There were special teams of Sappers assigned the job of removing the shells and mines from the beach defences, they went first...those defences were very deep in depth.

Unfortunately the tide came up faster than was calculated, (because it was driven by a stiff wind.) During that operation the Sappers removed them, and dropped them into the water. They could be picked up later. (I have a full technical report of the construction of the Sword Beach defences)

As the water rose amongst the defences, the Sappers continued to remove them by swimming amongst the mines and shells…Sadly, many of them drowned while carrying out their duties of removing the mines. (A great deal depended on the success of this task)

During the invasion the British lost 29 out of 38 Assault craft dropped from the Mother ships, some nearly got back, but sank before they made it. One Sailor arrived back on his craft stark naked, all his clothes blown off by an explosion

Greater love hath no man, than he lay down his life for another……

Sapper Brian.