Back to Normandy - Recently Added Listings - The Year 1944..... https://backtonormandy.org/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:20:04 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 1944-06-10 Linkup | assembly Mulberry https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213960-1944-06-10-linkup-assembly-mulberry.html

The assembly of artificial harbours begins. The Allies have planned to install a harbour
at Omaha Beach (Mulberry A, in the "American" sector) and another at Arromanches
(Mulberry B, in the "British" sector).

Photos:

  1. Mooring a floating artificial harbour roadway
  2. Floating roadway of the Omaha artificial harbour
  3. Attaching an access to a floating roadway of the Omaha Beach artificial harbour
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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 14:59:07 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213960-1944-06-10-linkup-assembly-mulberry.html
1944-06-09 Linkup | First Allied airfield in France https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213959-1944-06-09-linkup-first-allied-airfield-in-france.html

One of the first Allied airfield is put into service. Saint-Pierre-du-Mont Airfield.

The runway was built on the back plateau of Omaha Beach. The airfield will evacuate 15,000 wounded men to England, between 9 June and 25 August 1944. More than 50 airfields will open in the Normandy countryside.

Photos:

  1. Allied airfield near the cliffs of Omaha Beach.
  2. Taking away a wounded soldier
  3. Installing a fence on the airfield runway
  4. Aircraft ready for take-off
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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 14:49:39 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213959-1944-06-09-linkup-first-allied-airfield-in-france.html
1944-06-08 Linkup | Still fighting at Pointe du Hoc https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213958-1944-06-08-linkup-still-fighting-at-pointe-du-hoc.html

90 Rangers, holding down the fort at the Pointe du Hoc since the assault of June 6, are
 finally relieved by the men of the 29th Division en route to Isigny.

Photos:

  1. Rangers fighting at the Pointe du Hoc
  2. An exploded bunker at the Pointe du Hoc
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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 14:34:11 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213958-1944-06-08-linkup-still-fighting-at-pointe-du-hoc.html
1944-06-07 Linkup | Bayeux liberated https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213957-1944-06-07-linkup-bayeux-liberated.html

Bayeux is liberated by British troops. The small town, spared from the bombing, has become a centre for the wounded and war reporters.

Photos:

  1. British soldiers in front of the Bayeux cathedra! (Calvados)
  2. Female war reporters, including the British correspondent Iris Carpenter
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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 14:28:30 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213957-1944-06-07-linkup-bayeux-liberated.html
1944-06-07 Linkup | arrival Mulberry (artificial harbour) https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213956-1944-06-07-linkup-arrival-mulberry-artificial-harbour.html

The first elements of artificial harbours arrive in Normandy. Manufactured in Britain,
they were towed across the Channel following the invasion fleet.

Photos:

  1. Caissons (Phoenixes) of the artificial harbour being built
  2. The arrival of an unloading platform
  3. Map of the artificial harbour at Arromanches (Mulberry B)
  4. Diagram of a Phoenix caisson
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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 14:16:39 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213956-1944-06-07-linkup-arrival-mulberry-artificial-harbour.html
1944-06-07 Linkup | Secure bridgehead https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213955-1944-06-07-linkup-secure-bridgehead.html

On the beaches of Normandy, the bridgehead conquered by the Allies is still fragile.

To 
secure the coast and prevent German reinforcements from reaching Normandy, the
 Allies bomb the traffic junctions and main Norman towns within a radius of 250 km from 
the beaches.

Photos:

  1. "France", 7 June 1944
  2. Reinforcements arriving on Omaha Beach
  3. "Le Matin"('The Morning"), 7 June 1944
  4. Saint-Lö (Manche) is baptised the "capita! of ruins"
  5. Vire (Calvados) bombarded.
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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 14:07:24 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213955-1944-06-07-linkup-secure-bridgehead.html
Map and overview 20-25 August 1944 - The Liberation Of Paris https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213954-map-and-overview-20-25-august-1944-the-liberation-of-paris.html

See the map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3671-d-day-plus-75-80.html

The Allied advance encircled yet another group of fleeing Germans southeast of Rouen and then closed to the Seine, seizing additional river crossings as they did so.

