Lt Col T.B.H. Otway - The Merville Battery Assault on D-Day

Lt. Col Terence Otway of the 9th Parachute Battalion gives a talk on the assault of the Merville Battery on the morning of D-Day. The talk was recorded in 1999 at the Army Air Corps, Middle Wallop.

[@abc.972]

An amazing story from an extremely brave man. Bless you sir.

[@PaulSpencerImages2012]

Having visited the site a couple of times now it still amazes me with such a low number of men how the hell they took such a defensive position so effectively. A remarkable man and a true leader, as with so many veterans a very humble man also, so pleased I came across this video to hear the story from the mouth of one so prominent in its capture. There was if it still there a truly sad story of the tale of two brothers with the 12th Yorkshire Parachute Regiment and how they were treated when captured, all detailed by a letter from their captain back to their mother. A remarkable place to visit.

[@Norrie-jj2ve]

At 0010 Hours on 6th June 1944, my uncle Flt Lt. John Reid, ( Pilot) and two other crews of 605 Sqdn, were tasked with attacking the Merville Battery area, with their Mosquito FBV1 aircraft, his D Day log book tells of them having to clear the area for a few moments while 100 Lancs "plastered" the area, they re attacked, dropping 2x 500lb bombs, and 2 x 250 lb bombs, then watched as the "glider train" went in.....he and his colleagues left the area at 0039 hrs with his starboard elevator severely damaged.

[@conhallows]

Oh wow. A talk on this amazing action given by the Tipperary man who led it.

[@drekings9017]

Fantastic thank you for sharing

[@hasse4312]

Very interesting speech - thanks

[@rollosnook3031]

D-Day movies and media tends to focus on the carnage of Omaha, Pegasus Bridge and the casualties in the first wave on Commonwealth beaches. Merville was really on Omaha levels of strength depletion but pressing on regardless.

[@eldiaquehicimoshistoria2531]

Incredible speech of Colonel Otway about his participation on D Day and the attack to Merville battery. May I ask you if you are a relative of Colonel Otway? Thank you

[@ray44f]

Great story from a great man, anyone know the hotel/restaurant he landed on?

[@PeterCasey-pw3st]

my Step Father....Joe Wilson....Lt Col Otways Batman xxxx