DD tank crews faced danger when entering the water and the possibility of waves overtopping the flotation screen during the approach. Stuart Hills recalled widespread reluctance about taking a tank to sea, while Patrick Hennessey's account includes underwater escape training. Flail crews anticipated heavy losses while clearing minefields for the troops following them. Their gun had to face backwards during flailing, leaving them dependent on other tanks for protection. The specialist vehicles therefore required training and supporting fire suited to tasks that exposed their own crews.
Notable Point · 3:41:29-3:42:50
Swimming tanks and mine flails demand exposed work from their crews
Crew recollections explain the risks of taking DD tanks to sea and operating mine flails with their own guns facing away from the enemy.