Free French uprisings contested Paris with the occupying forces.
Allied forces pushed on into Paris, liberating the city on 25 August.
The French 2nd Armored Division made a triumphal entry into Paris that day, in the midst of wildly ecstatic crowds.
Meanwhile, other Allied columns pushed on past Paris, hoping to entrap or overrun further German forces in a general pursuit to the German border.
Allied forces had landed in southern France on 15 August, and pushed rapidly northwards to join those who had come ashore through Normandy.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 10:00:05 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213954-map-and-overview-20-25-august-1944-the-liberation-of-paris.html
Map and overview 14-19 August 1944 - Falaise And Orleans https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213953-map-and-overview-14-19-august-1944-falaise-and-orleans.html

See the map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3670-d-day-plus-69-74.html

The Polish armored division serving with General Bernard Montgomery’s Army Group linked up with the Americans near Chambois on 19 August, closing the Falaise pocket and trapping over 50,000 Germans within it.

Tens of thousands more had been killed in the fighting or lost their equipment in the pursuit.
In Brittany, Saint-Malo fell on the 17th and Brest, Lorient and Saint-Nazaire went under siege.
General George S.Patton’s Third Army pushed on towards Paris, seizing Orleans on the 16th and forcing the Seine River at Mantes on the19th.
The Allies poised for yet another encirclement of German forces and destroyed many others in the course of the pursuit.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:55:38 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213953-map-and-overview-14-19-august-1944-falaise-and-orleans.html
Map and overview 1-13 August 1944 - Exploitation And Counterattack https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213952-map-and-overview-1-13-august-1944-exploitation-and-counterattack.html

See the map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3669-d-day-plus-56-68.html

An American corps led by two armored divisions sped past Avranches and quickly overran Brittany, forcing the few German units there not already committed to Normandy into fortified coastal enclaves.

Further mobile columns pushed through the Avranches gap and swung south and east, some hooking towards Argentan to entrap Germans remaining in Normandy while others pushed towards Le Mans for a deeper penetration.

A desperate German counterattack at Mortain attempted to break through to the sea and split the Allies in two, but was turned back after fierce fighting.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:52:49 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213952-map-and-overview-1-13-august-1944-exploitation-and-counterattack.html
Map and overview 26-31 July 1944 - The Operation Cobra Breakout https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213951-map-and-overview-26-31-july-1944-the-operation-cobra-breakout.html

See map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3668-d-day-plus-50-55.html

A Canadian diversionary attack southeast from Caen on July 25th had drawn German reserves into a major counterattack, while carpet bombing south of Saint-Lô with more than 4,200 tons of munitions stunned the Germans in that sector. 

After a day of hard fighting, the German line crumpled, and American armored columns pushed through the wreckage at an ever-accelerating pace.
Coutances fell on the 28th and Avranches on the 30th.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:48:56 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213951-map-and-overview-26-31-july-1944-the-operation-cobra-breakout.html
Map and overview 19-25 July 1944 - Caen Falls https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213950-map-and-overview-19-25-july-1944-caen-falls.html

See the map: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3667-19-25-july-1944-caen-falls.html

Commonwealth Forces launched a major offensive that seized the rest of Caen and drew off the last of the much depleted German mobile reserves.

Meanwhile, the Americans positioned themselves for a major breakthrough attack, code-named COBRA.

2,500 planes would drop 5,000 tons of bombs within a six-mile-sector of the German front west of Saint- Lô.
Following this “carpet bombing” the 9th, 30th and 4th Infantry Divisions would attack through the breach and secure a rupture in the German front, after which the 1st Infantry and the 2nd and 3rd Armored Divisions would pass through them to exploit deep into the German rear.
To the west of the rupture, the 79th, 8th, 90th and 83rd and newly arriving 28th Infantry Divisions would force the attack against the now outflanked Germans, and the 4th, 6th and newly arriving 5th Armored Divisions would exploit through them into Brittany and beyond.

