Favorite/Best British-Commonwealth Division Normandy (1 Viewer)

[swalterh]

Which is your Favorite/Best British-Commonwealth Division in Normandy (D-Day-Breakout)?

Commandos
British 6th Airborne
Canadian 3rd ID
Canadian 2nd ID
Canadian 4th Armored
British Guards
British 7th Armored
British 11th Armored
British 79th Armored Division
British 3rd ID
British 50th ID
British 51st ID
British 49th ID
British 15th ID
British 43rd ID
British 53rd ID
British 59th ID

 

[swalterh]

The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division marched further, saw more combat and took heavier casualties than any other division in the 21st Army Group during the campaigns in NW Europe (1944-45). They also had the distinction of achieving all of their written objectives during major offensive operations.

Following their D-Day assault on Juno Beach, the Canadians significantly contributed to the eventual liberation of Caen and consistently distinguished themselves against a number of premier German divisions.

 

[hsm]

The para group was made up of commonwealth units as well. it wasnt truly "British". I have met many Canadian Dday vets- paras, tankers Grunts and an arty foo driver, in my travels as a Canadian Soldier- always humbled by the meeting. My ex wifes Grandfather landed with Royal Winnipegs on Dday as well.

Does everyone know that the famous footage of the landing craft doors opening on the beach is JUNO? It was the first footage witness by the higher ups in GB. The camera man had the wits and the heartbeat to get his cannister on one of the first returning landing crafts.
If you are ever in Ottawa make sure you visit the War musem- You wont regret it- worldclass!

Grant

 

[Rob]

Guys, for those who voted for the Brit Airborne , if you are ever in Normandy check out Merville Battery museum, scene of their brave mission despite a chaotic start. The museum is really good, you can enter the bunkers and see exhibitions and displays and a show that features German gun crew in action until the Paras burst in! Loud and very enjoyable!^&cool

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division marched further, saw more combat and took heavier casualties than any other division in the 21st Army Group during the campaigns in NW Europe (1944-45). They also had the distinction of achieving all of their written objectives during major offensive operations.

Following their D-Day assault on Juno Beach, the Canadians significantly contributed to the eventual liberation of Caen and consistently distinguished themselves against a number of premier German divisions.

I hope this isn't a slight to the British 3rd Army or the 7th Armored, among others, as they paid heavily in the liberation of Caen.

 

[swalterh]

I hope this isn't a slight to the British 3rd Army or the 7th Armored, among others, as they paid heavily in the liberation of Caen.

Curious inquiry, it’s actually funny because I'm currently the only one who voted for 7th Armored. So how can my statement about the Canadians be a slight to the British? You old guys read way too much into things. I love it how you are all trying to "read" my mind though. I'm very flattered.

To those out there that think I’m anti-British I ask, who started the Victorian thread? I’m not the one who accused the colonial armies of war crimes and atrocities.

I’m not at all anti-British. But, I am a supporter of facts, evidence and military theories that have been proven successful in combat. Taking casualties isn’t the only qualifier for greatness. Achieving objectives and destroying enemy formations is the name of the game (something that the 3rd Canadian ID was very good at).



As some of you may have discerned, I’m a big believer in George S. Patton’s theories regarding warfare. Does this make me pro-American? I’m also an ardent supporter of Clauswitz, Frederick the Great & Moltke. So now I must be pro-German. Oh wait, I also read Jomini and Napoleon. Now I’m pro French. Oops, now I support the theories of Wolseley, Roberts & Mongomery. Hurray, I’m finally pro-British. To top it all off, I’ve read Zhukov and Moa. Now I must be Communist.

My comment was merely a compliment to the 3rd Canadian ID for their contribution to the success of 21st Army Group. But, I also appreciate and respect the actions of the other British/Commonwealth divisions. There are many British and Commonwealth formations that deserve to be recognized as the BAMF’s that they were and the Axis forces that opposed them learned this truth during the heavy fighting that took place in all theatres of WWII.

Since everyone seems to be into giving advice, I suggest that you leave the moderating to the "current" moderators.

