Absolutely nailed it. He had everything at his fingertips. Almost tank by tank, DDs, Deep wading tanks etc. No excuse for the myths about the tanks and making it clear that the conditions on the beach, lack of room to maneuver, dead bodies etc were just as important or more than the actual numbers of tanks available.
One thought that came to me when Steven described the fate of all those C Company, 741st Tank BN Shermans, was how very brave those crews were to have followed orders when the could clearly see that the seas were rough and that things weren't going well for the first few tanks that launched. They kept trying despite this which is astounding. Steven has dispelled more than one myth about the Sherman tank in WW2. I love the statistics and research he brings to the subject as it takes all of the emotional hype out of it.
Gotta say as someone who worked on trawlers that weighed around 60 tons and that had a generous displacement hull that relying on a metal frame and canvas as your displacement is the most appalling idea I could think of . Im surprised they didn't all sink from the weight of the balls the crews of the things must have needed to have
I studied Gold for my book and the DDs there (8th Armd Bde) came in on a later wave and did excellent work once they got ashore. The first wave landed with the funnies (6th Assault Regt RE, Westminster Dragoons). In addition to their primary roles (flailing, filling ditches, etc) the AVREs and Crabs gave direct gunfire support to the infantry and very good support it was. Overall, both funnies and DDs were essential to the success on Gold.
I read one short account of a tanker from the Canadian 1st Hussars who came ashore on Juno beach. I believe his first name was Charlie. Anyway he said that the German defenders were so shocked to see his Sherman tank come out of the sea that they stood up from their defensive positions, Tobruks and the such, and stared at him in disbelief. This cost them their lives as his regiment's machine gunners in the Shermans mowed them down as they stood there stupefied. The most astonishing thing they ever saw was also the last they ever saw. Almost funny but since it resulted in the deaths of many people it is just another of the horrible aspects of war. 🤷♂
Fabulous, I have photos of DD deep wading tanks supporting the 90th inf divisions crossing of the Mayenne River at Mayenne in August 44. 743rd I think from memory
Steven Zaloga is among the most authoritative presenters out there. I have to chuckle in that for the few questions he couldn’t answer it wasn’t an oversight it was that he knew the answer 10 yrs ago but just couldn’t remember it. The man has literally forgotten more than most of us know! Hilarious.
I love Steve’s presentations, always a joy to hear, his knowledge of dispelling some myths is fantastic.Yet again Paul WW2TV at its best as always. Thanks again both
I will never cease to be amazed at the bravery of soldiers during WW2. All these bleeding edge technologies were rushed into service, and men were asked to trust that they would work, often at great risk to their lives. Combat in a tank would be dangerous enough for anybody. But being asked to ride ashore in a tank with questionable buoyancy, which if it sank, you were unlikely to be able to escape from... A ship, fine. A tank, fine. Even a submarine, gulp, fine. But using a tank as a landing craft, the thought makes my blood run cold.
Another excellent presentation. WW2 tv has to be the go to show for most thing WW2 now. Excellent variety of content and done with subject matter experts.
Great presentation, the level of knowledge shared by Steven was incredible.Quite remarkable insights into what actually happened and in so doing blowing myth after myth out of water,if you'll forgive the pun. Tpp quality again from WW2TV.
The Marines had plan B so to speak in terms of armor support on the beach, the LVT-1 with 37mm gun and 75mm howitzer for fire support and infantry support. They weren't as good as the Shermans while on land but they could support Marines on Amtracs and landing craft side by side.
As a former tanker and a total tank nerd it's a complete joy to watch a Steven Zaloga presentation, live! I have a handful of his books, read several of his magazine articles but WW2TV brings him into your home. Paul the fact that you and Steven have stomped around Omaha Beach sites and know the details, it's crazy fun for me. Great show Paul, Steven Thank you.
