D-Day: The Tide Turns – Episode 5: "Crash Landing"

Host: Paul McGann
Release Date: June 26, 2024
Available On: Noiser Network and major podcast platforms
Producer: Duncan Barrett and Miriam Baines

Introduction

In the fifth episode of D-Day: The Tide Turns, titled "Crash Landing," host Paul McGann delves deep into the harrowing and heroic stories of the Normandy Landings. This episode meticulously chronicles the intricate airborne operations that preceded the iconic beach assaults, highlighting the immense risks, strategic maneuvers, and personal sacrifices that defined this pivotal moment in World War II.

Airborne Operations: Setting the Stage

The episode opens on the night of June 6, 1944, shortly after midnight, with the first wave of American Pathfinders parachuting into the French countryside. These elite soldiers, led by Captain Frank Lilliman of the 101st Airborne Division, were tasked with establishing crucial infrastructure for the impending invasion.

Professor Jeremy Black ([04:31]): "Objectives for the Allied airborne forces were to try and seal the approaches to the Normandy beach from east and west in order to make it harder for the Germans to bring up reinforcements to support their forces in the coastal fortifications and to drive in the Allied flanks."

The Pathfinders faced the immense challenge of operating behind enemy lines, amidst thick fog and under constant threat from German defenses. Their success was vital for the subsequent waves of 18,000 airborne troops that would follow.

Major John Howard and the Capture of Pegasus Bridge

One of the standout missions featured in this episode is that of Major John Howard and his unit's daring assault on Pegasus Bridge. Deployed via glider, Howard's mission was to capture two strategically vital bridges: Pegasus and Horsa.

Giles Milton ([06:20]): "If one looks at the eastern end of the beachhead, there were two vital bridges that needed to be captured... these bridges were vital."

The episode vividly describes the perilous nature of glider landings, constructed from flimsy materials and often resulting in crash landings. Despite these dangers, Howard and his men achieved a miraculous landing mere 50 feet from Pegasus Bridge, allowing them to swiftly neutralize German pillboxes and secure the area.

Sir Max Hastings ([16:34]): "The bridge over the Caen Canal was an absolutely vital objective... And they got these bridges in the first few minutes after D day began on June 6."

The successful capture of Pegasus and Horsa bridges was a significant boost to Allied morale and a critical strategic victory that facilitated the linking up of Allied forces on the beaches.

Challenges of the Airborne Assaults

The episode does not shy away from detailing the numerous challenges faced by the airborne troops. Inclement weather, poor visibility, and advanced German defenses compounded the difficulties of the missions.

Giles Milton ([18:13]): "Often the planes were flying far too high, so they were dropped at too great a height... absolutely terrifying to jump out of a plane at high speed, at great height, at night."

With less than half the American planes equipped with trained navigators, many paratroopers were scattered miles from their intended drop zones. The dense marshlands of Normandy, strategically flooded by the Germans, led to tragic losses as numerous soldiers drowned before even engaging in combat.

Professor Jeremy Black ([19:00]): "Paratroopers... don't know precisely where you're going to land on the terrain."

Heroism Amidst Chaos: Fred Millwood and the Merville Gun Battery

A poignant narrative centers around British paratrooper Fred Millwood of the 9th Parachute Battalion. Tasked with destroying the Merville Gun Battery, Millwood's mission was critical to neutralizing German artillery that threatened the incoming troops on Sword Beach.

Fred Millwood ([40:55]): "Strangely enough, I felt outside myself as I was running. I don't think I really had any fear because I got this feeling it wasn't me."

Despite severe shortages in manpower and support, Millwood and his remaining men mounted a fierce attack on the battery, resulting in heavy casualties but ultimately achieving their objective. The successful destruction of the Merville Gun Battery served as a crucial signal to the Allied fleet that critical defenses had been neutralized.

Encounters with the Enemy: Lieutenant Malcolm Brannan and General Farley

Another gripping account involves Lieutenant Malcolm Brannan from Massachusetts, who encounters German Lieutenant General Wilhelm Farley during his mission.

Giles Milton ([36:04]): "He was quite a catch for the Americans. He was the first German general to be killed on D day."

This encounter not only underscores the ever-present danger faced by paratroopers but also highlights the personal bravery and split-second decision-making that could alter the course of events. Brannan's decisive action in eliminating General Farley prevented further German coordination and potential counterattacks.

French Civilians and the Spirit of Resistance

The episode also honors the invaluable contributions of French civilians, such as Maurice Dubosque, who risked their lives to save Allied soldiers. The collaboration between the French Resistance and airborne troops exemplified the united front against the Nazi occupation.

Giles Milton ([24:13]): "The French civilians had been waiting for the liberation of their country ever since the Nazis had occupied it."

Reinforcements and the Escalation of the Battle

As the night progressed, reinforcements streamed into the battlefield via gliders, bringing much-needed equipment and troops to sustain the momentum of the invasion.

Narrator: "At around 4am, the same time as Brannan's deadly encounter with General Farley, reinforcements begin arriving in the nearby fields..."

However, not all reinforcements landed as intended, leading to further complications and underscoring the unpredictability of airborne operations under combat conditions.

Insights from Experts

Throughout the episode, historians and experts provide valuable context and analysis:

• Professor Jeremy Black discusses the strategic objectives and the complexities of executing the largest airborne operation in history.
• Giles Milton offers detailed narratives of individual missions and personal anecdotes that bring the historical events to life.
• Sir Max Hastings reflects on the courage and resilience of the soldiers, emphasizing the critical impact of their actions on the overall success of D-Day.

Sir Max Hastings ([41:45]): "When we got together and then we knew how many were left, it was only about 150 went in and about 65 came out. One of our chaps said afterwards they should have annihilated us... they didn't know it was impossible, so they just did it."

Conclusion: The Turning Tide

"Crash Landing" powerfully illustrates the chaos, bravery, and strategic brilliance that characterized the airborne component of D-Day. The successful capture of key objectives by Major Howard, Lieutenant Brannan, and others played a pivotal role in the larger assault on the Normandy beaches. Despite significant losses and unforeseen challenges, the determination and ingenuity of the Allied forces began to turn the tide against the Nazi war machine.

As dawn approaches, the episode sets the stage for the imminent beach landings, promising further exploration of the monumental events that unfolded on June 6, 1944.

Notable Quotes:

• Professor Jeremy Black ([04:31]): "Objectives for the Allied airborne forces were to try and seal the approaches to the Normandy beach from east and west..."
• Giles Milton ([06:20]): "If one looks at the eastern end of the beachhead, there were two vital bridges that needed to be captured..."
• Sir Max Hastings ([16:34]): "The bridge over the Caen Canal was an absolutely vital objective..."
• Fred Millwood ([40:55]): "Strangely enough, I felt outside myself as I was running..."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the intense and multifaceted nature of the airborne operations during D-Day, highlighting the blend of strategic planning, individual heroism, and sheer determination that contributed to the eventual Allied victory.