D-DAY NEWS COVERAGE, TAPE 2 OF 5 (RADIO)
Summary
Continued from R85:0384. Tape two of five tapes of segments of the continuous CBS news coverage of events surrounding the Allied landing on the northern coast of France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Anchor Robert Trout broadcasts from the CBS newsroom in New York while reports and bulletins from England are broadcast as they come in. The program continues with Major George Fielding Eliot completing his predictions about the upcoming battles. At the same time, he speculates about the objective of American forces, basing his information on German reports. These reports state that the Allied forces are heading from Le Havre to the town of Caen. Next, war correspondent Quentin Reynolds offers editorial commentary about what he imagines must be going through the minds of the soldiers now engaged in the invasion. John W. Vandercook reports from S.H.A.E.F., the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Expeditionary Force in London, and talks about the preparation for the "textbook" attack, the essential parts of the Allied plan, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower's comments that indicate the importance of the mission. Again, Quentin Reynolds completes his commentary after having been interrupted by this information from London, England. Robert Trout reads a German dispatch from the German news agency DMB about the landing and the current fighting inland. James Willard reports from S.H.A.E.F. in London, reviewing what occurred during the night and describing the quietness of the invaded territory where battles are sure to be fought by the troops. He reiterates that there is little sign of the enemy. At approximately 5:00 A.M. Eastern War Time, Robert Trout reviews the events that have occurred so far and Major Eliot analyzes the situation and the tactics of General Eisenhower. He also mentions the use of the monitor, a type of water vessel, in the invasion. Then Richard C. Hottelet reports from England about the events that occurred as the invasion took place. He states that the Allied forces were not met with the large enemy forces they expected to encounter. He also explains the safety measures used to reduce instances of friendly fire. David Anderson speaks from London about the briefings given to the troops on bombing tactics and safety factors. He also explains that the Allied planes are no longer camaflouged, in the hopes of avoiding friendly fire. Robert Trout mentions that the German people still have not been informed about the invasion and then later explains the difference between the two German networks: DMB and Transocean Agency. Arthur Mann gives a brief segment on the invasion. Paul White talks with Edward R. Murrow, who explains where various members of the CBS staff are located as they cover the invasion. Bill Henry reports from Washington, D.C., describing the reaction of people there. Joe McCaffrey reports from the Pentagon and reveals the atmosphere in the government offices. Major Eliot discusses the fact that Hitler personally will be commanding his troops. Robert Trout reviews the incidences that have occurred as does a reporter from the BBC. Comments are made about President Franklin D. Roosevelt's mood during a speech he gave the night before the invasion. Major Eliot talks about the great planning that went into this mission. Robert Trout comments on how the news of the invasion was received throughout New York City, specifically in Brooklyn and Times Square. He then explains the terms "D-Day" and "H hour." Charles Shaw describes the mood of the people in London. Robert Trout explains exactly what a "pool" broadcast is and reads statements made by Prime Minister Winston Churchill that just came over the wire. These statements explain the progress of the invasion. Then, one of the correspondents takes a geographical look at the developing military situation -- it seems that the forces have landed on the French coast of the Channel between Le Havre and Cherbourg and that the fighting extends from the bay of the Siene to the Normandy Peninsula. He speculates that the city of Caen may be the objective, as well as taking over the main highways along the way. Continues with R85:0389.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: June 6, 1944 Tuesday 4:30 (approximately) AM
- RUNNING TIME: 2:03:27
- COLOR/B&W: N/A
- CATALOG ID: R85:0386
- GENRE: Radio - News
- SUBJECT HEADING: D-Day; News; Normandy, Invasion of; World War, 1939-1945 - Campaigns - France - Normandy; World War II - 1944
- SERIES RUN: CBS - Radio, 1944
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Robert Trout … Anchor
- George Fielding Eliot … Commentator
- Bill Henry … Commentator
- Paul White … Commentator
- Quentin Reynolds … Commentator
- Richard C. Hottelet … Commentator
- Charles Shaw … Commentator
- Ned Calmer … Commentator
- David Anderson … Commentator
- Arthur Mann … Commentator
- Joe McCaffrey … Commentator
- John W. Vandercook … Commentator
- James Willard … Commentator
- Winston Churchill
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Franklin D. Roosevelt