Remembering D Day

The Allied invasion on June 6th, 1944 was not only the defining moment in WWII, but was the biggest an most significant military campaigns in history.

Commanding Allies general Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the largest invasion of hundreds of thousands of American, British, Canadian and other troops. They were to cross the English Channel and come ashore on the beaches of Normandy, the northern coast of France. Western Europe was occupied by the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler – the goal of the invasion was to put an end to the power of the German army and to bring down the Nazis.

The invasion was code named Operation OVERLORD and had originally been planned for June 5th. However, weather postponed the landing until June 6th. In all, approximately 7,000 vessels, 23,000 airborne troops and 132,000 men landed on the beaches. They were supported by 12,000 Allied aircraft. Although many lives were lost, the overall objectives were achieved.

Leading up to D-Day Germany had taken occupation of most of continental Europe and Norway. The British had retreated to back across the English Channel and the German Luftwaffe had not been able to overtake British forces. Germany continued the long drawn out war in Europe and invasion of the Soviet Union.

The United States had been preparing for war and when Japan, the Axis partner to Germany invaded Pearl Harbor, America was finally forced into the global conflict. British and American leaders agreed that Nazi Germany’s defeat was of first priority. Invading France via a British launching pad was planned. However, before this could happen British and American troops overcame German and Italian forces in northwestern Africa.

Allied forces continued to weaken the Italian forces and vital airfields in southern Italy were now available to the Allies. Air superiority in Western Europe was a vital piece to gaining a stronghold. They could now have more control of the skies over Europe.

Warships and forces landed on the five beaches of Normandy, tactical surprise was key. However, German forces were not far. Allied air power slowed German reinforcements by blowing up roads, bridges and anything that moved. They slowed down the German movement so an increased number of Allied troops and material could make it across the English Channel.

Once their advantage was achieved, by the coordination of air, sea and land forces, and the full use of the Allies technical and industrial power – the battle at Normandy, then France and ultimately Western Europe’s liberation was achieved. Nazi German would be defeated.

 

*Learn more at: Historyextra.com, Wikipedia.org, History.com