I’m sure that someone will use their “clout” with the mods to get this one deleted or heavily edited since I most assuredly used “insulting” material somewhere in this post. No wonder there aren’t many younger collectors getting into this hobby. Anyone new gets ostracized within a few months. News Flash to the Boomers, our generation is not PC, never gonna be PC so get used to it.

Shane

 

[jager7080]

Curious inquiry, it’s actually funny because I'm currently the only one who voted for 7th Armored. So how can my statement about the Canadians be a slight to the British? You old guys read way too much into things. I love it how you are all trying to "read" my mind though. I'm very flattered.

To those out there that think I’m anti-British I ask, who started the Victorian thread? I’m not the one who accused the colonial armies of war crimes and atrocities.

I’m not at all anti-British. But, I am a supporter of facts, evidence and military theories that have been proven successful in combat. Taking casualties isn’t the only qualifier for greatness. Achieving objectives and destroying enemy formations is the name of the game (something that the 3rd Canadian ID was very good at).



As some of you may have discerned, I’m a big believer in George S. Patton’s theories regarding warfare. Does this make me pro-American? I’m also an ardent supporter of Clauswitz, Frederick the Great & Moltke. So now I must be pro-German. Oh wait, I also read Jomini and Napoleon. Now I’m pro French. Oops, now I support the theories of Wolseley, Roberts & Mongomery. Hurray, I’m finally pro-British. To top it all off, I’ve read Zhukov and Moa. Now I must be Communist.

My comment was merely a compliment to the 3rd Canadian ID for their contribution to the success of 21st Army Group. But, I also appreciate and respect the actions of the other British/Commonwealth divisions. There are many British and Commonwealth formations that deserve to be recognized as the BAMF’s that they were and the Axis forces that opposed them learned this truth during the heavy fighting that took place in all theatres of WWII.

Since everyone seems to be into giving advice, I suggest that you leave the moderating to the "current" moderators.

I’m sure that someone will use their “clout” with the mods to get this one deleted or heavily edited since I most assuredly used “insulting” material somewhere in this post. No wonder there aren’t many younger collectors getting into this hobby. Anyone new gets ostracized within a few months. News Flash to the Boomers, our generation is not PC, never gonna be PC so get used to it.

Shane

Shane ,

I geuss I am just curious why Brad's inquiry would throw you off into a tangent !? I read alot of your threads...I realize as do other's that you are "schooled" in military strategy , politics & history...
I get you want to be thought provoking & involving in discussions & also that you feel your opinions are fair because they are based on facts/data , but you must admit while playing devil's advocate , you can/want to stir some peoples emotions...So not sure why you are so on edge this time !? I read & responded to your thread about forum censorship , & you are mentioning "clout" again ?! Maybe I missed something somewhere ?!
Also, you say young collectors & new member's are being ostracized , I am relatively new to this forum (1yr) & I am not a baby boomer , & IMO this forum has been a great place to enjoy TS collecting & military history...So start a new thread on best DAK unit's , & I will be ready...

Joe

 

[thebritfarmer]

News Flash to the Boomers, our generation is not PC, never gonna be PC so get used to it.

Shane

Maybe not but most have manners and respect.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

If in a Canadian Division, is it better to be in a tank brigade or an armoured regiment?

Terry

 

[swalterh]

Maybe not but most have manners and respect.

Ouch, scathing. And from a mod to boot.

I suppose you would have a different opinion if you met me in person as I am a very mannerly and respectful individual.

I wonder if your assessment regarding "most" of my generation would be the same if you regularly participated in on-line video gaming. Especially a first-person shooter such as Halo or Call of Duty.

You won’t find many respectful remarks taking place in this highly competitive albeit meaningless environment.

 

[swalterh]

If in a Canadian Division, is it better to be in a tank brigade or an armoured regiment?

Terry

Personally, I would prefer to be in a Hawker Typhoon with one of the TAF's. Those things were awesome in the CAS and air interdiction role. Alot like the A-10 Warthog is today (err, well in the 80's and 90's).

