The time has come to deal the enemy a terrific blow in Western Europe.

On the eve of this great adventure I send my best wishes to every soldier in the Allied team. | To us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history; and in the better days that lie ahead men will speak with pride of our doings. We have a great and a righteous cause. | Let us pray that " The Lord Mighty in Battle " will go forth with our armies, and that His special providence will aid us in the struggle. | I want every soldier to know that I have complete confidence in the successful outcome of the operations that we are now about to begin. | With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. | And, as we enter the battle, let us recall the words of a famous soldier spoken many years ago | "He either fears his fate too much | Or his deserts are small | Who dare not put it to the touch | To win or lose it all. " | Good luck to each one of you. And good hunting on the main land of Europe. | Personal message to troops of 21st Army Group on the eve of D-Day, June 1944.