Severloh became the runner for Oberleunant Freking with AR 352 who had an OP at WN62 near Colleville. Severloh spent much of his time organising butter and eggs from the local farmers who were friendly towards him because of his youth (19 years old) and farming background. On the morning of 6th June 1944, Severloh was looking out from his post at WN62 and was the first man to spot the invasion fleet.

Severloh operated an MG42 and in his own words; ‘Nobody can imagine the slaughter’. Severloh fired 12,000 rounds through his MG42 until it was damaged by shrapnel; he then continued firing with a K98k rifle until he was wounded. On June 7th, Severloh fell into captivity and was sent to Boston USA as a POW until May 1946. In December 1946 Severloh was sent with 500 other POW’s to Bedfordshire in England to build roads. Severloh was released in May 1947 after an appeal from his elderly father who was unable to cope alone with the family farm.