 

[swalterh]

Shane ,

I geuss I am just curious why Brad's inquiry would throw you off into a tangent !? I read alot of your threads...I realize as do other's that you are "schooled" in military strategy , politics & history...
I get you want to be thought provoking & involving in discussions & also that you feel your opinions are fair because they are based on facts/data , but you must admit while playing devil's advocate , you can/want to stir some peoples emotions...So not sure why you are so on edge this time !? I read & responded to your thread about forum censorship , & you are mentioning "clout" again ?! Maybe I missed something somewhere ?!
Also, you say young collectors & new member's are being ostracized , I am relatively new to this forum (1yr) & I am not a baby boomer , & IMO this forum has been a great place to enjoy TS collecting & military history...So start a new thread on best DAK unit's , & I will be ready...

Joe

Joe,

You are correct that IMO historical topics are always more fun to discuss when there is a little bit of emotion and passion for the subject involved. So yes, I do interject emotional language into my posts.

As far as the Censorship Thread, I personally find it ironic that the Censorship Thread was in effect “censored” by it being closed to further discussion. I suppose it is arguable as to whether or not this occurrence proves my point.

I want to make it clear to all who read my threads that I’m not anti-British. I am an American who is of English, Scottish, Irish and German decent. My ancestors who ended up settling in Ohio came from Canada. If I were anti-British/Commonwealth or anti-German I would basically be poking myself in the eye with a stick. However, I’m not a big fan of the English aristocracy and political system that supports it. Because of this I’m fond of studying the exploits of British officers who worked their way up the ranks in spite of this system. In general, I believe the German Officer Corps has historically demonstrated the highest degree of professionalism despite their (at times) despicable political masters.

I’ve got the lists of DAK and Commonwealth 8th Army divisions saved on my home computer. I’ll try to get these polls posted ASAP.

 

[Rob]

Guys, returning to Normandy again, this is for anyone else who voted for the paras. I put this in the ' what are members reading ' thread but thought it was fitting to put it here too. I've pre ordered this and looking forward to its release;

Manner of men- Stuart Tootal

In June 1944, an elite unit of British paratroopers was sent on a daring and highly risky behind-the-lines mission, which was deemed vital to the success of D-Day.

Dropping ahead of the main Allied invasion, 9 PARA were tasked with destroying an impregnable German gun battery. If they failed, thousands of British troops landing on the beaches were expected to die. But their mission was flawed and started to go wrong from the moment they jumped from their aircraft above Normandy.

Only twenty per cent of the unit made it to the objective and half of them were killed or wounded during the attack.

Undermanned and lacking equipment and ammunition, the survivors then held a critical part of the invasion beachhead. For six bloody days, they defended the Breville Ridge against vastly superior German forces and bore the brunt of Rommel's attempt to turn the left flank of the Allied invasion.

The Manner of Men is an epic account of courage beyond the limits of human endurance, where paratroopers prevailed despite intelligence failures and higher command blunders, in what has been described as one of the most remarkable feat of arms of the British Army and the Parachute Regiment during World War II.

 

[swalterh]

I understand that the Para’s have major star power when it comes to operations in NW Europe. They were after all an elite force with cool uniforms.

But, I’m kind of surprised that no one voted for one of the Scottish divisions. The 51st Highland and 15th Scottish Divisions saw some tough action once they joined the fray. Both ended up being major contributors to offensive operations around Caen, the 51st in Operation Goodwood and 15th in Operation Epsom.

 

[Desertkiwi]

Call me old fashioned........... and I'm probably going out on a limb with this, but I find the concept of a poll regarding your 'favourite/best division' ever so slightly disrespectful.

I may be reading too much into this, but I don't understand the point of such a poll, regardless of the result. The idea seems to trivialise the couragous efforts and sacrifice of others, what ever side you were fighting on. Not to mention the fact that it would be only natural to support ones own countrymen & women.

Again, I maybe reading more into it than I should, but I feel uneasy about such a poll, especially having now read some of the other posts. There seems to be more to these 3x threads than simple mathmatic's.....??

 

[Poppo]

Call me old fashioned........... and I'm probably going out on a limb with this, but I find the concept of a poll regarding your 'favourite/best division' ever so slightly disrespectful.

