The WW2 Podcast 227 - D-Day: Sword Beach
48 snips
Jun 1, 2024 Join historian and archaeologist Stephen Fisher, author of *Sword Beach: The Untold Story of D-Day’s Forgotten Victory*, as he dives into the often-overlooked battle at Sword Beach during D-Day. He unpacks the strategic fortifications and vulnerabilities faced by the 716 Infantry Division. From ambitious military goals to the chaos of the assault, Fisher highlights the logistical feats and challenges of coordinating troops. Additionally, he contrasts the narratives between Sword Beach and Omaha, revealing how memory and media shape our understanding of history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Sword Matches Omaha's Defense Density
- Sword Beach's defenses were mile-by-mile as dense as Omaha's despite being only one mile wide.
- This shows that Sword was heavily fortified and not an easy landing, contrary to popular perception.
Understrength Defenders on Sword
- The 716 Infantry Division defending Sword was a small, non-combat unit stretched over a large area.
- Despite strong fortifications, the actual number of defenders on Sword was relatively low.
Sword’s Strategic Landing Choice
- Sword Beach was chosen as the only suitable landing area far east with flat terrain and access inland.
- Its capture was vital to reinforce airborne landings east of the Karn Canal.