| Original Caption: Special Service troops pass in single file through a French village. The men of Special Service Brigade were landed near Ouistreham and fought their way inland under shell and mortar fire. Snipers were also very active but were soon dealt with. 45 Royal Marine Commando attached to 3rd Division for the assault on Sword Beach move through Colleville-sur-Orne on their way to relieve forces at Pegasus Bridge, Normandy, June 6, 1944. As part of the 1st Special Service Brigade, 45 Royal Marine Commando landed at Ouistreham in Queen Red sector. 45 Commando had not seen action prior to D-Day and was keen to prove its place alongside the other more experienced Commandos in the 1st Special Service Brigade. The Royal Marines were delayed around the village of Colleville-sur-Orne, 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Sword Beach, when they were counter-attacked by a local German unit, including a battery of Nebelwerfer “Moaning Minnie” rockets that were quickly silenced. Once across the Orne River bridges, 45 Royal Marine Commando advanced north toward Franceville Plage and Merville. With 2 Troops from 3 Commando attached to attack the re-occupied Merville battery, the Royal Marines assaulted German positions within the town of Merville and Franceville Plage. Although successful, their position on the extreme left flank was vulnerable and could not be well supported. As such, they faced the possibility of being surrounded and overrun by a determined German counter-attack. The Commando then retired to positions outside of Sallanelles, just to the left of 4 Commando. On June 8, 45 Royal Marine Commando bore the brunt of a strong counter-attack supported by several self propelled guns. After defeating the assault, the Commando withdrew again toward Amfreville after becoming low on ammunition. However, the heavy casualties they inflicted on the German assault was enough to secure the northern end of the Bavent Ridge and the entire northern flank of the invasion. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0526.jpg |
| Image Size | 724.39 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 2480 x 2490 |
| Photographer | J. L. Evans |
| Photographer Title | Number Five United Kingdom Royal Army Film and Photo Section, Army Film and Photographic Unit |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | June 6, 1944 |
| Location | |
| City | Colleville-sur-Orne |
| State or Province | Normandy |
| Country | France |
| Archive | Imperial War Museum |
| Record Number | B 5067 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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