6 June 1944 (termed D-Day) of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe, led to the restoration of the French Republic and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.
Planning for the operation began in 1943. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, codenamed Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, but postponing would have meant a delay of at least two weeks, as the invasion planners set conditions regarding the phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days in each month were deemed suitable. Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in command of German forces and of developing fortifications along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion.
The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France starting at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach. The Allies failed to achieve all of their goals on the first day, but gained a foothold that they gradually expanded over the coming months.
taken at D-DAY
About this map
more about D-Day Here and Here
Archive Video:http://youtu.be/0wg5x5WaZPo
I never forget this tragic times. Yet without any of them we would not be currently living with freedom. My heart aches for all lost and all who are hurting because of war. God Bless You for posting this.
ReplyDeleteAnnesphamily,I will never for get those as long as I can as well. My Dad used to tell me of listening to the radio when they announced the attack on Pearl Harbor and how he decided that he had to serve the country as many Young men did.I am Proud of his service.
ReplyDelete