British Army formation badge for 3rd Infantry Division (the 'Iron Division') which landed as the left flank division around Ouistreham on D-Day, 6 June 1944

The first troops ashore on Sword beach were 8th Brigade Group of the British 3rd Division, supported by the Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade. 3rd Division’s D-Day objective was to capture the city of Caen some ten miles (fifteen kilometres) inland. High tides resulting from the bad weather, coupled with stiff German resistance, delayed the division's advance and prevented much of its supporting armour getting ashore in time to help.