The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, originally formed in 1674 and once known as the 6th Regiment of Foot, is one of Britain’s oldest county regiments. After early service in the Dutch army, it joined the British Crown in 1688 and today is part of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. In the Second World War, the 2nd Battalion played a vital role in the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944.

Landing at Queen White Beach in the Sword sector, the battalion advanced inland to relieve airborne troops at the River Orne bridges. They then faced fierce resistance in the push towards Caen, particularly in the brutal fighting around Lebisey Wood. During Operations Charnwood and Goodwood, they engaged elite German forces including SS and Panzer divisions, continuing their advance across the Seine before leaving France in September 1944.

This new book includes never-before-published letters, diaries, and photographs donated by the families of those who served. It honours the 2nd Battalion’s courage and sacrifice, especially those who gave their lives. The author’s Great Uncle, Corporal Charles Tweed of C Company, landed on D-Day and was killed near Caen on 19 July 1944.