TUESDAY, JUNE 6th

The first of a series of landings in force on the European Continent, begun by Allied Forces in Northern France, was reported to be proceeding satisfactorily. Opposition up to the beaches was less than expected; on the beaches it was patchy, and enemy air action was insignificant.

Action by Allied naval and air fleets resulted in the silencing of many enemy batteries and the reduction of numerous strong points. In some cases our troops penetrated several miles inland. Fighting was reported in Caen, ten miles inland between the Cherbourg Peninsula and Le Havre. The Germans admit the establishment of a beach-head twenty kilometres long and several kilometres deep between Villers-sur-Mer (four miles west of Deauville) and Trouville.

Giving the latest information about the landings to the House of Commons, Mr Churchill said: "This operation is proceeding in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Many difficulties and dangers which this time last night appeared extremely formidable are behind us. The passage of the sea has been made with far less loss than we apprehended. The landings of troops on a broad front have been effective and troops have penetrated, in some cases, several miles inland. Lodgments exist on a broad front."

In an earlier statement, the Prime Minister said that the commanders reported that everything was proceeding according to plan. Mass airborne landings were successfully effected behind the enemy's lines. The obstacles constructed in the sea had not proved so difficult as was apprehended.

Mr Churchill revealed that upwards of 4,000 ships, together with several thousand small craft, crossed the Channel and that the Allies were sustained by about 11,000 first-line aircraft. It was officially stated that between midnight and 8am more than 10,000 tons of bombs were dropped by Allied Air Forces on invasion targets and at least 31,000 airmen, not including airborne units, were over France.

The King, in a broadcast message to the nation, solemnly called his people to dedication and prayer, "that we may be worthily matched with this new summons of destiny."