Woody/Steve. Fabulous presentation. I knew a little about the DD tanks but your presentation reveals that what I knew was myth. I have been educated by your presentation. Thanks. Bob
Paul.... You are an amazing fella to bring this history to life with your fantastic guests and insight. As a son of an Utah beach survivor, thank you !!
Thanks, great as usual. Always had a feeling that all DD crews should have gotten medals for bravery, whether they made it to shore or not. Everything they're used to is very solid, from hull to switches and lights. Tanks usually stand firmly on the ground. Now, while even infantry get seasick in landing crafts, these guys drive 30ton tanks into the sea, only floating because of a canvas with inflatable struts. Then they go for several km to shore in the least streamlined contraption, most of them not seeing a thing, but hearing waves and combat noises. Sorry for the language, but there's no other way to say it, I would have shit in my pants, likely all the way to the beach.
Absolutely brilliant presentation tackling the myths of DD tanks on D-Day. Thank you so much Steven and Paul, the discussions and sidebar comments were fascinating and enlightening and clarified some of the contradictory material I had read previously. The questionable decision to deploy DD tanks on 0-2 sector of Omaha, so far out and in less than ideal conditions have been seized upon by some authors to paint a picture of total failure when this is not the case for the wider reality of the D-Day landings. Keep up the great work Woody in bringing such knowledgeable people as Steven to our attention!!!!
Two things : 1 the reason for no Amtracks A.K.A. the alligators at Normandy is the fact that they were being horded for the Saipan invasion which went off several days later. As far as the reluctance to use the DD tanks in the Pacific probably revolved about the fact that Japanese tanks were pitiful and unlike German tanks they were very vulnerable to light anti -tank guns (57mm) and the hand held Bazooka.
Steve gives an excellent presentation! The detail Steve gives is really impressive. I really appreciate Steve including why DD tanks were not used used in the Pacific.
Steven is always worth listening to, and this episode was no exception. Its always good when you get information presented in a clear way like this. Great show.
Another superb presentation. I love it when myths get set straight. Duplex drive tanks tested at Fritton lake, part of the somerleighton estate near Lowestoft Suffolk/Norfolk border. Stewart Burgess is the man to speak to for the history at Fritton lake.
Great presentation. Thought it helped illustrate as well how many of the problems the Americans experienced at Omaha related back to the decision to launch the invasion under conditions that were far worse than what the planners had anticipated.
very nice diorama's and plastic model kits of LTC's...the old Lindberg brand have LCM and LCT's in their catalogue...maybe still available...so far no model kits of the Hobart Funnie's...maybe Airfix?...
Excellent information. I read Wayne Robinson’s book titled Barbara over 40 years ago and one thing I’ve always wondered was which DD-Sherman came the closest to matching the longevity of Barbara. Landed at Omaha and made it all the way to Germany. Obviously a novel will take certain liberties but a lot of factual events during the timeframe were worked into the book. I don’t think any of the DD’s that landed at Normandy came remotely close to reaching Germany but I’m still curious how close any of them might have got. Btw, the book was also released under the title of Hell Has No Heroes.
There was another Sherman tank from the Canadian army's Sherbrooke Fusiliers named "Bomb" that made it all the way to Germany from Juno beach. It is on display in Sherbrooke, Quebec and was restored in 2011. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bomb_(tank)
great diagram and description - I never realised it was so rushed - plans in Jan 1944, arrive in UK March 1944, fight in June 1944 -- no time fo serious training in all seas
This was fascinating. I am British and am very surprised at this as I was led to believe that no DD tanks reached Omaha beach. Why has it taken so long to have the true figures corrected?
Seems like I’ve read that Lt Edward Sledge, brother of Eugene Sledge, was a tank commander on D-Day; don’t know if he TC’d a DD or drove one on to the beach from a landing craft.
@@WW2TV not authoritative, but saw pic of he and Eugene in Class A’s, and Edward’s branch insignia looked to be armor, and he had an Armored Div patch. Small stuff in the larger scheme of things - and it’s getting stuffy in this rabbit hole. DD pitch was great; thx.
