The Scottish Borderers were landed in two trips, followed at once by
the Plymouth Battalion Royal Marines. These troops met with severe
opposition on the top of the cliffs, where fire from covering ships
was of little assistance, and, after heavy fighting, were forced
to re-embark on the 26th. The re-embarkation was carried out by the
following ships: _Goliath_, _Talbot_, _Dublin_, _Sapphire_, and
_Amethyst_. It was most ably conducted by the beach personnel and
covered by the fire of the warships, who prevented the enemy reaching
the edge of the cliff, except for a few snipers.
_Landing at X Beach._--The 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (two companies
and M.G. section) embarked in _Implacable_ on 24th, which ship
proceeded to a position off the landing-place, where the disembarkation
of the troops commenced at 4.30 a.m., and was completed at 5.15 a.m.
A heavy fire was opened on the cliffs on both sides. The _Implacable_
approached the beach, and the troops were ordered to land, fire
being continued until the boats were close into the beach. The
troops on board the _Implacable_ were all landed by 7 a.m. without
any casualties. The nature of the beach was very favourable for the
covering fire from ships, but the manner in which this landing was
carried out might well serve as a model.