My name is Lt Col Robert Ballard. It was 0530 and the sun was beginning to rise. My men and I were deep behind enemy lines, quite a few klicks east of the Douvre River where we were meant to rendezvous.

Some locals informed us a company of German soldiers were in the village nearby. I decided to take every opportunity to kick Fritz when I had a chance, so my men began to move through the hedgerows towards the village.

I sent Captain Adams with half the company towards the north half of the village, while I led my troopers to the south half. We coordinated our joint attack to hit both sides at 0630.

We encountered more resistance than expected and Captain Adams’ engineers broke rank. Perhaps I should have hit one half of the town with everything?

I moved my men in to assault, but somewhere along the line I got separated from Lt. Blake. Our men moved into the baker’s house and attacked the Germans who were using the stables for defense. We exchanged fire, but neither of us could take ground.

To the north, our engineers would rally, then brake under German rifle fire. After about an hour, Captain Adams lost control of his men and the troops routed. Fritz left the village to chase him down. Unfortunately I was tied up, and couldn’t do anything but watch.

By 0830 Captain Adams was killed along with his lieutenant, engineers and his platoon of paratroopers.

I had some reinforcements arrive, a half platoon of paratroopers who had already seen hell and sent a few postcards. They joined us in the bakery, but my forces were evenly matched against Fritz.

But, with the death of Captain Adams, I had no men to cover our position, and another grenadier platoon closed in from the north. The Germans outnumbered us, but with our good defensive position were unable to squeeze us out of the village. Some of my troopers broke rank and fled into the hedgerows, but a hail of German artillery showed them that they were better off in the village!

Just after 1000 Fritz pushed the assault. We cut down half a HMG platoon as they tried to sneak up to our now entrenched position. The Germans aborted their attack and rallied their men.

We were now even in firepower, with whichever side pushing the attack would suffer a severe disadvantage.

I didn’t get to be where I am without some gall, so I hoisted a white flag and walked into the street to parley. Some German officer came out to talk with me, and after exchanging cigarettes we decided to call it a draw. Soon, me and the rest of my men were back on the way toward the Douve…