I am 3D designing a model of the sherman DD at the moment, working on the screen's os a tough job but have alot done now and near ready for the build! My favourite Sherman ever the DD I am doing the m4A1 first then it's a different design fornthe A3 and some m4A4 long hulls that alot of people don't know existed some were even built on the m4A3e8 original photo's don't lie it's took a couple of years gathering references, info correct info that is! This video is top notch! Needs to be shared more! Keep the DDs alive!
Although not in scope of presentation but close proximity would have liked brief reference of how tanks did and their losses. You gotta have it somewhere. Always appreciative of these fine presentations. Thanks as ever
13:35 the marine corps where right here the ww2 LVTs and post war AATVs have a nice deep displacement hull which tells me someone at the Marine Corps wasn't a complete lubber
Howdy folks. Myth-busting of the highest order as Stevie Z kiboshes the tall tales of sinking tanks on D-Day. It’s complicated but WW2TV explains it all. Don’t miss it
You do actually see a deep wading tank in Saving Private Ryan. I don’t believe it fires though so may be knocked out. To give a bit of benefit of the doubt to Hank’s character though, perhaps he is only commenting on what he can see in his immediate sector. I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect him to have good situational awareness of the whole five mile combat zone from his perspective. But then as impressive as the scene is from a cinematic point of view, I do think it has the effect of diminishing the scale of the conflict. On screen we see a costly but relatively quick victory, mainly as a result of a small number of rangers taking the initiative. Which may be representative of some of the events on the day but it does heavily truncate them. Notably we also do not see any naval support, even though there are stories of at least one destroyer getting dangerously close and lending a hand. I’m sure there is a bunch of stuff that they could have included if they had the time and budget. They likely could have easily made the whole story about Omaha but chose to make it more of a whistle stop tour of a few aspects of the theatre.
The model on the bottom right I know who built that and the raised periscope on the front of there is only 1 original photo of this up! Luckily I have the diagrams and blueprints to 3D print the design I have done all this and the funnel stack for the rear great photos
A ton of water would be about 40 cubic feet in volume. The x-y area of the screen would be about 200 sq ft. So an extra ton of ammo would lower the rig by 1/5 of a foot.
Quite interesting that after limited success with the DD design, the US Army recycled the design on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. They didn't learn a thing.
So was it true that US could have had AVRE’s, firefly’s, in addition to Sherman’s but refused? Way more armour loaded by end of D-day on other beaches.
I see your point, but I'm not buying it. The relevant facts are there, if obscured. 'Not prudent' to launch in that sea state'? No. By all means have a go at flogging a book, but not like that. DDs were never designed to cope with the sea state at that time, that is well documented and understood, if not by your author. I quote a RE officer who witnessed the launch who said "the decision to send them off that far out was the act of a coward". (He took the soil cores from the beach in December '43 and got an MM for it). That, and declining the offer of Hogarth's funnies is the story of Omaha beech. The myth premise seems a bit like saying more beer is consumed after a rugby match than during it, being both accurate and irrelevant . I could say more, let me just say I think is a dishonourable take on the topic and leave it at that.
The US did not turn down Funnies, at least not in the simplistic way you explain. Read PCA's Sand and Steel for the full story But the fact remains, that broadly speaking across the 5 beaches DDs were successful
I have seen the video through several times and I must apologise. I enjoyed the well researched and presented material. It seems of the first wave only 2 swam ashore , (?6-7%,) and only 24 floundered (?82%). War diary of 79rh Armoured is misleading as it does't specify the first wave and exaggerates those sinkings. Having visited the coast and seen the bluff its hard to see how anything could survive out there. Im afraid I get fired up on the subject but on this occasion I was wrong and I apologise. Thank you for your patience.. Richard Lord H
Someone has just put a new short if this exact thing about the loss being due to the DDs not making it over rough sea! I've left this video in the comments for people to watch and get facts correct! Can't have a younger Generation telling a different story like everything these days getting arms n legs added to stories!
