Witness History
Exercise Tiger: Disastrous D-Day rehearsal
Apr 21, 2025
In April 1944, a tragic rehearsal for D-Day called Exercise Tiger turned into chaos when a German fleet attacked, resulting in the loss of 749 American servicemen. The story highlights the military's decision to keep the incident secret to maintain morale and protect D-Day plans. Eyewitness accounts, including a veteran's reflections, bring a personal touch to this forgotten piece of history. The podcast uncovers how a tank linked to the disaster sparked renewed interest and remembrance for those who served.
10:42
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Exercise Tiger, a D-Day rehearsal, turned catastrophic when a German attack resulted in over 700 American servicemen's deaths and highlighted combat unpreparedness.
- The military's suppression of Exercise Tiger's tragic events ensured the stories of heroism and loss remained unrecognized for decades until recent commemorations.
Deep dives
The Tragedy of Exercise Tiger
Exercise Tiger was a rehearsal for D-Day that turned into a tragic event, claiming the lives of over 700 American servicemen. This exercise, held in April 1944, aimed to prepare troops for the Normandy landings but became chaotic when German e-boats attacked the convoy. The Allied forces were unready for combat, leading to significant casualties as many soldiers were unaware of how to use their life preservers correctly. The event's severity and the subsequent military suppression of information ensured that Exercise Tiger was largely forgotten until much later.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