I may be reading too much into this, but I don't understand the point of such a poll, regardless of the result. The idea seems to trivialise the couragous efforts and sacrifice of others, what ever side you were fighting on. Not to mention the fact that it would be only natural to support ones own countrymen & women.

Again, I maybe reading more into it than I should, but I feel uneasy about such a poll, especially having now read some of the other posts. There seems to be more to these 3x threads than simple mathmatic's.....??

In my opinion , yes, you read too much into it....To me it is just an historical discussion like another(to which i don' t partecipate as I don' t know enough about allied units).

 

[Desertkiwi]

In my opinion , yes, you read too much into it....To me it is just an historical discussion like another(to which i don' t partecipate as I don' t know enough about allied units).

Thanks Poppo, I appreciate your feedback. Cheers!

 

[The Military Workshop]

Shane,
You have made a few comments such as :

"As far as the Censorship Thread, I personally find it ironic that the Censorship Thread was in effect “censored” by it being closed to further discussion. I suppose it is arguable as to whether or not this occurrence proves my point".

"Anyone new gets ostracized within a few months".

"I suggest that you leave the moderating to the "current" moderators".

"I’m not at all anti-British".

Whilst you say you are not anti British the manner of your posts in the Britains Battles thread certainly would lead people to think you were out to provoke the British members. I dont think it unreasonable to conclude you were making an effort to be provocative. Whilst I requested the thread be re-opened I did regret that it caused your many provocative posts to be deleted. My theory is it is best to leave them up so people can make up their own mind about the person who made them.

Having been on the forum for several years my experience is that the forum membership is pretty good at working out who is out to provoke. Every 4-6 months such a person will appear and make themselves known with provocative and sarcastic comments to get a reaction. Over time more and more people pick up on it and this is manifested in people responding to disagree or "liking" posts that disagree with them and also reporting that persons posts to the mods. It is nothing to do with "clout" or "ostracing" somebody as when it happens it is mostly self inflicted. Yours is the typical reaction. After making provocative comments and people / mods reacting then it somehow becomes a censorship issue and you feel you are a victim.

As far as the censorship thread being closed I dont think it proves a point other than you were out to provoke again..What you may see as ironic others may view as an appropriate response from the Mods.

As regards your comment "you would have a different opinion if you met me in person as I am a very mannerly and respectful individual" we can only judge you on how you behave on the forum..

Hope that helps put it into perspective.

Regards
Brett

 

[Jack]

Guys, returning to Normandy again, this is for anyone else who voted for the paras. I put this in the ' what are members reading ' thread but thought it was fitting to put it here too. I've pre ordered this and looking forward to its release;

Manner of men- Stuart Tootal

In June 1944, an elite unit of British paratroopers was sent on a daring and highly risky behind-the-lines mission, which was deemed vital to the success of D-Day.

Dropping ahead of the main Allied invasion, 9 PARA were tasked with destroying an impregnable German gun battery. If they failed, thousands of British troops landing on the beaches were expected to die. But their mission was flawed and started to go wrong from the moment they jumped from their aircraft above Normandy.

Only twenty per cent of the unit made it to the objective and half of them were killed or wounded during the attack.

Undermanned and lacking equipment and ammunition, the survivors then held a critical part of the invasion beachhead. For six bloody days, they defended the Breville Ridge against vastly superior German forces and bore the brunt of Rommel's attempt to turn the left flank of the Allied invasion.

The Manner of Men is an epic account of courage beyond the limits of human endurance, where paratroopers prevailed despite intelligence failures and higher command blunders, in what has been described as one of the most remarkable feat of arms of the British Army and the Parachute Regiment during World War II.

I do not want to make it a discussion of national traits but the Brits can be remarkably stoic (or is it stubborn?) in defence. This seems especially true of the paras.

 

[waynepoo]

I do not want to make it a discussion of national traits but the Brits can be remarkably stoic (or is it stubborn?) in defence. This seems especially true of the paras.

Agreed, also noticed this trait in expats that own 'Ye old toy shops'.......:wink2::rolleyes2:{sm3}
Wayne.