Tom Hanks said all the armor was bogged down in the channel. That's the end of the story for me. Just kidding, this talk did bust myths and I appreciate that.
Absolutely nailed it. He had everything at his fingertips. Almost tank by tank, DDs, Deep wading tanks etc. No excuse for the myths about the tanks and making it clear that the conditions on the beach, lack of room to maneuver, dead bodies etc were just as important or more than the actual numbers of tanks available.
Yep indeed Cary
One thought that came to me when Steven described the fate of all those C Company, 741st Tank BN Shermans, was how very brave those crews were to have followed orders when the could clearly see that the seas were rough and that things weren't going well for the first few tanks that launched. They kept trying despite this which is astounding. Steven has dispelled more than one myth about the Sherman tank in WW2. I love the statistics and research he brings to the subject as it takes all of the emotional hype out of it.
Gotta say as someone who worked on trawlers that weighed around 60 tons and that had a generous displacement hull that relying on a metal frame and canvas as your displacement is the most appalling idea I could think of . Im surprised they didn't all sink from the weight of the balls the crews of the things must have needed to have
I studied Gold for my book and the DDs there (8th Armd Bde) came in on a later wave and did excellent work once they got ashore. The first wave landed with the funnies (6th Assault Regt RE, Westminster Dragoons). In addition to their primary roles (flailing, filling ditches, etc) the AVREs and Crabs gave direct gunfire support to the infantry and very good support it was. Overall, both funnies and DDs were essential to the success on Gold.
Steve is a WW2 Rockstar! Great presentation.
I read one short account of a tanker from the Canadian 1st Hussars who came ashore on Juno beach. I believe his first name was Charlie. Anyway he said that the German defenders were so shocked to see his Sherman tank come out of the sea that they stood up from their defensive positions, Tobruks and the such, and stared at him in disbelief. This cost them their lives as his regiment's machine gunners in the Shermans mowed them down as they stood there stupefied. The most astonishing thing they ever saw was also the last they ever saw. Almost funny but since it resulted in the deaths of many people it is just another of the horrible aspects of war. 🤷♂
Great story Todd
One of my favorites… always can listen to this dude talk all day
❤love this stuff. Thanks. 80 years after and we are getting the real details
Fabulous, I have photos of DD deep wading tanks supporting the 90th inf divisions crossing of the Mayenne River at Mayenne in August 44. 743rd I think from memory
Steven Zaloga is among the most authoritative presenters out there. I have to chuckle in that for the few questions he couldn’t answer it wasn’t an oversight it was that he knew the answer 10 yrs ago but just couldn’t remember it. The man has literally forgotten more than most of us know! Hilarious.
Fantastic presentation on the DD tanks on Omaha Beach! Very detailed. Thoroughly busted the myth about the all sinking on D-Day.
I so enjoy Steven Zaloga's appearances on WW2TV, as well as his books. And I love a good myth buster show.
Great show.
I remember Steve Zaloga's thoroughness from ages ago in his armor articles in the IPMS/USA Journal.
Excellent presentation! It's good to get the truth out there with regard to the tanks landing on Omaha from the 741st and 743rd TB's.
A great show that answered many questions I had about DD tanks.
I love Steve’s presentations, always a joy to hear, his knowledge of dispelling some myths is fantastic.Yet again Paul WW2TV at its best as always. Thanks again both
I will never cease to be amazed at the bravery of soldiers during WW2. All these bleeding edge technologies were rushed into service, and men were asked to trust that they would work, often at great risk to their lives.
Combat in a tank would be dangerous enough for anybody. But being asked to ride ashore in a tank with questionable buoyancy, which if it sank, you were unlikely to be able to escape from...
A ship, fine.
A tank, fine.
Even a submarine, gulp, fine.
But using a tank as a landing craft, the thought makes my blood run cold.
Another excellent presentation. WW2 tv has to be the go to show for most thing WW2 now. Excellent variety of content and done with subject matter experts.
