Order of Battle.
The first ashore were to be the DD tanks, quickly after that, the Assault Engineers, to clear the beach obstacles, then, at H plus tem minutes, the three Highly trained Assault demolition and Assault mine clearing teams supplied by my old Company 246 Field Company R. E. The observation officers for the artillery, Then the infantry battalions and the anti-tank gunners. Later still, the Commandos, But with specific tasks. (Taking the heavily defended post at "Lion").

The three special Assault teams provided by 246 Field Co R E, were armed with 36lb "Beehive" explosive charges,designed to blow up the Concrete defensive and machine gun posts. These three teams were commanded by Lt Trench. Lt Edwards. and Lt Fields. Their task was to clear a path from the beach to the road beyond and to remove anything or anybody that stood in the way. No matter what, or who. They were also provided with Flame-throwers should there be too much opposition. For much depended on the successful completion of the path from the beach.
All these tasks were completed as planned! Number 2 platoon were the first to open a mine free, and enemy free path from the beach. Allowing the rapid deployment of our forces from the beach inland.
The terribly sad thing about all of tbis, is that had the Americans employed the same tactics of using special "Assault demolition, and Assault mine clearing teams" ensuring a rapid assault to clear a path from the beaches, Bloody Omaha 'MAY' not have claimed so many precious young American lives. But that is my opinion only, for I was not there, and can only go on what I have read, for us, it worked, and worked well.
During the Assault, the small assault craft landing lost 29 out of the 38 they carried. Thus removing for ever the stupid legend that Sword was easy. IT was not, dare I say that much? For somehow the Legend of an easy landing on Sword has become fixed in History. When in point of fact it was far from that. here one must take into consideration the different approach of the two Armies. British and German armies had rigid discipline, while the American have a far more "Gung Ho" attitude. There is much to be said for the difference! For sometimes these two different approaches worked well in different situations. Don't think for a second that I am in any way crying down the Americans. NO Never. they were our 'brothers in arms' and we got on very well together. I liked the Yanks. Bless them. When we were alongside each other they spoiled us.
The noise was terrific and gave me a tremendous headache. But we were ashore! and ready for the next bit of the plan. I also respected the fighting qualities of the Germans. They fought like Tigers. To be continued.
Sapper.