Old Time Radio Programs, Complete Broadcast Day, D Day, June 06 1944:
This is an excellent link to the Army Website with some great information with links:
http://www.army.mil/d-day/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Victory At Sea episode 15 D-Day
National Archives and Records Administration - ARC 39013, LI 208-UN-106 - D-DAY - DVD Copied by Thomas Gideon. Series: Motion Picture Films from "United News" Newsreels, compiled 1942 - 1945. Gen. Eisenhower and his aides map the Normandy invasion. German pictures show the extent of their coastal defenses. Tanks, guns, locomotives, and other military equipment is massed on the English beaches. Troops practice loading operations. Landing craft is tested in the English Channel. Pictures of practice landing and airborne operations are used to dramatize the actual invasion on June 6, 1944.
Department of Defense * PIN 20338 * D-DAY CONVOY
ACTIVITIES JUST PRIOR TO AND INCLUDING D-DAY - MOVEMENTS OF AMERICAN TROOPS FROM ALL PARTS TO POE'S PRIOR TO THE NORMANDY INVASION.
D-Day
Although the term D-Day
is used routinely as military lingo for the day an operation or event
will take place, for many it is also synonymous with June 6, 1944, the
day the Allied powers crossed the English Channel and landed on the
beaches of Normandy, France, beginning the liberation of Western Europe
from Nazi control during World War II.
Within three months, the northern part of France would be freed and the
invasion force would be preparing to enter Germany, where they would
meet up with Soviet forces moving in from the east.
With Hitler's armies in control of most of mainland Europe, the Allies knew that a successful invasion of the continent was central to winning the war. Hitler knew this too, and was expecting an assault on northwestern Europe in the spring of 1944. He hoped to repel the Allies from the coast with a strong counterattack that would delay future invasion attempts, giving him time to throw the majority of his forces into defeating the Soviet Union in the east. Once that was accomplished, he believed an all-out victory would soon be his.
On the morning of June 5, 1944, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious military operation in history. On his orders, 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops began to leave England for the trip to France. That night, 822 aircraft filled with parachutists headed for drop zones in Normandy. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion.
By dawn on June 6, 18,000 parachutists were already on the ground; the land invasions began at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture Gold, Juno and Sword beaches; so did the Americans at Utah. The task was much tougher at Omaha beach, however, where 2,000 troops were lost and it was only through the tenacity and quick-wittedness of troops on the ground that the objective was achieved. By day's end, 155,000 Allied troops--Americans, British and Canadians--had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches.
For their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, who was away on leave. At first, Hitler, believing that the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack and reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. In addition, the Germans were hampered by effective Allied air support, which took out many key bridges and forced the Germans to take long detours, as well as efficient Allied naval support, which helped protect advancing Allied troops.
Though it did not go off exactly as planned, as later claimed by British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery--for example, the Allies were able to land only fractions of the supplies and vehicles they had intended in France--D-Day was a decided success. By the end of June, the Allies had 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across Europe.
The heroism and bravery displayed by troops from the Allied countries on D-Day has served as inspiration for several films, most famously The Longest Day (1962) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). It was also depicted in the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers (2001).
Sources: Text
Videos
D-Day History
From the Army website:
Go to the website
Go to the website
Go to the website
Go to the website
Go to the website
Go to the website
With Hitler's armies in control of most of mainland Europe, the Allies knew that a successful invasion of the continent was central to winning the war. Hitler knew this too, and was expecting an assault on northwestern Europe in the spring of 1944. He hoped to repel the Allies from the coast with a strong counterattack that would delay future invasion attempts, giving him time to throw the majority of his forces into defeating the Soviet Union in the east. Once that was accomplished, he believed an all-out victory would soon be his.
On the morning of June 5, 1944, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious military operation in history. On his orders, 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops began to leave England for the trip to France. That night, 822 aircraft filled with parachutists headed for drop zones in Normandy. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion.
By dawn on June 6, 18,000 parachutists were already on the ground; the land invasions began at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture Gold, Juno and Sword beaches; so did the Americans at Utah. The task was much tougher at Omaha beach, however, where 2,000 troops were lost and it was only through the tenacity and quick-wittedness of troops on the ground that the objective was achieved. By day's end, 155,000 Allied troops--Americans, British and Canadians--had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches.
For their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, who was away on leave. At first, Hitler, believing that the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack and reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. In addition, the Germans were hampered by effective Allied air support, which took out many key bridges and forced the Germans to take long detours, as well as efficient Allied naval support, which helped protect advancing Allied troops.
Though it did not go off exactly as planned, as later claimed by British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery--for example, the Allies were able to land only fractions of the supplies and vehicles they had intended in France--D-Day was a decided success. By the end of June, the Allies had 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy and were poised to continue their march across Europe.
The heroism and bravery displayed by troops from the Allied countries on D-Day has served as inspiration for several films, most famously The Longest Day (1962) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). It was also depicted in the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers (2001).
