Follow young soldiers as they journey towards Normandy for D-Day, facing fear and historic weight. Explore the naval logistics of D-Day and Admiral Suburght's role. Learn about Higgins boats and their impact on beach landings. Experience the intense preparations and anticipation before the invasion, including Churchill's decision to stay back. Soldiers face challenges like sea sickness and enemy fire during the chaotic D-Day landing.
7,000 ships departed Britain for Operation Neptune, showcasing the massive naval effort involved in D-Day.
Soldiers faced immense challenges and dangers during the beach landings, navigating through rough weather and heavily fortified beaches.
Deep dives
Preparation and Complexity of Operation Neptune
The podcast details the extensive planning involved in Operation Neptune, the naval component of the D-Day landings. Thousands of ships ranging from landing craft to converted liners were part of the operation, orchestrated by Admiral Ramsay. The challenge of coordinating these vessels in rough weather and darkness showcased the seamanship of the naval commanders, with a total of 7,000 vessels and state-of-the-art technology supporting the beach landings.
Innovative Military Technology for D-Day
The episode highlights the innovative military technology used on D-Day, such as Hobart's Funnies, a series of unconventional vehicles designed by Sir Percy Hobart. These included floating tanks, flailing crabs to detonate mines, and armoured ramp carriers. The episode also mentions the Higgins boat, developed by Andrew Higgins, which played a crucial role in transporting troops to the beaches.
Challenges and Dangers on D-Day
As the soldiers embarked towards the beaches, they faced immense challenges and dangers. The naval bombardment, minesweeping operations, and rough weather conditions added to the chaos and tension. Soldiers experienced overwhelming sensory experiences during the landings, with some facing terrifying moments as they navigated through the turbulent seas and towards the heavily fortified beaches, where many lost their lives in the intense combat.
Seven thousand ships depart Britain. The King intervenes to prevent Churchill from personally crossing the Channel. On board, soldiers prepare themselves in whatever ways they can - fevered prayers, photos of loved ones, slap-up meals. As dawn breaks, the first Allied landing craft will make their way to shore…
A Noiser production, written by Edward White.
A special thanks to Legasee for the use of their archive of personal recollections from the men and women who witnessed D-Day. To view the full interviews, visit legasee.org.uk
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