Summary Part of Build up to DDay Week. "It can be said without fear of contradiction that minesweeping was the keystone in the arch of this operation. All of the waters were suitable for mining, and plans of unprecedented complexity were required. The performance of the minesweepers can only be described as magnificent." Rear Admiral Alan Kirk USN Our guest today is Nick Stanley who retired after a 40 year career in the Royal Navy in 2017. Nick qualified as a Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer in 1981 and served in MCMVs of the 'Ton', 'Hunt' and 'Sandown' classes (commanding HMS WALNEY of the latter type). He also Commanded the Type 23 Frigate HMS GRAFTON. Quite simply he is exactly the right person to talk about the vital role of clearing the mines ahead of and during DDay. The sea mining of the waters chosen for Operation Neptune was potentially both a lethal and most disruptive weapon available for the German forces. The Neptune routing plan devised involved directing amphibious forces from a large number of ports in southern Britain into Area 'Z' before turning southwards through the 'Spout' and into what would be initially ten channels leading to the lowering positions in the beach assault areas. Nick will explain how this was organised and undertaken and we are thrilled to dedicate a show to this important and overlooked operation.

• War
• Documentary
• History
• Talk Show