History Rage

The Sailors’ Stories: The Navy's Role in Normandy with Nick Hewitt

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Episode notes

In this episode, historian and author Nick Hewitt shares his expertise on the role of sailors in the Normandy invasion during World War II. He debunks the misconception that sailors only put the army on the beach and then left.


  • ·        The Navy was involved in maintaining supply lines, providing naval gunfire support, and defending against German attacks.
  • ·        Intelligence gathering and preparation, including the work of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties, were essential before D-Day.
  • ·        Their responsibilities included delivering troops to the beaches, coordinating the movement of ships and supplies, providing naval gunfire support, and establishing and maintaining the Mulberry Harbours.
  • ·        The Navy had beach masters and tri-service beach groups that organized the traffic and logistics on the beaches.
  • ·        There were forward observer teams that called in naval gunfire support and sailors who cleared and operated captured ports.


Connect with Nick:

·        - Follow Nick on Twitter: @nickhweitt4


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Nick’s Books

·        Normandy: the Sailors' Story: A Naval History of D-Day and the Battle for France

·        Coastal Convoys 1939-1945: The Indestructible Highway

·        Firing on Fortress Europe: HMS Belfast on D-Day

 

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