saw the targets being pounded out of existence as thu assaulting infantry sailed slowly but surely toward the shore. "It was a magnificent sight. We saw wave after wave of khaki-clad figures swarm up the beaches and surge inland.

Then the beach masters and beach parties got ashore, and when I landed their organisation was complete with vehicles, guns and equipment trundling up the beaches. Other divisions were storming the beaches near us." The German News Agency $ays the Allies between Caen and Isigny have penetrated several miles to the south, using tanks. Berlin correspondent of the Stockholm "Aftonbladet" reports that the parachutists landed at 12 different points between Cherbourg and Boulogne. He adds that the invasion was possibly aimed directly at Paris. A German military spokesman stated It was expected that the focal point of the battle would shift to another sector on the French coast within davs.

ner- haps hours. Further British and American transport snips were already observed under steam in British ports, with some under way. NEW LANDINGS German News Agency states that the main landing Is ap parently developing between Saint Vaast and Ouistreham, not, as earner mougni, ai i4e wavre. Numerous craft had been making landings here ever since dawn Enemy troops were trying to scale the steep coast with the old of specinl ladders. Hard fighting was progressing everywhere.

Returning fighter pilots reported that Allied infantry scrambled ashore on the French coast apparently without heavy opposition, while huge fleets of Allied war ships covered the landing wun ncavy suDDorcina DomDara ment, stated that Allied parachutist troops landed in Guernsey and Jersey islands, then in occupation by the Germans. Paris Radio stated that the battle: for Normandy seemed to be gaining depth. Numerous landings had been made all along the coast from the air and from the sea. More concentrations were observed further north. The Berlin High Command communique says the attack was initiated by heavy air attacks against the coastal fortifications.

Airborne troops were dropped at several points on the coast of northern France, between Le Havre and Cherbourg, and at the same time seaborne landings were carried out, supported by strong naval forces. Fierce fighting was in progress. "To-day's landing is undoubtedly a curtain raiser for an extremely serious three-dimensional Allied offensive. It makes no difference whether this is diversionary landing or the panther's leap on to the European continent. The invasion troops are going into an inferno, to which Dante's Hell will be child's play by comparison." Broadcasting personally to members of the resistance movements in Europe from Allied head quarters, General Eisenhower said: "The landing on the coast of Prance is part of a concerted United Nations' plan for the liberation of Europe made in conjunction wit hour great Russian allies.

The hour of liberation is approaching. "Continue your passive resistance. Wait until I give you the signal to rise and strike the enemy. Until then I call on you for the hard task of discipline and restraint." Specially addressing the French people. General Elsenhower added: "I shall do all in my power to mitigate your difficulties, and hardships.

This is the opening phase of the campaign. Great battles He ahead." German general good as used be. He on defensive long time. I believe it must affect his mentality." BOMBERS IN FORCE LONDON Over 1000 heavy bombers continued their attacks against French coastal defences at daylight. fidence in General Elsenhower and his lieutenants, and in General Montgomery.

The ardor and spirit of the troops, as I saw them myself embarking in these last few days, was splendid. "Nothing that equipment, science and forethought can do has been neglected. The whole process of opening this great new front has been pursued with the utmost resolution by both commanders and the British and American Governments whom they serve." Mr. Churchill was greeted with M-pmanrinilc nntliii.ln.n. n.U uiuiuailHUl W1ICI1 lie arrived in the House after declar ing mat tne rail oi Borne was a memorable and glorious event, rewarding the Intense fighting of the last' five months in Italy.

He said the losses on both sides in the Anzio beachhead action were heavy. They totalled 20,000 among the Allies and about 25,000 In the enemy forces. miles inland from the coast of Normandy. First reports reaching head quarters from the battle area said that German aerial activity was slow in developing. The Are from German coastal guns was weak and spotty.