Sources: Text
Videos
D-Day History
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From the Army website:
Resources
CMH: Normandy
The U.S. Army Center of Military History's in-depth description of the invasion at Normandy.Go to the website
The National D-Day Memorial
Bedford, Va. This small town in rural Virginia lost 19 men on D-Day from a population of less than 4000, the highest per capita loss of anywhere in the United States.Go to the website
The National D-Day Museum
The National D-Day Museum celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won World War II and promotes the exploration and expression of these values by future generations.Go to the website
The United States National Archives and Records Administration
Washington D.C. and College Park, Md.Go to the website
The U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH)
Fort McNair, Washington D.C.Go to the website
The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC)
Carlisle, Pa.Go to the website
News
U.S. Army colonel jumps at Normandy reenactment
June 13, 2012Read more about United States Army colonel jumps at Normandy reenactment
Liberty Ride offers American cyclists glimpses of WWII
June 12, 2012Read more about Liberty Ride offers American cyclists glimpses of WW II
Normandy monument dedicated to Maj. Richard Winters
June 8, 2012Read more about Normandy monument dedicated to Maj. Richard Winters
Army Salutes D-Day Vets at Twilight Tattoo
June 7, 2012Read more about Army Salutes D-Day Vets at Twilight Tattoo
On anniversary of D-Day invasion, Army recognizes WWII vets in Nation's Capital
June 7, 2012Read more about On anniversary of D-Day invasion, Army recognizes WWII vets in Nation's Capital
Warriors of yesterday, today commemorate D-Day together
June 6, 2012Read more about Warriors of yesterday, today commemorate D-Day together
Special Forces Soldier lands in France for D-Day commemoration
June 6, 2012Read more about Special Forces Soldier lands in France for D-Day commemoration
68th Anniversary of D-Day - Commemorations in Normandy, France
June 5, 2012Read more about 68th Anniversary of D-Day - Commemorations in Normandy, France
Fort Bragg paratroopers participate in D-Day anniversary in France
June 4, 2012Read more about Fort Bragg paratroopers participate in D-Day anniversary in France
Special Operations paratroopers honor World War II veterans
June 4, 2012Read more about Special Operations paratroopers honor World War II veterans
Retired Fort Bragg Soldiers shares almost 70 years of memories
November 11, 2010Read more about Retired Fort Bragg Soldiers shares almost 70 years of memories
‘Forgotten D-Day’ vets receive highest French medal
August 13, 2010Read more about ‘Forgotten D-Day’ vets receive highest French medal
D-Day, Original Rendezvous with Destiny
July 13, 2010Read more about D-Day, Original Rendezvous with Destiny
Army Reserve in Normandy
June 8, 2010Read more about Army Reserve in Normandy
Army Reserve Soldiers in Normandy France
June 7, 2010Read more about Army Reserve Soldiers in Normandy France
1ID troops remember D-Day
June 7, 2010Read more about 1ID troops remember D-Day
WWII vet recognizes his unit's esprit de corps in basic training graduates
May 17, 2010Read more about WWII vet recognizes his unit's esprit de corps in basic training graduates
More than 60 years later, World War II Soldiers awards Purple Heart posthumously
March 30, 2010Read more about More than 60 years later, World War II Soldiers awards Purple Heart posthumously
WWII paratrooper visits Fort Bragg
March 5, 2010Read more about WWII paratrooper visits Fort Bragg
29th ID remembers D-Day on 66th anniversary
June 7, 2009Read more about 29th ID remembers D-Day on 66th anniversary
Servicemembers join D-Day veterans, French citizens to commemorate sacrifice of World War II troops
June 6, 2009Read more about Servicemembers join D-Day veterans, French citizens to commemorate sacrifice of World War II troops
D-Day 65th Anniversary
June 6, 2009Read more about D-Day 65th Anniversary
WWII Poster Gallery
Links Open in a New Window
The Beaches
D-Day Airborne and Beach Assault
The Normandy beaches were chosen by planners because they lay within
range of air cover, and were less heavily defended than the obvious
objective of the Pas de Calais, the shortest distance between Great
Britain and the Continent. Airborne drops at both ends of the beachheads
were to protect the flanks, as well as open up roadways to the
interior. Six divisions were to land on the first day; three U.S., two
British and one Canadian. Two more British and one U.S. division were to
follow up after the assault division had cleared the way through the
beach defenses.Disorganization, confusion, incomplete or faulty implementation of plans characterized the initial phases of the landings. This was especially true of the airborne landings which were badly scattered, as well as the first wave units landing on the assault beaches. To their great credit, most of the troops were able to adapt to the disorganization. In the end, the Allies achieved their objective.
Airborne Assault
The AIRBORNE ASSAULT into Normandy as part of the D-Day Allied invasion of Europe was the largest use of airborne troops up to that time. Paratroopers of the U.S. 82d and 101st Airborne divisions, the British 6th Airborne Division, the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, and other attached Allied units took part in the assault. Numbering more than 13,000 men, the paratroopers were flown from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in approximately 925 C-47 airplanes. An additional 4,000 men, consisting of glider infantry with supporting weapons and medical and signal units, were to arrive in 500 gliders later on D-Day to reinforce the paratroopers. The parachute troops were assigned what was probably the most difficult task of the initial operation -- a night jump behind enemy lines five hours before the coastal landings.