To the east of the rupture the 29th, 35th, 2nd and 5th Infantry Divisions would wheel east on line with the developing envelopment as it gathered momentum.

At 1100 on 25 July the carpet bombing commenced.
The Battle for Normandy had ended; the Battle for France had begun.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:43:58 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213950-map-and-overview-19-25-july-1944-caen-falls.html
Map and overview 1-18 July 1944 - To Caen And Saint-Lô https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213949-map-and-overview-1-18-july-1944-to-caen-and-saint-lo.html

See the map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3666-d-day-plus-25-42.html

Breakout from Normandy required infantrymen fighting through a dense and difficult perimeter of marshes and bocage to reach ground suitable for mechanized warfare.

In the American sector, such ground ran roughly from Coutances through Saint-Lô to Caumont-l’Êventé.
The 79th and 90th Infantry Divisions, supported for a time by the 82nd Airborne Division and then by the 8th Infantry Division, battled down the west coast to seize La Haye-du-Puits and approach Coutances.
The 83rd and 4th Infantry Divisions battered their way forward from Carentan to the outskirts of Périers.
The 9th and 30th Infantry Divisions opened a route from Carentan to Saint-Lô, while the 2nd Infantry Division seized Hill192 overlooking Saint-Lô from the east.
The 35th and 29th Infantry Divisions fought to the outskirts of Saint-Lô, and the 29th forced its way into the city itself.
The 2nd, 3rd and the newly arrived 4th Armored Divisions supported these offensives with detachments and the 1st and then the 5th Infantry Divisions conducted aggressive defenses around Caumont-l’Êventé.
By 18 July the American Army was clear of the worst of the marshes and bocage and suitably positioned for mechanized warfare. 

To their east Commonwealth Forces fought their way into Caen.

The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions withdrew to England to prepare for further airborne operations.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:38:17 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213949-map-and-overview-1-18-july-1944-to-caen-and-saint-lo.html
Map and overview 21-30 June 1944 - The Fall Of Cherbourg https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213948-map-and-overview-21-30-june-1944-the-fall-of-cherbourg.html

See the map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3665-d-day-plus-15-24.html

Allied offensives focused on Cherbourg and Caen.

The 9th, 79th, and 4th Infantry Divisions battled their way through formidable fortifications and fierce resistance to seize Cherbourg.

The port itself fell on the 27th, and residual resistance had been mopped up by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the 1st, 2nd, 29th, 30th and 90th Infantry Divisions and the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions sustained aggressive defenses in their sectors, protecting the rear of the attack on Cherbourg, furthering the attrition of the Germans, and covering the build-up for the breakout offensive.

The 2nd Armored Division continued as a mobile reserve, dispatching reinforcements to divisions in the line as necessary.
The 3rd Armored Division and 83rd Infantry Divisions arrived and deployed, with the 83rd replacing the 101st at Carentan.
Commonwealth attacks near Caen drew off the lion’s share of German armored forces and forced them to deploy piecemeal rather than make concerted counter-attacks.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:32:14 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213948-map-and-overview-21-30-june-1944-the-fall-of-cherbourg.html
Map and overview 14-20 June 1944 - Struggle In The Hedgerows https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213947-map-and-overview-14-20-june-1944-struggle-in-the-hedgerows.html

https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3664-d-day-plus-8-14.html

 Emphasis shifted to over-running the Cotentin Peninsula and isolating the port of Cherbourg.

