June 6th , 1944 Sword Beach Objectives
Establish a beachhead between between Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Orne.
Capture the city of Caen.
Link up with the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division coming from Juno Beach and protect the right flank.
Capture Ouistreham and then link up with the 6th Airborne Division, reinforcing the bridgehead on the east side of the Orne River.
Area between Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Orne,Normandy, France
352. Infantry-Division
21. Panzer-Division
Sword Beach is the responsibility of the British 3rd Infantry Division. This beach, the easternmost of the invasion area, is located between the towns of Lion-sur-Mer to the west and Ouistreham to the east.
The landing is planned on a 2-kilometre stretch of beach between Hermanville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Orne, divided into two sectors: Queen White and Queen Red.
The Wiederstandsnesten along the coast are manned by companies of the Grenadier Regiment 736, whose headquarters are at the “Hillman” strongpoint, and one company of the 642. Ost Battalion. Inland from the coast, several batteries have been constructed to control the Orne estuary. Besides the coastal resistance nests, several anti-tank walls and a large ditch prevent any penetration of the defences.
The 3rd Infantry Division will make the initial assault. The 8th Brigade, with the 1st South Lancashire and 2nd East Yorkshire, supported by tanks from the 13th /18th Hussars, will land on Queen White and Queen Red and establish a beachhead. From the beachhead, the three battalions of the 185th Brigade, supported by the Staffordshire Yeomanry, will march on the city of Caen and capture it. The 9th Brigade will link up with the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division coming from Juno Beach and protect the right flank. Finally, Lord Lovat’s 1st Special Service Brigade will capture Ouistreham and then link up with the 6th Airborne Division, reinforcing the bridgehead on the east side of the Orne River.
The specialised tanks and vehicles of the 22nd Dragoons are the first ashore with the demolition teams at 07:20, immediately engaging the German defences.
At 07:30, 20 Landing Craft Assault’s carrying the assault companies of the 1st South Lancs and 2nd East Yorks hit the beach. On Queen Red, the fighting is intense, and the 2nd East Yorks take heavy casualties.
Landing Craft Infantry ships bring in the 177 French soldiers of the Kieffer Commando (No. 10 (Inter Allied) Commando at 07:31. The men cross the beach and regroup near a ruined holiday camp before continuing with their assigned missions.
The French troops clear Riva-Bella and capture the Casino strongpoint around 09:30, while the British troops reach Ouistreham harbour and capture the locks, which are not mined. No. 6 Commando then heads inland towards Bénouville and the Caen Channel Bridge, reaching it around 13:00. With it they link up with the 6th Airborne Division which landed during the night.
During the morning, other troops begin to reduce the strong points inland before advancing south. At 09:30, Hermanville and Colleville-sur-Orne are liberated, and the 185th Brigade, having landed, regroups north of Hermanville. In the early afternoon, Brigadier Smith launches his brigade towards Caen. The Périers ridge is reached in the middle of the afternoon, but the British cannot pursue their advance due to a counter-attack by the 21. Panzer Division.
The 3rd Infantry Division does not capture all its objectives by the end of June 6th , 1944. The counterattack by the 21st Panzer Division allows some elements of the Panzergrenadier Regiment 192 to reach the coast near Luc-sur-Mer at 20:00. However, upon witnessing the aircraft of Operation Mallard flying overhead, they choose to withdraw for fear of being surrounded. The link-up with the Canadian troops from Juno Beach is not effective until the next morning.
To the south, even though it is one of the main D-Day objectives, the city of Caen remains out of reach for the British until July 9th , 1944. To the east, the junction with the 6th Airborne is made.
By the end of June 6th , 1944, the 3rd Infantry Division has landed 28,845 men and 2,603 vehicles on Sword Beach, with 630 men killed or wounded.
Invasion force gathering and landing on June 6th, 1944, D-Day.
Assault units and commandos land at Sword beach on June 6th, 1944, D-Day.
No. 45 Royal Marine commando lands on Queen Red Beach, Sword Beach, on June 6th, 1944, D-Day
No. 4 commando landing at Sword beach, June 6th, 1944, D-Day.
Commandos preparing for landing Sword Beach, D-Day.
