Merville

The aim of the British airborne divisions was to form a bridgehead on the sides of the River Orne and the Caen Canal.

The Merville battery, which overlooked Sword Beach and included four 150 mm guns, was a major threat to the Allied landings in the Sword sector.

Sword Beach was the easternmost amphibious landing zone and a responsibility of the British 3rd Infantry Division and the British 27th Armoured Brigade.