Norman Scarfe's Assault Division follows A and B Squadrons of the 13th/18th Hussars as they launched DD Shermans about 5,000 yards offshore. Captain Lyon recalled their unexpectedly good seaworthiness, although a zigzag course was needed to avoid taking the tide broadside. Rough water delayed the tanks, while rockets falling short forced the AVRE flotilla to reverse and contributed to collisions during another attempt to overtake. Captain Denny described his tank being rammed by an LCT about 800 yards offshore and sinking immediately. Further tanks were disabled by enemy fire or swamped near the beach. The surviving DDs arrived at roughly the same time as the infantry, losing the planned interval in which they were supposed to suppress defenders before the infantry and engineers landed.
Chapter · 3:02:17-3:06:01
DD Shermans lose time on the approach to Sword Beach
The 13th/18th Hussars launched their swimming tanks in rough seas, then faced short-falling rockets, collisions and enemy fire before reaching the beach.