Great presentation, the level of knowledge shared by Steven was incredible.Quite remarkable insights into what actually happened and in so doing blowing myth after myth out of water,if you'll forgive the pun. Tpp quality again from WW2TV.
The Marines had plan B so to speak in terms of armor support on the beach, the LVT-1 with 37mm gun and 75mm howitzer for fire support and infantry support. They weren't as good as the Shermans while on land but they could support Marines on Amtracs and landing craft side by side.
Only later in the war though, not for the earlier amphibious operations
As a former tanker and a total tank nerd it's a complete joy to watch a Steven Zaloga presentation, live! I have a handful of his books, read several of his magazine articles but WW2TV brings him into your home. Paul the fact that you and Steven have stomped around Omaha Beach sites and know the details, it's crazy fun for me. Great show Paul, Steven Thank you.
Woody/Steve. Fabulous presentation. I knew a little about the DD tanks but your presentation reveals that what I knew was myth. I have been educated by your presentation. Thanks. Bob
Paul.... You are an amazing fella to bring this history to life with your fantastic guests and insight. As a son of an Utah beach survivor, thank you !!
Thanks, great as usual.
Always had a feeling that all DD crews should have gotten medals for bravery, whether they made it to shore or not.
Everything they're used to is very solid, from hull to switches and lights. Tanks usually stand firmly on the ground.
Now, while even infantry get seasick in landing crafts, these guys drive 30ton tanks into the sea, only floating because of a canvas with inflatable struts.
Then they go for several km to shore in the least streamlined contraption, most of them not seeing a thing, but hearing waves and combat noises.
Sorry for the language, but there's no other way to say it, I would have shit in my pants, likely all the way to the beach.
Absolutely brilliant presentation tackling the myths of DD tanks on D-Day. Thank you so much Steven and Paul, the discussions and sidebar comments were fascinating and enlightening and clarified some of the contradictory material I had read previously. The questionable decision to deploy DD tanks on 0-2 sector of Omaha, so far out and in less than ideal conditions have been seized upon by some authors to paint a picture of total failure when this is not the case for the wider reality of the D-Day landings. Keep up the great work Woody in bringing such knowledgeable people as Steven to our attention!!!!
Steven again proving to be a fountain of knowledge...always presents in a very structured and precise way. First class...thanks to you both.
Steve Zaloga: say no more, just excellent!
Another superb show Paul and Steve!
Two things : 1 the reason for no Amtracks A.K.A. the alligators at Normandy is the fact that they were being horded for the Saipan invasion which went off several days later. As far as the reluctance to use the DD tanks in the Pacific probably revolved about the fact that Japanese tanks were pitiful and unlike German tanks they were very vulnerable to light anti -tank guns (57mm) and the hand held Bazooka.
Fantastic presentation from Stephen as usual. Love the detail. Many thanks
Many thanks! Steven is always a top guest
Steve gives an excellent presentation! The detail Steve gives is really impressive. I really appreciate Steve including why DD tanks were not used used in the Pacific.
Steven is always worth listening to, and this episode was no exception. Its always good when you get information presented in a clear way like this. Great show.
Yep, Steven sets a very high standard
Another great show - many thanks Paul and Steven.
Great discussion, loved every minute.
Another superb presentation. I love it when myths get set straight. Duplex drive tanks tested at Fritton lake, part of the somerleighton estate near Lowestoft Suffolk/Norfolk border. Stewart Burgess is the man to speak to for the history at Fritton lake.
Excellent presentation, analysis, and discussion. Thank you Paul and Steven.
Outstanding presentation!
Very interesting and informative program.
Great presentation. Thought it helped illustrate as well how many of the problems the Americans experienced at Omaha related back to the decision to launch the invasion under conditions that were far worse than what the planners had anticipated.
only just watched this stream, the level of detail on it is outstanding
very nice diorama's and plastic model kits of LTC's...the old Lindberg brand have LCM and LCT's in their catalogue...maybe still available...so far no model kits of the Hobart Funnie's...maybe Airfix?...