The 9th, 79th and 90th Infantry Divisions and the 82nd Airborne Division attacked west from the Utah beachhead to cut the peninsula in two.
Then the 90th and 82nd swung south to block potential counterattacks while the 9th and 79th Divisions swung north towards Cherbourg.
The 4th Infantry Division continued its attacks along the east coast to close on Cherbourg as well.
The 101st Airborne Division and 30th Infantry conducted limited attacks and sustained an active defense securing Carentan and the vital link between forces operating in the Cotentin Peninsula and the rest of the expanding beachhead.
The 29th and 2nd Infantry Divisions pushed through tough resistance towards Saint-Lô, while the 1st Infantry Division secured the right flank of Commonwealth Forces engaged in heavy fighting around Caen.
The 2nd Armored Division served as a mobile reserve and dispatched subordinate elements to reinforce the attacks of sister units.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:26:21 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213947-map-and-overview-14-20-june-1944-struggle-in-the-hedgerows.html
Map and overview 7-13 June 1944 - Linkup https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213946-map-and-overview-7-13-june-1944-linkup.html

See the map for 7-13 June https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3661-dday-plus-1-7.html

The 1st, 2nd and 29th Infantry Divisions attacked out of Omaha Beach to expand the beachhead and link up with their allies.

The 1st linked up with the British and pushed forward to Caumont-l’Êventé against weakening resistance.
The 29th fought its way south and west and linked up with forces from Utah Beach, while the 2nd attacked alongside both and secured the interval between them.
The 101st Airborne Division seized Carentan after fierce fighting, and the 82nd Airborne Division, subsequently reinforced by the 90th Infantry Division, faced similarly tough opposition expanding bridgeheads across the Merderet River.
The 4th Infantry Division battled its way along the coastline towards Montebourg, while Commonwealth Forces beat off fierce counterattacks around Caen.
Behind the expanding beachhead, an unrelenting buildup of troops and supplies continued.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 09:19:31 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213946-map-and-overview-7-13-june-1944-linkup.html
1944-06-06 22:30 D-day | The end of the day https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213945-1944-06-06-22-30-d-day-the-end-of-the-day.html

See the map here: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3662-d-day-june-6th-1944.html

Shortly after midnight the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions jumped into Normandy to secure bridgeheads and beach exits in advance of the main amphibious attack.

Beginning at 0630 the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions stormed ashore at Omaha Beach against fierce resistance.
Beginning at 0700 the 4th Infantry Division overwhelmed less effective opposition securing Utah Beach, in part because of disruption the airborne landings had caused.
By day’s end the Americans were securely ashore at Utah and Commonwealth Forces at Gold, Juno and Sword Beaches.
The hold on Omaha Beach was less secure, as fighting continued on through the night of 6-7 June.

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 08:46:47 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213945-1944-06-06-22-30-d-day-the-end-of-the-day.html
1944-06-04 Embarking for Normandy | Waiting in the Solent https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213944-1944-06-04-preparing-the-landing-waiting-in-the-solent.html

Many ships (Army Repair Ships, Battleships, Coastal Tankers, Coasters, Colliers, Covettes, Cruisers, Destroyers, Frigates, Gunboats, HQ-ships, Landing and troopships, Liberty ships, Minesweepers, Monitors, Patrol ships, Rescue Tugs, Salvage vessels, Trawlers, etc.) were anchored in The Solent, the days before D-Day.

On this map you will see about 800 GPS locations where ship were anchored according the " Operation Neptune Isle of Wight final assembly area plan" : https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3663-the-solent.html

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fredvogels Thu, 17 May 2018 07:46:10 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213944-1944-06-04-preparing-the-landing-waiting-in-the-solent.html
1944-06-06 13:30 D-day | Invasion announced https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213943-1944-06-06-13-30-d-day-invasion-announced.html

The German, American and British press announce the Landing.

Photos:

  1. "Los Angeles Times,"6 June 1944.
  2. "Völkischer Beobachter," 7 June 1944. This German newspaper runs the title, "So begins the fighting in the West."
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 13:20:55 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213943-1944-06-06-13-30-d-day-invasion-announced.html
1944-06-06 09:30 D-day | Caen bombed https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213942-1944-06-06-09-30-d-day-caen-bombed.html

A bombing that targeted bridges over the Ome mistakenly destroys the Caen city centre. Surprised at lunchtime, the Caennais do not have time to run for shelter. The raid lasts only ten minutes, but the damage is considerable and results in many casualties. Other Norman towns are bombed.

