Page 36

CLUB ROUTE IN EUROPE
compiled
-by-

Ronald Gill and John Groves

Chapter One. Page 15
A few weeks before D Day a sample of beach texture in the invasion
area was obtained by a particularly daring reconnaissance, and it was found
that some of the beaches had strips of soft blue clay, which might cause
serious bogging of vehicles. A geologically similar beach was found in
Norfolk, and the 79th Armoured Division was given the task of finding an
answer to this last-minute problem. The answer was found, and a number of
tanks were fitted with coir carpets, or “ Bobbins”, which could be laid over
the soft patches.
Chapter One.P ages 17-22
Flail tanks of the 79th Armoured Division, with their revolving chains,
went in to clear lanes through the minefields for the following infantry and
tanks, while special armoured vehicles dealt with the under-water obstacles,
and DD tanks, in support of the infantry, prepared to follow up. The rough
sea made the launching of these very procarious, and many did not reach the
shore. A squadron of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry was to provide covering
fire for the infantry of the 50th Division. The original intention was to
launch them some 7, 000 yards out, but the heavy seas made it necessary to
get closer to the shore. The enemy were becoming more active with their