Wow. Loved it.
Excellent information. I read Wayne Robinson’s book titled Barbara over 40 years ago and one thing I’ve always wondered was which DD-Sherman came the closest to matching the longevity of Barbara. Landed at Omaha and made it all the way to Germany. Obviously a novel will take certain liberties but a lot of factual events during the timeframe were worked into the book. I don’t think any of the DD’s that landed at Normandy came remotely close to reaching Germany but I’m still curious how close any of them might have got.
Btw, the book was also released under the title of Hell Has No Heroes.
As Steven said, one tank definitely made it to Germany
@@WW2TV Sorry, I missed that part. I’ll watch the whole video when I get off work. Thanks for your very informative videos.
There was another Sherman tank from the Canadian army's Sherbrooke Fusiliers named "Bomb" that made it all the way to Germany from Juno beach. It is on display in Sherbrooke, Quebec and was restored in 2011. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bomb_(tank)
great diagram and description
- I never realised it was so rushed - plans in Jan 1944, arrive in UK March 1944, fight in June 1944 -- no time fo serious training in all seas
Imagine if they had used the other type of Funnies that the British and Canada used.
This was fascinating. I am British and am very surprised at this as I was led to believe that no DD tanks reached Omaha beach. Why has it taken so long to have the true figures corrected?
The facts have always been out there, but documentary makers etc keep repeating myths
@@WW2TV Yes, thanks for that.
Excellent gentlemen, absolutely enjoyed this presentation.
Thank you kindly!
Steven Zaloga? Kettle on, plump the cushions, settle in. Bingo.
Excellent. Thank you.
Please do Gold Beach Paul! Sector King Green 69th Brigade
If I can find an expert - gladly
@@WW2TV thank you Paul. Gold always seems to be ignored. Yes my Dad landed there.
Seems like I’ve read that Lt Edward Sledge, brother of Eugene Sledge, was a tank commander on D-Day; don’t know if he TC’d a DD or drove one on to the beach from a landing craft.
Edward Sledge was in the infantry. A platoon commander in the 4th ID on Utah
@@WW2TV Copy; have to check my source, which I think was John McManus.
@@bobleicht5295 I'm confused now because i checked another source that indeed says he was 741st TD. So i don't know what to think lol
@@WW2TV not authoritative, but saw pic of he and Eugene in Class A’s, and Edward’s branch insignia looked to be armor, and he had an Armored Div patch. Small stuff in the larger scheme of things - and it’s getting stuffy in this rabbit hole. DD pitch was great; thx.
I am 3D designing a model of the sherman DD at the moment, working on the screen's os a tough job but have alot done now and near ready for the build! My favourite Sherman ever the DD I am doing the m4A1 first then it's a different design fornthe A3 and some m4A4 long hulls that alot of people don't know existed some were even built on the m4A3e8 original photo's don't lie it's took a couple of years gathering references, info correct info that is! This video is top notch! Needs to be shared more! Keep the DDs alive!
Although not in scope of presentation but close proximity would have liked brief reference of how tanks did and their losses. You gotta have it somewhere. Always appreciative of these fine presentations. Thanks as ever
13:35 the marine corps where right here the ww2 LVTs and post war AATVs have a nice deep displacement hull which tells me someone at the Marine Corps wasn't a complete lubber
Howdy folks. Myth-busting of the highest order as Stevie Z kiboshes the tall tales of sinking tanks on D-Day. It’s complicated but WW2TV explains it all. Don’t miss it
You do actually see a deep wading tank in Saving Private Ryan. I don’t believe it fires though so may be knocked out.
To give a bit of benefit of the doubt to Hank’s character though, perhaps he is only commenting on what he can see in his immediate sector. I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect him to have good situational awareness of the whole five mile combat zone from his perspective. But then as impressive as the scene is from a cinematic point of view, I do think it has the effect of diminishing the scale of the conflict. On screen we see a costly but relatively quick victory, mainly as a result of a small number of rangers taking the initiative. Which may be representative of some of the events on the day but it does heavily truncate them.
