German forces used the hedgerows defensively, creating deadly killing fields which Allied troops had to cross. Combined with the narrow, winding roads which passed between farms, this area known as the “Bocage” created a nightmare situation for Allied forces. Instead of wooden fences, Norman farms are enclosed by century-old hedgerows, man-made earth walls, deeply rooted with plants. For all of the preparations made for OVERLORD, the Allied forces were ill-equipped for fighting in the hedgerows they quickly encountered in Normandy. Despite challenges and sometimes fierce enemy opposition, Allied forces persisted in establishing a beachhead in Normandy.Īllied planners envisioned a quick push into Normandy after establishing a beachhead. To the west, the landings went more to plan for British and Canadian forces. American airborne forces of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions were scattered behind Utah, sometimes tens of miles off target. ![]() The landing force bound for Utah was blown off course, resulting in troops going ashore nearly a mile down the beach. At Omaha beach, the resistance was devastating for the early waves of troops. Things went badly from the beginning for American forces landing at Omaha and Utah. A short naval and aerial bombardment preceded the landings, which began at around 6:30 am. Paratroops began landing after midnight as the massive invasion force took station off the coast. ![]() With a small window of opportunity in the weather, Eisenhower made the decision to go-D-Day would be June 6, 1944. The decision was made to delay 24 hours, requiring part of the naval force bound for Utah beach to return to port. However, on June 4, as paratroopers prepared to board the C-47 Skytrains which would carry them behind enemy lines, weather conditions deteriorated. Next year, world leaders are expected for major commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion.After numerous delays and major planning changes, D-Day was set for June 5. Charity organizations and local French residents helped organize their trip back to the beaches of D-Day, including providing travel and housing to ensure they could make the journey. A few dozen are in Normandy for the 79th anniversary. SurvivorsĪ few thousand D-Day veterans may be still alive the youngest are in their late 90s. About 22,000 German soldiers are among the many buried at Normandy. The battle and Allied bombings of French villages and cities killed around 20,000 French civilians.Įxact numbers of German casualties aren’t known however, historians estimate between 4,000 and 9,000 men were killed, wounded, or missing during the D-Day invasion alone. In the battle of Normandy 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. Victims on all sidesĪ total of 4,414 troops were killed on D-Day including 2,401 Americans. Army Rangers scaling cliffs to take out German gun positions.Īround 11,000 Allied aircraft, 7,000 ships and boats, and thousands of other vehicles were involved in the invasion. Including overnight parachute landings on strategic German sites and U.S. The operation also included actions inland. just after dawn, targeting five code-named beaches: Omaha, Utah, Gold, Sword, and Juno. More than 2 million Allied soldiers, sailors, pilots, medics, and other people were from a dozen countries were involved in the overall Operation Overlord, the battle to take back western France from Nazi control that started on D-Day. Charles de Gaulle against the Nazi occupation. Forces from several other countries were also involved including French troops fighting with Gen. Of those, 73,000 were from America, 83,000 from Britain and Canada. ![]() Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy on June, 6th, 1944. As veterans and world dignitaries commemorate this, here are some details about what happened that day. OMAHA BEACH, France - The invasion that helped change the course of World War II approaches its 79th anniversary.
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