To protect the invasion zone's western extremity and to facilitate the "Utah" landing force's movement into the Cotentin Peninsula, the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions descended on the peninsula by parachute and glider in the early hours of D-Day. The paratroopers were badly scattered.
Many were injured and killed during the attack, and much of their equipment was lost. But the brave paratroopers fought fiercely, causing confusion among the German commanders and keeping the Germans troops occupied. Their efforts, hampered by harsh weather, darkness and disorganization, and initiative of resourceful soldiers and leaders, ensured that the UTAH BEACH assault objectives were eventually accomplished. The British and Canadian attacks also accomplished their primary goal of securing the left flank of the invasion force.
Utah Beach
UTAH BEACH was added to the initial invasion plan almost as an afterthought. The allies needed a major port as soon as possible, and UTAH BEACH would put VII (U.S.) Corps within 60 kilometers of Cherbourg at the outset. The major obstacles in this sector were not so much the beach defenses, but the flooded and rough terrain that blocked the way north.Omaha Beach
OMAHA BEACH linked the U.S. and British beaches. It was a critical link between the Contentin peninsula and the flat plain in front of Caen. Omaha was also the most restricted and heavily defended beach, and for this reason at least one veteran U.S. Division (lst) was tasked to land there. The terrain was difficult. Omaha beach was unlike any of the other assault beaches in Normandy. Its crescent curve and unusual assortment of bluffs, cliffs and draws were immediately recognizable from the sea. It was the most defensible beach chosen for D-Day; in fact, many planners did not believe it a likely place for a major landing. The high ground commanded all approaches to the beach from the sea and tidal flats. Moreover, any advance made by U.S. troops from the beach would be limited to narrow passages between the bluffs. Advances directly up the steep bluffs were difficult in the extreme. German strong points were arranged to command all the approaches and pillboxes were sited in the draws to fire east and west, thereby enfilading troops while remaining concealed from bombarding warships. These pillboxes had to be taken out by direct assault. Compounding this problem was the allied intelligence failure to identify a nearly full-strength infantry division, the 352nd, directly behind the beach. It was believed to be no further forward than St. Lo and Caumont, 20 miles inland.V (U.S.) Corps was assigned to this sector. The objective was to obtain a lodgment area between Port-en-Bessin and the Vire River and ultimately push forward to St. Lo and Caumont in order to cut German communications (St. Lo was a major road junction). Allocated to the task were 1st and 29th (U.S.) Divisions, supported by the 5th Ranger Battalion and 5th Engineer Special Brigade.
Gold Beach
GOLD BEACH was the objective of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division of the British 2nd Army. Its primary task was to seize Arrolnanches (future site of a Mulberry) and drive inland to seize the road junction at Bayeux, as well as contact U.S. forces on their right and Canadians on their left. The initial opposition was fierce, but the British invasion forces broke through with relatively light casualties and were able to reach their objectives in this sector. A major factor in their success was that the British assault forces were lavishly equipped with armour and "Funnies" of the 79th Armoured Division. The "Funnies" were the specialist vehicles, armed with 290 mm mortars, designed for tasks such as clearing obstacles or minefields and destruction of large fixed fortifications. Perhaps the most famous is the "Flail" tank, which was a Sherman equipped with a large roller to which was attached lengths of chain. These tanks were designed to clear terrain to their front, and detonate mine fields and other booby traps without danger to the tanks or infantry following.Juno Beach
JUNO BEACH was the landing area for 3rd Canadian Division. The Canadians were very concerned about their role in the invasion (as were most of the planning staff) as the memory of 2nd Canadian Division's destruction at Dieppe was still fresh. But many lessons had been learned, and the 3rd Canadian Division, in spite of heavy opposition at Courselles-sur-Mer, broke through and advanced nearly to their objective, the airfield at Carpiquet, west of Caen. The Canadians made the deepest penetration of any land forces on June 6th, again with moderate casualties.Sword Beach
SWORD BEACH was the objective of 3rd (British) Infantry Division. They were to advance inland as far as Caen, and line up with British Airborne forces east of the Orne River/Caen Canal. The Orne River bridges had been seized in late at night on the 5th of June by a glider-borne reinforced company commanded by Maj. John Howard. As at the other beaches, British forces penetrated quite a ways inland after breaking the opposition at water's edge. Unfortunately, the objective of Caen was probably asking too much of a single infantry division, especially given the traffic jams and resistance encountered further inland. 1st Special Service (Commando) brigade commanded by Lord Lovat, linked up in the morning with Howard's force at Pegasus bridge on the British left. Fierce opposition from the 2lst Panzer and later the 12th SS Panzer division prevented the British from reaching Caen on the 6th. Indeed, Caen was not taken until late June.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heroism at D-Day~U.S. 6TH NAVAL BEACH BATTALION
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
No comments:
Post a Comment