Notably we also do not see any naval support, even though there are stories of at least one destroyer getting dangerously close and lending a hand. I’m sure there is a bunch of stuff that they could have included if they had the time and budget. They likely could have easily made the whole story about Omaha but chose to make it more of a whistle stop tour of a few aspects of the theatre.
The model on the bottom right I know who built that and the raised periscope on the front of there is only 1 original photo of this up! Luckily I have the diagrams and blueprints to 3D print the design I have done all this and the funnel stack for the rear great photos
this guy knows his stuff
A ton of water would be about 40 cubic feet in volume. The x-y area of the screen would be about 200 sq ft. So an extra ton of ammo would lower the rig by 1/5 of a foot.
Good maths there Maurice - thanks
TY🙏🙏
Nice accounts from blokes down the pub. And I thought it was Hobart who engineered DDay!
I am intrigued by the mention of the novel "Barbara" but I can't find it. Anybody pick up on that and perhaps the author and title?
Here you go www.amazon.com/Hell-Has-Heroes-Original-Title/dp/044666913X
Quite interesting that after limited success with the DD design, the US Army recycled the design on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. They didn't learn a thing.
Was it limited success though? Over the various occasions they used the DDs results were fairly good
Reality says otherwise
56.35 74% landed on US beaches, 83 % Brit/Can beaches
DD is right , They tend to be heavy and go down .
So was it true that US could have had AVRE’s, firefly’s, in addition to Sherman’s but refused? Way more armour loaded by end of D-day on other beaches.
No, it's not true. PCA explains this myth in Sand and Steel
the tankers (understandably) didn't want to be half underwater. Just saying
No.
if you have a slide entitled 'the debacle' showing only 16 of 56 tanks made it ashore, you have a historical fact, not a myth.
But the myth is that ALL the tanks were lost, when the majority survived
I see your point, but I'm not buying it.
The relevant facts are there, if obscured. 'Not prudent' to launch in that sea state'? No.
By all means have a go at flogging a book, but not like that. DDs were never designed to cope with the sea state at that time, that is well documented and understood, if not by your author.
I quote a RE officer who witnessed the launch who said "the decision to send them off that far out was the act of a coward". (He took the soil cores from the beach in December '43 and got an MM for it).
That, and declining the offer of Hogarth's funnies is the story of Omaha beech.
The myth premise seems a bit like saying more beer is consumed after a rugby match than during it, being both accurate and irrelevant .
I could say more, let me just say I think is a dishonourable take on the topic and leave it at that.
The US did not turn down Funnies, at least not in the simplistic way you explain. Read PCA's Sand and Steel for the full story
But the fact remains, that broadly speaking across the 5 beaches DDs were successful
I have seen the video through several times and I must apologise. I enjoyed the well researched and presented material.
It seems of the first wave only 2 swam ashore , (?6-7%,) and only 24 floundered (?82%). War diary of 79rh Armoured is misleading as it does't specify the first wave and exaggerates those sinkings.
Having visited the coast and seen the bluff its hard to see how anything could survive out there. Im afraid I get fired up on the subject but on this occasion I was wrong and I apologise.
Thank you for your patience.. Richard Lord H
No worries, apology happily accepted
Someone has just put a new short if this exact thing about the loss being due to the DDs not making it over rough sea! I've left this video in the comments for people to watch and get facts correct! Can't have a younger Generation telling a different story like everything these days getting arms n legs added to stories!
I dont remember a vid where i think every comment deserves a thumbs,
Tom Hanks said all the armor was bogged down in the channel. That's the end of the story for me. Just kidding, this talk did bust myths and I appreciate that.
My God you talk too much.
It's a history channel for discussions about war. What do you think we will do
Listening is knowledge and this is the best place to find it fact