Photos:

  1. Caen bombed
  2. The center of Caen destroyed
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 13:15:15 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213942-1944-06-06-09-30-d-day-caen-bombed.html
1944-06-06 09:30 D-day | Offensive to Caen https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213941-1944-06-06-09-30-d-day-offensive-to-caen.html

Sword Beach is partially cleared. The offensive of the British and French commandos can begin. They head toward Caen!

Contrary to the Allies’ plans, the city will not be taken on 6 June.

Photos:

  1. "Green Berets" advance toward Colleville (Calvados)
  2. Map of Ouistreham
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 13:08:48 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213941-1944-06-06-09-30-d-day-offensive-to-caen.html
1944-06-06 07:30 D-day | Sword Beach https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213940-1944-06-06-07-30-d-day-sword-beach.html

British troops land on Sword Beach and Gold Beach. 177 Frenchmen under commando Kieffer set foot on Sword Beach.

 

Photos:

  1. Soldiers of the 3rd British infantry Division on the beach
  2. The 48 Royal Marine Commando in Saint-Aubin sur Mer
  3. Aerial view of the assault on Sword Beach
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 12:59:50 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213940-1944-06-06-07-30-d-day-sword-beach.html
1944-06-06 07:30 D-day | Juno Beach https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213939-1944-06-06-07-30-d-day-juno-beach.html

Canadian troops land on Juno Beach. Hampered by high waves and rocks that block access to the beach, the assault ships struggle to reach shore.

Photos:

  1. The barge charges toward the beach
  2. Near midday, Canadian Genera! Keller arrives at Bemieres.
  3. Canadian reinforcements in the afternoon of 6 June
  4. Canadian poster
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 12:52:08 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213939-1944-06-06-07-30-d-day-juno-beach.html
1944-06-06 07:10 D-day | Pointe du Hoc https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213938-1944-06-06-07-10-d-day-pointe-du-hoc.html

The 2nd Ranger Battalion, commanded by Colonel Rudder, launches an assault on the Pointe du Hoc. The men’s mission is to neutralise the guns of the German battery that threaten Omaha and Gold.

Reaching the top of the cliff, the attackers find the guns have been removed from their emplacement to be protected from the bombardment.

Photos:

  1. Pointe du Hoc
  2. Rangers climbing the cliff with ladders and grappling hooks.
  3. Colonel Rudder’s command post set up on the cliffside.
  4. General Eisenhowerand General Marshall examining the guns of the Pointe du Hoc during a visit in mid-June
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 12:42:33 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213938-1944-06-06-07-10-d-day-pointe-du-hoc.html
1944-06-06 06:30 D-day | Omaha Beach https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213937-1944-06-06-06-30-d-day-omaha-beach.html

The landing on Omaha Beach begins. Caught under heavy fire from defenders set up overlooking the beach, the first wave of assault troops is decimated. This area of the coast, held by the 352nd German Infantry Division is particularly well-defended and the GIs are facing men who are well-trained and well-equipped. After several hours of intense fighting, two breaches are finally opened at Omaha. 

Photos:

  1. Men land on the Easy Red sector
  2. Gl crammed into an assault barge
  3. Fighting on the beach
  4. Gl wounded at the foot of the cliff
  5. Shipwrecked soldier shot on the beach.
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 12:32:15 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213937-1944-06-06-06-30-d-day-omaha-beach.html
1944-06-06 06:30 D-day | Utah Beach https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213936-1944-06-06-06-30-d-day-utah-beach.html

The first wave of the assault lands on Utah Beach, where the landing is going relatively well. Due to a navigation error, Americans set foot 2 kilometers south of the designated area in a less densely defended sector.

