The Germans planted over four million mines along the French coast to hinder the Allied landings in 1944.

To break through these defences the British produced a number of novel armoured fighting vehicles under the ingenious direction of Major General Percy Hobart, including the Sherman Crab. The Crab  bore a rotating drum with dozens of chains attached; these detonated mines in its path to produce a beaten passage through the thickest of minefields.

ks

The WDs were trained in this vital task, as part of 79th (Experimental) Armoured Division, led by Hobart. They were the first unit ashore on D-Day at the Gold Beach in the British sector, clearing paths off the beach and using their tank guns to destroy defences holding up the assault. For more detail on the WDs' pivotal role on D-Day, click here.

They went on to fight across northwest Europe and into Germany.