From: Combat Ships
»D-Day
These Minesweeping Boats Paved the Way for D-Day
Harbor Defense Motor Launches, or HDMLs, were tiny wooden boats built to protect British ports against German submarines. Their job was to clear a path through a minefield that stretched across the English Channel.
Tags
- nautical
- Europe
- war
- engineering
More About This episode
In 1944, the fate of Europe depended on an Allied plan to land over 150,000 troops in just 24 hours on the beaches of Normandy. They would arrive on a remarkable armada of vessels, some experimental, some simply dangerous. Join us as we examine the D-Day invasion from the sea, tracing the critical naval operation that transported the troops to shore. We explore the technology behind the diverse and ingenious ships that bravely crossed the English Channel and present firsthand accounts from those who were part of the historic invasion.
Ways to Watch
Subscribe To
Stream hundreds of shows by starting your free trial to
Smithsonian Channel Plus.
More From This Episode
More From This Series
-
More From Combat Ships (5)
Civil War Submarine Battles Were Often Suicide Missions
Short | 03:09 -
More From Combat Ships (5)
This Mysterious Event Led to the Spanish-American War
Short | 03:22 -
More From Combat Ships (5)
How the Battle of Jutland Pushed Britain to the Limit
Short | 03:51 -
More From Combat Ships (5)
This Slave Ship Led the U.S. Navy on a High-Speed Chase
Short | 02:23
Related Videos
-
More Related Video (7)
How Psychological Warfare Scared German Troops
Short | 01:39 -
More Related Video (7)
A Demonstration of Elite WWII Combat Techniques
Short | 01:30 -
More Related Video (7)
The First Time an F-15 Shot Down an Enemy Plane, from Inside Its Cockpit
Short | 02:57 -
More Related Video (7)
Ambushed by the Iraqi Air Force
Short | 04:27
Related Shows
Unlock Full Episodes
Access even more free Smithsonian Channel full episodes and documentaries online through participating TV providers.
Select Your Provider to Begin
Don't See Your Provider?
Find out if your television provider carries Smithsonian Channel.
Find Smithsonian Channel On Your TV
Choose Your Provider In
Great! Watch Us On
ResetOh No!
Great News!
Oh No!
Oh No!
request our channel
Oh no!
Some elements of our site may not work as intended because your operating system is not up to date.
Don't panic! To get the best possible experience on smithsonianchannel.com we recommend you upgrade your operating system.
Oh no!
Some elements of our site may not function as intended on this web browser.
For the best possible site experience, please use Chrome for Android.
Most Common Searches
Join Us on Snapchat
Add username "SmithsonianChan" on Snapchat for fun and fascinating facts. We'll be sharing spontaneous photos and videos as inspiration strikes.
Select a Date
-
Up Next
Replay
These Minesweeping Boats Paved the Way for D-Day
-
This Inventor Made the Famed D-Day Swimming Tanks
Short | 02:41 -
Civil War Submarine Battles Were Often Suicide Missions
Short | 03:09 -
This Mysterious Event Led to the Spanish-American War
Short | 03:22 -
How the Battle of Jutland Pushed Britain to the Limit
Short | 03:51 -
This Slave Ship Led the U.S. Navy on a High-Speed Chase
Short | 02:23 -
How Psychological Warfare Scared German Troops
Short | 01:39 -
A Demonstration of Elite WWII Combat Techniques
Short | 01:30 -
The First Time an F-15 Shot Down an Enemy Plane, from Inside Its Cockpit
Short | 02:57 -
Ambushed by the Iraqi Air Force
Short | 04:27 -
These Minesweeping Boats Paved the Way for D-Day