This past Tuesday was the 79th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion or D-Day. D-Day, meaning the start of a military operation, is most associated with the invasion of Normandy, France during World War Two, which took place on June 6, 1944. An interesting podcast to learn about D-Day is Warriors in Their Own Words. One episode in particular contains interviews of veterans describing their experiences during this operation. It is fascinating to hear the remarkable stories that they tell.
Wally Parr served with the British 6th Airborne Division. To get in shape for airbone operations, he and his unit were put through a vigorous training regimen that included running up to twenty-two miles. During the battle, he landed in Normandy on a glider with his unit and took part in capturing Pegasus Bridge. Through careful planning and luck, his glider landed within 500 yards of it. He describes how the element of surprise was crucial in the British airborne’s ability to capture and defend the bridge. He talks about befriending a German soldier at a D-Day reunion who he fought against in Normandy and that his unit nearly killed. His stories are simply incredible!
Terence Otway was a Lieutenant Colonel with the British 9th Parachute Battalion. His battalion was responsible for capturing a German battery that was in range of the invasion beaches in Normandy . Due to misdrops, he attacked the battery with significantly less paratroopers than planned. Despite this problem, his battalion was successful in achieving its mission and they destroyed the artillery pieces that could have wreaked havoc on Allied forces.
Bill True served with 101st Airborne. He talks about needing assistance in getting into an aircraft that was on route to Normandy due to the large amount of equipment he packed. Even with all of his training, he was stunned when his plane fired upon with antiaircraft guns and he realized that German soldiers were trying to kill him. He had a scary experience when someone in the dark was moving towards him. With a cricket device, the unknown man identified himself as an American paratrooper. He tells other incredible stories that listeners will enjoy hearing.
Warriors in Their Own Words is an excellent podcast that teaches you about service members' experiences during wars. Along with fascinating interviews, there are radio broadcasts included in episodes and you hear correspondents describing battles. In the episode about D-Day, you hear correspondent George Hicks describing naval vessels engaging German aircraft during the Normandy invasion. I highly recommend Warriors in Their Own Words to history buffs and those who want to learn about D-Day.
You can listen to Warriors in Their Own Words on the podcast website or apps such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Michael Walsh
Adult Services-Will Branch