In May 1943, Poett was assigned the command of the 5th Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division. In the planning for Operation Overlord, the 5th Parachute Brigade was assigned the task of reinforcing two road bridges across the River Orne and the Caen Canal following earlier capture by a glider coup de main force. Poett jumped on D-Day at 0019 hours, with the pathfinders and a small team. At 0050 hours, Poett made contact with Lieutenant Sweeney at Horsa Bridge. He then made his way to the Pegasus Bridge and Major Howard.