R.A.F. pilots said -there little movement on the roads. Berlin Radio reported strong Allied air attacks in the Dieppe area. German Radio stated that at least four British and American air-borne divisions were in action between le Havre and Cherbourg, with more strong air-borne formations in the Orne estuary. German News Agency later announced that further Allied reinforcements had landed at dawn from the sea and air in the area of the Seine estuary.

coastal sector between Le Havre and Cherbourg. "The main centre of the air landing attacks are In the whole of Normandy, In addition to the most important river mouths in the Seine Bight, Large-scale amphibious operations were simultaneously begun between HUGE FLEETS IN AIR 20,000 Sorties The Allied air forces threw 11.000 aircraft of almost every type into the Invasion, bombing and strafing miles of the Normandy beaches and flying inland to break the enemy's communications. It is estimated that by nightfall the Allied air forces will have made the shattering record of more than 20,000 sorties. Allied bombers and fighter-bombers since last night have been pouring down thousands of tons of bombs on enemy positions, while fighters have caused tremendous havoc as thj Germans bring up reinforcements. channel like a hegatta LONDON, June 6 (A.A.P.).

Two Americans, Lieut. -Colonel C. A. Snoop, and Major N. Hart-well, formed the crew of the first aircraft from a photograph reconnaissance unit to return from the beaches of northern France.

They brought back 1000 negatives. Snoop said: "The channel was like a regatta. All sorts and sizes of ships and landing barges were milling about, then darting towards the beaches and disembarking troops. We arrived over, the beaches about 7 a.m., when troops were already established on the beachheads under the cover of fighters and naval guns. There was only one Are burning, but by the time we left it seemed that every town and village over a wide area was ablaze.

"The channel was full of convoys crossing In steady streams, protected by fighters which had no fighting to do. Big war ships up and down the coast were pouring In a terrific Are. "We saw overythlng we expected except Gorman fighters. Our aircraft were everywhere and the ground fire was terrlflo." Swedish correspondents reported from Germany that the Allies have landed at 12 points between the Orne and the Vire rivers. The central assault was directed at Caen.

The German Radio described it as a grand-style operation, and admitted that Normandy had been penetrated by airborne troops in great depth. German destroyers and E-boats rushing into the operational area were doubtless being dealt with, said supreme head quarters. German broadcasts said a furious battle between Nazi E-boats and Allied war ships was raging oft Le Havre. According to the German Radio, the Allied airborne landings in Normandy were made at great depth. Landing boats oetween Orne and Vlre used smoke screens to cover their movements.

Strong Allied air forces ceaselessly bombarded the area, and several heavy war ships pounded the coast. The German News Agency claimed that a large Allied war ship was set on Are In the Seine estuary by artillery fire. The German News Agency at 9 a.m. declared "combined British and American landing operations were launched frcm the sea and from the air against the European west coast early to-day. They extended over tne whole t-y' -OJ i Massed airborne landings were successfully efTected behind the enemy's lines, and landings on the beaches were at present proceeding in various parts.

The fire from the shore batteries had been largely quelled. Obstacles which were constructed in the sea did not prove as difficult as apprehended. The British and American Allies were sustained by about 11,000 first-line planes, which could be drawn upon as they might be needed for the purposes of the battle. "I cannot, of course, commit myself to any particular detail reports are coming in In rapid succession but so far the commanders engaged report that everything Is proceeding according to plan. There are already hopes that an actual tactical surprise has been attained," declared Mr.

Churchill. "We hope during the course of the fighting to furnish the enemy with a succession of surprises. rne Dattie which is now begin nlng will grow constantly In scale and intensity for many weeks to come. I shall not attempt to speculate upon its course." "But this I may say complete unity prevails in the Allied armies, (Cheers.) There is a brotherhood in arms between us and our friends in the United States. There Is complete con NAVY'S PIIIME HOLE Weather Causes Anxiety LONDON, June 6 (A.A.P.).

It was learned at Allied Head Quarters that the weather, which has given the general staff great anxiety in the past few days, was not too kind In the early hours oi invasion days. Mine-sweenlns. which Invnlvarf many channels, had gone well, With naval vessel!) entrnalns coastal batteries while obstacles were ciearea at chosen landing places to enable craft tn land troops. There was also a heavy air bombardment on the time table. But this was really a naval day, with the navies facing enor- iiiuus pruoiems.

ureal armaahs of landing craft, escorts and larger vessels were engaged. Great flotilla nf mlniwpAnam led the way to the beaches for the Allied ground troops. Supreme Head Quarters described th sweeping operations as the largest in History. i no uerman navy was represented by only a few 1 destroy and E-boats. 3 I VZj 7 TV TURF 10 far.

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