Winnipeg Rifles
D-Day War Diary
Source: Terry Copp and Robert Vogel, MAPLE LEAF ROUTE: CAEN (Maple Leaf Route, Ontario, 1983).
JUNE 6, 0400 hrs.
Tea and cold snack served.
— 0515 hrs.
LCA’s manned and lowered 10 miles off coast.
— 0655 hrs.
Not a shot from shore; Royal Navy and arty bombardment opens up with the SP guns firing short as usual.
— 0749 hrs.
In spite of air bombardment failing to materialize, RN bombardment spotty, the rockets falling short and the A.R.V.E.’s and D.D.’s being late, “C” Company C.S.R….R.W.R companies landed all within seven minutes.
— 0900 hrs.
The bombardment having failed to kill a single German or silence one weapon these companies had to storm their positions “cold” and did so without hesitation.
— 1800 hrs.
“D” Company had by this time gapped a minefield at La Valette and cleared Graye Sur Mer. “B” Company crossed Seulles, cleared out four positions on the island…”A” coy started inland 0805 towards St. Croix pinned down by 6 to 8 mgs. “C” coy approached Banville pinned down by three mgs. on commanding ground.
It is desired to make a special note of the services rendered to the Bn during the first day of ops by our MO (Capt. Robert M. Caldwell) and the Bn RAP staff—and the assault sec of 14 Cdn Fd Amb u/c Capt. Harry Dixon. Not only were the wounded cared for with skill and despatch but confidence was developed and morale increased accordingly. A very special note, too, should be made about the general tone of the Bn during this day called D—6 June 44. Not one man flinched from his task, no matter how tough it was—not one officer failed to display courage and energy and a degree of gallantry. It is thought that the Little Black Devils, by this day’s success, has managed to maintain the tradition set by former members. Casualties for the day exceeded 130.