The Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE) performed several tasks on Juno Beach on D-Day. The engineers who were attached to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division were commanded by Lt.-Col. R. S. Cassidy.
The different engineering field companies of the RCE were given specific tasks on the beaches. The 5th and 18th Canadian Field Companies were to clear obstacles and remove mines on the beaches. Elements of both companies landed on “Mike Red”, while two sections of the 5th landed on “Nan Green.” The rising tide caused delays in removing mines and explosives off obstacles when the engineers first landed. The engineers used bulldozers to clear obstacles and widen beach exits.
The 6th Field Company supported the 7th Canadian Infantry Brigade at Courseulles. One platoon was split between the Regina Rifle Regiment and the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. The engineers of this platoon landed with the infantry during the assault wave. They were tasked with clearing any obstacles that stopped the infantry battalions’ advance from moving forward. This platoon suffered 10 casualties out of 18 troops landed without ever performing any tasks as assault engineers. Two platoons were to follow the main assault and clear a wider path for the rest of the brigade landing.
The 16th Field Company carried out the same roles for the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade at Bernières-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. Their War Diary recalled that “Little call was made upon these Sprs [Sappers] in their approved role.” They did clear booby traps, mines, and barriers stopping the Canadian tanks from advancing inland.
The Royal Canadian Engineers suffered 18 killed and 43 wounded on D-Day. They landed just over 700 engineers on Juno Beach on June 6th, 1944.
Roll of Honour
ADAMS MAXWELL GILDER
BARRETTE PAUL
BLEOO ALEXANDER
BREWER RONALD NORMAN
COWAN HAROLD NELSON
DOWNING JOHN PERCIVAL
FERGUSON JOHN THOMAS KELLINGTON
JACKSON ARTHUR THOMAS
JOHNSON ARTHUR HERBERT
LACROIX LEO
MARTIN ALFRED JAMES LESLIE
ROSS ALWYN KENNETH
SAWDON JAMES ERNEST
SPARKES RAYMOND REGINAL
STALKER DONALD
STOLAR HOWARD
SWITZER ARTHUR D.
TARLINGTON ROBERT DANIEL
Research and writing by Brad St.Croix, PhD