Delta Tank wrote: ↑30 May 2021, 17:05
OpanaPointer wrote: ↑28 May 2021, 20:27
On the other foot a DD was requested to take out a church steeple that was suspected of being a FAO post. The legend says one shot, the record says seven, either is darn good shootin', partner.
From Sheldrakes post, I am assuming that this is in reference to Colleville sur Mer.
From memory the bombardment of Colleville sur Mer was a preplanned mission that was fired on a time schedule. Captain Joe Dawson and some other Soldiers had already cleared the church, killing two Germans. Dawson’s company had not suffered hardly any casualties until the US Navy began their bombardment of Colleville sur Mer.
I don’t have any of my books with me, it is probably explained in the book entitled “Omaha Beachhead 6 June-13 June”.
Mike
Brief explanation, there is more I am sure to the story. From “Omaha Beachhead 6June-13June”. Page 99.
https://history.army.mil/books/wwii/100 ... Colleville
“A little after noon, a section of G started into the western edge of the village, but was unable to progress against strong resistance after seizing the first few buildings. The rest of the company was extended to the west, and the section farthest out on that wing lost contact. By some misunderstanding, the two 116th sections withdrew toward the bivouac area. Small groups of enemy filtered through the gaps, a pillbox near the head of E-3 draw was still in action, and fire came from flanks and rear, giving the impression of encirclement. For the next two hours, Company G fought on the defensive, inflicting 18 casualties on the enemy. This action marked the nearest approach on D Day to a German counterattack made in any strength. At about 1500, the situation was relieved by the arrival of the 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry, which came up from E-1 draw with orders to take over the 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry's mission. But Company G was unable to get farther into Colleville, and suffered eight casualties when supporting naval fire hit the houses in the village. Enemy resistance was unshaken by the bombardment.”
I have been to Colleville several times, the Church is on the western side of town. I even got to meet Joe Dawson at the 50th Anniversary of D-Day in 1994.
Mike