Today I am joined by Normandy battlefield guide, military historian, and presenter of WW2TV, Paul Woodadge, as we turn our attention to looking at the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and their experiences in Normandy during that summer of 1944. The Riflemen hold a rich history, with their origins dating back to the late 1700’s, and seeing action during the Napoleonic wars and the First World War. In this episode, the first of 2 parts, we shall be following in the footsteps of Paul’s Great Uncle, Lt. Cyril Rand who was a platoon commander with C Company. We will be looking at the training and the build-up to Operation Overlord, embarkation, and landing in Normandy on Sword Beach on D-Day, before turning our attention to those fierce early engagements that Cyril and his men experienced around Cambes-en-Plaine in those opening days of June 44.

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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)

*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*