Caen Controversy: The Battle for Sword Beach 1944

On 6 June 1944 British, American, Canadian and French troops landed in Normandy by air and sea. This was one of the key moments of the Second World War, a long—anticipated invasion which would, ultimately, lead to the defeat of Nazi Germany. By the day’s end a lodgment had been effected and Operation OVERLORD was being hailed as a success.

In reality the assault had produced mixed results and at certain points along the French coastline the position was still far from certain. The key Allied...