British Band Of Brothers: Disaster At Berjou (Part 8)
Summary
Hosts Mia Murray and James Holland examine the Sherwood Rangers' disastrous attack on Berjou during Operation Blackwater in August 1944. The episode details how pressure to advance led to a fatal lack of infantry support, resulting in heavy casualties, including the death of Lieutenant Frank Galvin. It also covers the broader context of the Falaise Pocket and the hosts' recent visit to a local museum preserving artifacts from the battle.
Topics discussed
Intro, Patreon, and Frank Galvin's final letter
Operation Luttich and the collapse of the German line
Casualties in C Squadron and Mickey Gold's leave
Scouting the Noireau river crossing at night
Crossing the river and the order to push to Berjou
The disastrous tank advance up the ridge
Sponsors: Wise and Warhammer 40k
Aftermath of the ambush and heavy casualties
Clearing Berjou and Stan Perry's injury
Normandy casualty rates and battlefield tourism
The Sherwood Rangers memorial and Frank Galvin's widow
Reliving the battle route and closing thoughts
Listen ad-free on Castria