June 9, 1944; CAEN COMBAT INTENSITY RESES:

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, JUNE 9, 1944:

 In a Mugging match, with tanks shooting up each other from 200 yards and less at infantry battling over fields and through woods alongside tanks, the biggest armored battle on the front so far is raging

 Armored combat between Allied and German forces in the rolling Normandy hill country is increasing in intensity, supreme headquarters reported today. as field dispatches reported British and Canadian units had joined forces for a coordinated attack on Caen, pivot city at the eastern end of the combat zone.

LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA, FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1944

Slugging It

Out, France

By ROSS MUNRO, Canadian Press War Co-respondent. WITH CANADIAN FORCES IN FRANCE. June 8.—(Delayed)—(C.P. Cable)—

In a Mugging match, with tanks shooting up each other from 200 yards and less at infantry battling over fields and through woods alongside tanks, the biggest armored battle on the front so far is raging.

Several more German pockets within the beachhead have been cleaned and concentrated attacks by artillery and naval guns are being made upon others.

WARSHIPS USED LIKE FIELD GUNS ',

British warships are being used like field guns in this combined

operations moves to a new climax while guns flame and roar along the ,

front. A regular guerrilla war is going on in some towns and farms in the

beachhead as some lurking snipers are found and driven from house

to house.

Little towns are in a turmoil as the Canadians go to work with

grenades, tommyguns and rifles. It is a jumpy  business roving around

this beachhead.

Combat Rises

In Intensity

British and Canadians in Fierce Assault on Caen—

Enemy Counter-Attack Held — Americans

Capture St. Mere Eglise, 19 Miles

from Cherbourg

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS,

Allied Expeditionary force. June 9— (C.P.) —

Armored combat between Allied and German forces in the rolling Normandy hill country is increasing in intensity, supreme headquarters reported today. as field dispatches reported British and Canadian units had joined forces for a coordinated attack on Caen, pivot city at the eastern end of the combat zone.

An enemy counter-attack in the Caen area was held  and ground was gained, headquarters reported. Increasing  armor was being thrown into the fighting on both sides.

Ste. Mere Eglise, village 19 miles southeast of

Cherbourg, has been captured by American forces, it

was disclosed officially, confirming earlier German reports.

Headquarters, officially announced that air-borne troops sent into the mighty assault in northern France included Canadian officer- and men. Other announcements issued here and in Ottawa said the Canadian 3rd division is fighting in France.

HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING

French paratroops have been dropped to aid in the Allied assault on France, under German occupation since 1940.

Unsubstantiated German reports said hand-to-hand fighting was raging in Caen.

ejt