Forward observation officers accompanied the leading assault so they could correct divisional artillery fire onto assigned beach strongpoints. The craft carrying observers from the 33rd and 76th Field Regiments were sunk. The 33rd's observer was recovered by the 7th Field Regiment's craft, allowing observation of the divisional artillery to continue, while the other observer was killed. Behind the swimming tanks came infantry, specialist engineering vehicles and obstacle-clearance teams, with rocket craft and divisional artillery further back in the assault sequence.
Notable Point · 3:03:01-3:04:04
Artillery observers keep the Sword Beach bombardment connected
The loss of artillery-observation craft threatened the link between the bombardment and the troops approaching Sword Beach.