1st special service brigade prepares for d day
D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5097) Commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, pass the time by reading and playing chess during the voyage aboard their landing craft to Normandy, June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359847 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5099) Commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, priming grenades aboard the landing craft taking them to Normandy, June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359848 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5109) British troops study French guidebooks onboard LCT 610 taking 13th/18th Royal Hussars to Normandy, 4/5 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205235005 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5011) Glider trains of 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, flying over vehicles and landing craft on Queen beach in Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. An HQ half-track can be seen in the foreground, with a Sherman BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle) at work in the distance. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205800 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5110) Sherman tanks and other vehicles of 13th/18th Royal Hussars, 27th Armoured Brigade, aboard LCT 610 approaching the French coast, 6 June 1944. The Sherman tank in the foreground (T147161 ’10’ ‘Balaclava’) is a RHQ tank. In front of it is a Sherman BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle). Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201955 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5105) A Sherman Firefly and other vehicles of RHQ or ‘C’ Squadron, 13th/18th Royal Hussars aboard LCT 610 (loading number 212) as landing craft assemble in the Solent off Gosport, 4/5 June 1944. LCT 789 (loading number 213) can be seen in the background, carrying infantry from the 1st South Lancashire Regiment. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205087327 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5106) Tanks and vehicles of 13th/18th Royal Hussars hidden underneath camouflage nets on LCT 610 as landing craft assemble in the Solent off Gosport, 4/5 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359852 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5108) A convoy of LCTs carrying troops and vehicles of 13th/18th Royal Hussars to Normandy, 5 June 1944. View from LCT 610. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193117 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5107) LCTs carrying 13th/18th Royal Hussars during passage to Normandy, 5 June 1944. View from LCT 610. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359853 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5100) LCI(S) 502 and other landing craft carrying commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade to Normandy, 5/6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359849 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5012) Troops and vehicles aboard an LST head for the enemy coast, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201943 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5101) LCI(S) landing craft carrying commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade to Normandy, 5/6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359850 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5013) A DUKW loaded with tank and SP gun ammunition leaves a landing ship off the Normandy coast, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090231 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5016) A DUKW loaded with tank and SP gun ammunition leaves a landing ship off the Normandy coast, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090233 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5015) A DUKW loaded with tank and SP gun ammunition leaves a landing ship off the Normandy coast, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090232 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5014) A DUKW loaded with tank and SP gun ammunition leaves a landing ship off the Normandy coast, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205801 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5111) The view from LCT 610 carrying Sherman tanks of 13th/18th Royal Hussars during the initial assault on Queen Red beach, Sword area, in front of strongpoint ‘Cod’, circa 0800 hrs, 6 June 1944. A flail tank of ‘A’ Squadron, 22nd Dragoons burns after being hit, and other tanks and infantry can be seen making for the beach. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193102 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5112) The view from LCT 610 carrying Sherman tanks of 13th/18th Royal Hussars during the initial assault on Queen Red beach, Sword area, in front of strongpoint ‘Cod’, circa 0800 hrs, 6 June 1944. Another LCT makes for the beach, beyond which smoke and flame billow from a burning flail tank of ‘A’ Squadron, 22nd Dragoons. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205822 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5113) A view looking back from the water’s edge on Queen Red beach, Sword area, during the landing of 13th/18th Royal Hussars, circa 0800 hrs, 6 June 1944. Some of the specialised armour used in the assault can be seen, including a Churchill AVRE with Bobbin mat-laying device and a burning Sherman Crab flail tank of ‘A’ Squadron, 22nd Dragoons. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359854 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5102) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade approach Queen Red beach, Sword area, c. 0840 hours, 6 June 1944. Sherman DD tanks of 13th/18th Royal Hussars and the specialised armour of 79th Armoured Division can be seen crowding together on the beach ahead. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201954 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5103) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade led by Brigadier Lord Lovat (in the water, to the right of his men) land on Queen Red beach, Sword area, c. 0840 hours, 6 June 1944. Sherman DD tanks of 13th/18th Royal Hussars and other vehicles can be seen on the beach. Lovat’s piper, Bill Millin, is in the foreground about to disembark. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193054 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5114) Troops of 3rd Infantry Division on Queen Red beach, Sword area, circa 0845 hrs, 6 June 1944. In the foreground are sappers of 84 Field Company Royal Engineers, part of No.5 Beach Group, identified by the white bands around their helmets. Behind them, medical orderlies of 8 Field Ambulance, RAMC, can be seen assisting wounded men. In the background commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade can be se… Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193046 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5092) Troops wading ashore from an LCI(L) on Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193112 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5001) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090223 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5002) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090224 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5003) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090225 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5008) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205799 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5004) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205798 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5005) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090226 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5006) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090227 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5009) Beach Group troops come ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090229 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5007) Beach Group troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090228 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5010) Beach Group troops come ashore from landing craft on Queen beach, Sword area, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090230 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5094) Troops, including signallers and Beach Group personnel, sheltering behind a Universal Carrier on Queen beach, Sword Area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201952 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5090) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade crouch on Queen beach, Sword area, before moving inland, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201951 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5064) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade move inland from Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359832 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5091) British troops take cover while waiting to go forward on Queen beach, Sword Area, 6 June 1944. Part of the German strongpoint ‘Cod’ can be seen in the background. