Brecourt Manor Battle Analysis

The Brecourt Manor Assault took place on June 6th, 1944, and served as a significant battle during the Normandy Invasion of World War 2. The Germans had a battery of M102 105mm Howitzers from the 1st BN, 6th Parachute Regiment and were defended by a light infantry company armed with MG42 machine guns and fortified by a complex system of trench lines. Using these advantages, the German battery began firing onto causeway exit two leading off Utah Beach – effectively disrupting the landing effort of Allied forces. It was Easy Company of the 101st Airborne division that led the assault on Brecourt Manor in order to facilitate freedom of movement for allied forces 3 miles north of their position. It was D-Day, June 1944, would be the first combat experience for the men of Easy Company.

Captain Thomas Meehan’s was the current commander of Easy Company however, his C-47 transport aircraft crashed before he was able to safely disembark. Therefore, the command of Easy Company was consequently given to 1st LT Richard Winters. The men under LT Winters were a diverse group coming from all parts of the country to include large cities and even small farming towns. Through their diversity, one essential

To begin with, LT Winters and his company found vital intelligence that pinpointed the exact locations of other batteries and machine gun positions in the area. This not only would save countless lives but also allowed higher to plan ambushes on those positions too, giving tactical advantage to the Allied forces. Additionally, because of the victory by LT Winters and his men, Allied forces at Utah beach were able to successfully land ashore, therefore facilitating a significant Allied advancement in the War. Overall however, this assault laid the foundation for small unit tactics and leadership in overcoming a larger enemy that is to this day still taught at West Point and ROTC units across the