Photos:

  1. The 4th Infantry Division lands.
  2. Gl taking refuge at the foot of a low wall.
  3. Doctors of the 4th U.S. Infantry Division
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 11:25:15 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213936-1944-06-06-06-30-d-day-utah-beach.html
1944-06-06 05:50 D-day | Navy in Action https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213935-1944-06-06-05-50-d-day-navy-in-action.html

The naval artillery goes into action and takes aim at the defenses of the Atlantic Wall. 

The shooting will end at dawn, just before the landing of the troops.

In the night, the air force too had pounded the German batteries.

The result of these bombings was uneven and, on the morning of June 6, many German guns were still in firing condition.

Photos:

  1. Naval artillery in action
  2. Allied officers observing the coast
  3. Squadron of bombers flying over the Pointe du Hoc
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 11:14:50 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213935-1944-06-06-05-50-d-day-navy-in-action.html
1944-06-06 04:30 D-day | Attack Merville Battery https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213934-1944-06-06-04-30-d-day-attack-merville-battery.html

The men of the 6th British Airborne Division storm the Merville battery. The German strength that threatens Sword Beach is neutralised after fierce fighting.

Photos:

  1. Genera! R. Gale (1896-1982)
  2. British paratroopers in ambush
  3. British Plan of the Battle of Merville
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 11:05:21 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213934-1944-06-06-04-30-d-day-attack-merville-battery.html
1944-06-06 01:50 D-day | Paratroopers landing https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213933-1944-06-06-01-50-d-day-paratroopers-landing.html

The objective of the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne is to take Sainte-Mere-Eglise (Manche). Soldiers of the 101st are tasked with monitoring the area behind Utah Beach. 

Dropped at too high an altitude and too fast, they disperse during the jump. Some will be killed before even hitting the ground; others will be lost or will drown in the marshland.

Locations detailled:

https://www.backtonormandy.org/themes/dropping-location-82nd-101st-airborne-division.html

 

Photos:

Glider broken in half upon landing

Paratroopers in ambush in front of the Sainte-Mere-Eglise church

German soldier captured by an American paratrooper

Drawing illustrating the American paratroopers’ jump

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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 10:54:38 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213933-1944-06-06-01-50-d-day-paratroopers-landing.html
1944-06-06 01:50 D-day | Report to the Führer https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213932-1944-06-06-01-50-d-day-report-to-the-fuehrer.html

The telephones ring at the headquarters of German forces in Paris. The Staff of the land army is informed that the assault has begun. Admiral Hoffmann, Chief of Naval Group West Operations sends the following message to Berlin: "Report to the Führer
headquarters that it is the invasion."

German soldier looks offshore

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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 10:42:12 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213932-1944-06-06-01-50-d-day-report-to-the-fuehrer.html
1944-06-06 00:20 D-day | Raid on Pegasus Bridge https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213931-1944-06-06-00-20-d-day-raid-on-pegasus-bridge.html

Major Howard and his men take Pegasus Bridge (Calvados). Arriving on gliders, they land near the bridge and neutralise the German defence. Other men of the same unit seize the bridge over the Ome. The strategic crossing is quickly under control.

Photos:

Aerial view of landed gliders next to the Benouville Bridge (Pegasus Bridge)

Gliders near the Benouville Bridge (Pegasus Bridge)

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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 10:36:22 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213931-1944-06-06-00-20-d-day-raid-on-pegasus-bridge.html
1944-06-06 00:05 D-day | Paratroopers to Normandy https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213930-1944-06-06-00-05-d-day-paratroopers-to-normandy.html

The British and American scout teams are dropped at both ends of the landing area. Their mission is to define the parachutists’ landing zones on the Norman soil. 