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193053 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5093) 3rd Division troops sheltering behind Universal Carriers (one with a towed 6-pdr AT gun) on Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. An M10 Wolverine 3-in self-propelled gun and a Bofors anti-aircraft gun can be seen in the background. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205820 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5104) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade make their way along Queen Red beach, Sword area, passing vehicles of 3rd Division, before heading inland, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359851 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5027) German prisoners being escorted back through La Brèche d’Hermanville by men of the 2nd King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201944 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5028) A French civilian greets British troops in La Brèche d’Hermanville, 6 June 1944. The three CMP (Corps of Military Police) despatch riders are from No. 5 or 6 Beach Group (note formation sign of a red anchor on a pale blue background), attached to 3rd Division. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205805 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY, 6TH JUNE 1944 (B 5029) Two wounded British soldiers from 3rd Division making their way back through La Brèche d’Hermanville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205193085 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5031) German prisoners file past vehicles and troops of 3rd Division near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090241 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5030) German prisoners file past vehicles and troops of 3rd Division near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090240 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5061) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade use commandeered horse-drawn transport on Bénouville bridge, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359829 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5032) A battery of M7 Priest 105mm self-propelled guns from 33rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205806 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5033) A Royal Artillery command post, probably from a 105mm SP M7 Priest Field Regiment, near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. The Sherman OP (observation post) tank in the background has a small ‘GD’ tactical marking on the side of its hull, indicating the GPO (Gun Position Officer) of B Troop, 2nd Battery. Motorcycle despatch riders and a Universal Carrier can also be seen. Some troops are bedding do… Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201945 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5021) Sherman tanks of The Staffordshire Yeomanry, 27th Armoured Brigade, in action near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205803 THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORMANDY 1944 (B 5034) Royal Signals troops from No. 6 Beach Group digging in near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090242 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5035) British 3rd Division troops in La Brèche d’Hermanville, as they move inland from Sword Beach, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090243 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5026) British 3rd Division troops listening to a news bulletin on the wireless with a French civilian near Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090239 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5017) A casualty is brought aboard an LST (Landing Ship Tank) for treatment and return to England, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090234 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5018) British 3rd Division troops passing a First World War memorial in Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205272 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5019) A Universal Carrier of 76 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, passing through Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090235 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5036) A jeep and other vehicles of 3rd Division in La Brèche d’Hermanville, as they move inland from Sword Beach, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205807 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5023) A Universal Carrier with wading screens attached and half-tracks of 3rd Division passing through Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205804 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5020) A screen of 6-pdr anti-tank guns in position by the side of the Rue de la Croix Rose in Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. The Route de Caen can be seen going off to the right. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205802 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5022) Brigadier G.E. Prior Palmer (CO of 27th Armoured Brigade) on his scout car, giving orders to Captain E.H. Palmer of the Brigade staff in Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090236 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5024) British 3rd Division troops with French civilians in Hermanville-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205090237 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5062) Commando Cyril Harding of 1st Special Service Brigade shares a drink of Calvados with French civilians in Bénouville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359830 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5057) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade in action with a Bren gun during the advance to link up with 6th Airborne Division at Benouville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205234770 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5056) A Sherman of 27th Armoured Brigade supporting Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade during the advance to link up with 6th Airborne Division at Benouville, 6 June 1944. In the foreground, a commando uses a man-pack radio, possibly a WS No. 46 Set. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359827 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5055) Shermans of 27th Armoured Brigade support Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade in the ruins of St Aubin d’Arquenay, during their advance to link up with 6th Airborne Division at Benouville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205226231 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5058) Commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, and troops of 6th Airborne Division in Bénouville after the link-up between the two forces, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205815 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5053) Men of No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, dig in at La Haute Ecarde, on the western end of DZ ‘N’ between Ranville and Sallenelles, after the link-up with 6th Airborne, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359825 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5054) Men of No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, cook a meal after the link-up with 6th Airborne at DZ ‘N’ near Ranville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359826 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5048) Men of a 3rd Division field artillery regiment equipped with Priest 105mm self-propelled guns watch the