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Abstract

This paper addresses an imbalance in the historical treatment of the contribution made by the Combined Operations Experimental Establishment (C.O.X.E.) to Operation NEPTUNE. The men of C.O.X.E. were instrumental in developing material and technique for the landings, yet little is written of their work. This paper, based on documentary research, uses a qualitative analysis of an archive collection to argue that the role of C.O.X.E. has been underrepresented in the historiography. It builds this line of reasoning using two distinct types of administrative artefact: technical papers consisting of development and progress reports created by C.O.X.E. during the planning period for NEPTUNE; and field reports of C.O.X.E. personnel visits to the invasion beaches following the assault. The research therefore draws on technical artefacts manifest as administrative history expressed through the written form.

This analysis shows that there was a high value in beach and tidal intelligence for NEPTUNE and that this intelligence allowed C.O.X.E. to develop both material and technique for amphibious assault that was advantageous on the Normandy beaches. These advantages emerged from C.O.X.E. led design, modification, and configuration of major landing craft alongside guidance on their trim, handling, and manoeuvring. From an operational perspective this provided four key benefits: it facilitated the disembarkation of armour directly onto the beaches in support of assaulting troops; it reduced damage to beaches during beaching and retraction; it allowed faster loading that reduced turnaround time so supporting the build-up effort; and it enhanced the ability to cope with beach and underwater obstacles.

Course: Naval History - MA - C2457P

Date Deposited: 2023-11-01

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14248.html