These Tiny Submarines Changed the Course of the War at Normandy

By: Georgia McKoy | Published: Nov 27, 2023

Before the break of dawn on D-Day, a covert operation was already underway beneath the English Channel. British crews aboard minuscule X-craft submarines faced the harrowing prospect of running out of air as they scouted Normandy’s beaches.

These preliminary maneuvers set the stage for the massive invasion that was to follow, a testament to the unsung bravery of these servicemen.

The Silent Infiltration

As darkness enveloped the English Channel, two British frogmen embarked on a perilous swim towards Normandy.

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Historical black and white photograph capturing the intensity of the D-Day landings

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Battling the strong currents and guided only by the distant light of a lighthouse, their mission was to gather crucial intelligence from the beaches, undetected and under the cover of night.

An Unlikely Celebration

Amidst the sound of German New Year’s celebrations, Major Logan Scott-Bowden and Sergeant Bruce Ogden-Smith took a moment to catch their breath on a French beach.

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A person dressed in a historical military uniform stands on a sandy beach, looking at the word "D-Day" written in the sand

Source: Getty Images

Their mission was far from festive, but the nearby revelry provided them with a unique opportunity to conduct their operations unnoticed.

The Beachside Mission

Amidst a torrential downpour and nearly horizontal rain, the two men began their critical task. They traversed the beach, collecting sand samples to assess the suitability of the terrain for the impending invasion.

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Aerial photograph showing a coastal area with greenery

Source: Getty Images

Their equipment, simple but effective, was designed to extract and secure these samples without arousing suspicion.

A Human Moment in the Midst of Conflict

In a brief interlude from their intense mission, one of the men, in a moment of humanity amidst the chaos of war, wished his comrade a “Happy New Year.”

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Two individuals dressed in historical military uniforms stand in a field, observing parachutes in the sky

Source: Getty Images

It was a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made by soldiers during times of conflict.

The Genesis of a Secretive Unit

The Combined Operations Pilotage Parties, known as COPP, were an integral part of the British military’s strategic reconnaissance efforts.

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Black and white historical photo of two soldiers in military uniforms struggling with equipment near the edge of tumultuous waters

Source: National Army Museum

Formed out of necessity, this secret unit was tasked with providing detailed information on potential landing sites, a role that would prove crucial in the planning of the Normandy invasion.

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The Legacy of Early Reconnaissance

The COPP was the brainchild of Lieutenant-Commander Nigel Clogstoun-Willmott, who recognized the need for thorough reconnaissance following the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign.

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A historical black and white photograph capturing soldiers during an amphibious landing

Source: National Army Museum

The formation of this unit ensured that the Allies would not repeat the mistakes of the past, providing commanders with the detailed intelligence needed for successful amphibious operations.

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Engineering Espionage Underwater

The miniature, yet powerful, X-craft submarines were a marvel of engineering, designed for stealth and intelligence gathering.

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A man inside a confined space of a submarine, surrounded by various mechanical components and equipment

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Manned by intrepid crews, these vessels conducted vital reconnaissance missions, collecting data that would help shape the outcome of the Normandy invasion.

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A Submerged Operation

The crew of the X-craft, including Willmott and Scott-Bowden, conducted their operations with a mix of precision and stealth, often under the most challenging of conditions.

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A historical grayscale image depicting a submarine navigating through turbulent ocean waters

Source: Imperial War Museums

Their work, carried out just yards from the enemy shore, was instrumental in the successful planning of the D-Day landings.

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Inside the Submarine

The crew aboard the X-20 submarine experienced conditions that tested the limits of human endurance.

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Interior view of a submarine showcasing the intricate arrangement of mechanical controls, seats, and structural design

Source: Wikimedia Commons

For five days, they remained submerged, gathering intelligence on Omaha Beach, their every movement critical to the success of the invasion that would follow.

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Guiding Lights of D-Day

On the eve of D-Day, the COPP’s submarines surfaced to act as beacons, guiding the Allied invasion fleet to the beaches of Normandy.

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A grayscale photograph depicting a historical naval operation

Source: Wikimedia Commons

These submarines played a pivotal role in one of the most significant military operations of the Second World War.

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The Quiet Achievers of Normandy

The COPP, along with their X-craft, completed their mission with quiet efficiency, their actions a vital yet understated part of the Normandy invasion’s success.

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A historical black and white photograph of a naval crew, displaying a group of men in military uniforms aboard a ship

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Their return to the depths marked the culmination of a critical operation that had unfolded away from the limelight but was key to the Allied victory.

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