arrival of 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, on the evening of 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359821 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5049) Horsa gliders of 6th Airborne Division on DZ ‘N’ near Ranville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359822 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5050) Glider troops of 6th Airborne Division beside their Horsa, which crashed through a stone wall on landing near La Haute Ecarde on the western end of DZ ‘N’ between Ranville and Sallenelles, 6th June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205813 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5051) Men of No. 3 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, dig in beside a Horsa glider near La Haute Ecarde, on the western end of DZ ‘N’ between Ranville and Sallenelles, after the link-up with 6th Airborne, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205814 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5052) Horsa gliders of 6th Airborne Division on DZ ‘N’ between Ranville and Sallenelles, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359823 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5059) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade march German and Italian prisoners back to the rear, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205231657 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5060) German POWs are marched along the Rue du Four-à-Chaux in Ranville by troops of 6th Airborne Division, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359828 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5063) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade move inland from Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359831 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5065) A Commando officer of 1st Special Service Brigade (left) with 3rd Division signallers using man-pack radio sets during the move inland, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205196752 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5066) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade in a wood through which a tank has recently passed, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359833 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5082) Beach Group troops follow a half-track near Exit 4 from Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359843 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5081) Troops of 3rd Division move inland from Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359842 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5067) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade move through Colleville-sur-Orne on their way to link up with 6th Airborne Division at Benouville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205816 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5071) Commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, move inland from Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. The man in the centre of the picture, with Thompson SMG, is believed to be Sgt Douglas Raymond Miles MM. A Churchill AVRE, equipped with a small box girder bridge, can be seen in the background. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205817 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5068) French civilians waving during the advance inland of 1st Special Service Brigade, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359834 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5069) A French civilian waving flags from a first floor window during the advance inland of 1st Special Service Brigade, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359835 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5070) Troops and vehicles on Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade can be seen making their way past vehicles of 3rd Division, including Universal Carriers of the 2nd East Yorkshires. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359836 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5072) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade move inland from Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359837 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5073) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade behind Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Houses damaged in the Allied bombardment and a Churchill AVRE can be seen in the background. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359838 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5074) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade in the dunes behind Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359839 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5075) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade after landing on Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205126439 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5076) Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade using portable radios beside the ruins of a building on Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359840 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5077) Commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, in a narrow lane inland of Sword Area, 7 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359841 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5078) Troops from 3rd Division, some with bicycles, move inland from Queen beach, Sword Area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205818 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5087) Infantry of 3rd Division wheeling bicycles as they advance inland from Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359846 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5080) Infantry of 3rd Division move inland from Queen beach, Sword Area, past a Sherman tank of 27th Armoured Brigade, 6 June 1944. In the background M10 3-inch self propelled guns can be seen. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205204591 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5079) German prisoners being marched along Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205219053 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5089) A group of German prisoners standing in the water next to a disabled Sherman Crab flail tank watch as a jeep is towed from the sea, Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201950 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5096) Troops of 3rd Division on Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. On the left, medics attend to wounded next to a disabled Churchill AVRE from 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers. The AVRE is a SBG bridge carrier, and has already laid its bridge. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205821 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5095) Medics attending to wounded in the lee of a Churchill AVRE from 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers, on Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. An M10 Wolverine 3-inch self-propelled gun from 20th Anti-Tank Regiment can be seen in the background. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201953 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5086) An M10 Wolverine 3-inch self-propelled gun of 20th Anti-Tank Regiment on Queen Red beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205128357 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5085) Churchill AVREs of 79th Assault Squadron, 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers, and other vehicles on Queen Red beach, Sword Area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201948 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5083) A British soldier from 3rd Division with a Universal Carrier in front of shattered houses on Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205359845 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5084) Troops and vehicles of 3rd Division waiting to move inland from La Brèche d’Hermanville, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205205819 D-DAY – BRITISH FORCES DURING THE INVASION OF NORMANDY 6 JUNE 1944 (B 5088) An M10 Wolverine 3-inch self-propelled gun of 20th Anti-Tank Regiment provides cover for infantry of 3rd Division as they advance inland from Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205201949