Photos:

  1. Embarkation of an American paratrooper with his complete equipment, whose weight nears 70 kg (150 lbs.)
  2. 2. U.S. airborne troops prepare to jump and land in Normandy
  3. 3. Silk scarf worn by paratroopers, printed with the map of France
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fredvogels Wed, 16 May 2018 10:27:58 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213930-1944-06-06-00-05-d-day-paratroopers-to-normandy.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | Troops to Normandy https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213929-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-troops-to-normandy.html

Convoy of warships to Normandy and British soldiers and French commandos en route to Normandy  

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 12:03:40 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213929-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-troops-to-normandy.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | 22:00 Departure Airborne troops https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213928-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-22-00-departure-airborne-troops.html

22.00. Airborne troops head for Normandy. American paratroopers in a C47

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 11:51:44 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213928-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-22-00-departure-airborne-troops.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | 20:30 Greenham Common Airfield https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213927-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-20-30-greenham-common-airfield.html

20.30. On the Greenham Common airfield,
 Eisenhower had come to wish good luck to the "screaming eagles" of the 502nd Parachute Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. English paratroopers, meanwhile are preparing to jump at one end of the assault area. 

Photo: Eisenhower on Greenham Common Airfield, 

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 11:43:30 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213927-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-20-30-greenham-common-airfield.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | Actions French Resistance https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213926-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-actions-french-resistance.html

The Resistance leaders pick up various messages calling them to action.

  • Plan Vert (“Plan Green”), to sabotage railways prior to the landings
  • Plan Bleu (“Plan Blue”), to destroy electrical facilities
  • Plan Violet (“Plan Violet”), to cut underground communication cables
  • Plan Tortue (“Plan Turtle”), to delay German reinforcements headed to Normandy after the landings.

Photos: 

  1. Resistance group
  2. Derailment of a convoy
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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 10:55:19 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213926-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-actions-french-resistance.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | Eisenhower's message https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213925-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-eisenhower-s-message.html

Eisenhower’s message to Allied soldiers and Eisenhower’s message in case of failure  

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 10:45:35 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213925-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-eisenhower-s-message.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | 5 June weather report https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213924-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-5-june-weather-report.html

04.00. A lull in the storm is announced for the morning of June 6. See this weather report.

Eisenhower makes 
the decision to launch Operation Overlord. 

Photo: Weather map of 5 June

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 10:13:20 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213924-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-5-june-weather-report.html
1944-06-05 Embarking for Normandy | OK, let's
 go! https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213923-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-ok-let-s-go.html

 04.00. A lull in the storm is announced for the morning of June 6. Eisenhower makes
 the decision to launch Operation Overlord.

He pronounces the famous line, "OK, let's
 go!"

Photo: Genera! Dwight D. Eisenhower

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 10:07:05 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213923-1944-06-05-embarking-for-normandy-ok-let-s-go.html
1944-06-04 Embarking for Normandy | Go or no go https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213922-1944-06-04-embarking-for-normandy-go-or-no-go.html

At 04.15, Colonel Stagg warns us of bad weather ahead. Eisenhower decides to postpone the landing by 24 hours.

Boats that have already set sail are recalled. This unfortunate setback risks dampening the spirits of the troops, awaiting the order to action.


See also: https://www.backtonormandy.org/from-d-day-to-paris/3663-the-solent.html

Photos:

  1. Men of the 90th Infantry Division awaiting departure
  2. 
Gl in a ship bound for Normandy
  3. 
Ship loaded with vehicles

  4. Hours of listening to the programme "Honour and County, "broadcast by the BBC.
  5. 
PCrystal radio hidden in a tin
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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 10:00:44 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213922-1944-06-04-embarking-for-normandy-go-or-no-go.html
1944-06-03 Embarking for Normandy | 3 June weather report https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213921-1944-06-03-embarking-for-normandy-3-june-weather-report.html

3 June weather report

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fredvogels Thu, 03 May 2018 09:47:19 +0100 https://backtonormandy.org/the-history/timeline/1944/213921-1944-06-03-embarking-for-normandy-3-june-weather-report.html