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Atlantic WallAn extensive system of coastal fortifications built by the Germans during World War II along the western coast of Europe to defend against an expected British led Allied invasion.
Barbed wireA type of fencing wire constructed with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals along it.
BatteryA group of guns organised together to provide good communication and control.
Bayonet - SpikeA blade attachment for a firearm taking the form of a pointed spike rather than a knife.
CasualtiesAll losses suffered by the armed forces: killed, wounded, missing in action (meaning that their bodies were not found) and prisoners of war.
ChurchillBritish Prime Minister from 1940 to 1945 and led Britain to victory against the Germans. His speeches were a great inspiration to the embattled Allied forces
DehydrationIs a condition in which the body contains an insufficient volume of water for normal functioning.
Division 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. Commanded by a major general, divisions are numbered and assigned missions based on their structures.
Fatherland Is from the Nazis' usage of the term "Vaterland", the direct English translation "fatherland" featured in news reports associated with Nazi Germany. As a result, the English word is now associated with the Nazi government of Germany (unlike in Germany itself, where the word means simply "homeland").
German YouthIs attributed to the rise of the Nazis. Many welcomed it as a freedom movement to make Germany strong again. There were many in the German Youth Movement, who saw their associations as an elite superior to the more primitive Nazis.
MagazineThe metal casing the holds bullets for a gun.
Montgomery Often referred to as "Monty", was a British Army officer. He successfully commanded Allied forces in the Western Desert Campaign during World War II, and he was in command of all Allied ground forces during Operation Overlord until after the Battle of Normandy. He was a great and successful general and a humane man and who was capable of inspiring great loyalty among his staff and his troops. But he was also described as insensitive, and boastful with a dismissive and occasionally insulting attitude to others that often soured opinions about his abilities and personality.
Horsa GliderA British troop-carrying glider built most entirely of wood. It was however considered sturdy and very maneuverable for a glider. Two of the gliders were towed by one bomber and then released to glide down to the ground.
Piper Bill Millin Bill Millin, commonly known as Piper Bill, was most famous for being one of the few pipers to play during a World War II battle. Pipers had traditionally led Scottish troops into battle however the death toll among pipers in World War I was so high that the practice was banned by the British high command. Lord Lovat, however, ignored these orders and Millin, aged 21, played "Hielan' Laddie" and "The Road to the Isles" as his comrades fell around him on Sword Beach. As German soldiers later attested, they did not target Millin because they believed him to be mad.
Special Air Service brigade A special forces unit of the British Army. A secretive institution, the SAS has served as a model for similar units fielded by other countries. Members identity are hidden and are highly trained to create an elite force.
RommelPerhaps the most famous German Field Marshal of World War II and thought by many to have been the most skilled commander of desert warfare. He is also considered to be a chivalrous and humane military officer in contrast with many other figures of Nazi Germany. On D-Day he was in command of the German forces opposing the Allied cross-channel invasion at Normandy, fortunately for the Allies Rommel was on leave when the attack started which led to confusion in the command of the Panzer tank divisions.
US RangersOr simply Army Rangers are specialized, elite American light infantry and special operations troops.
