The Invasion of Normandy - 07/06/2013

The Invasion of Normandy



The Invasion of Normandy was one of the most important operations of WW2.


The Allies have been planning it for a long time and in November 1943 Adolf Hitler, who was aware of the possible threat put Erwin Rommel in charge of defense operations in the region of North France. Germans prepared 2,400 mile fortification of bunkers, landmines as well as beach and water obstacles. The Allies managed to carry out an outstanding deceptive operation to make Germans think that the main invasion target was Pas-De-Calais (the narrowest point between Britain and France) rather than Normandy.


General Dwight Eisenhower was appointed commander of Operation Overlord. He selected June 5, 1944 as the date of the Invasion of Normandy, but bad weather conditions lead to the delay of the operation. About 24 hours later the originally designed date more than 5000 ships and landing craft with over 11000 aircraft to cover them began the famous Invasion of Normandy.




On 6th of June, right by the dawn thousands of paratroopers and glider troops hit the ground behind the enemy lines thus securing most important bridges and escape routes.

The amphibious invasions began at 6:30 a.m. British, Canadian and American troops captured important strategic points, such as beaches codenamed Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha. Allied forces suffered about 4000 casualties during the first day of operation with more than 326 000 troops, over 50 000 vehicles and some 100 000 tons of equipment following the landing in a week to come.

German ranks suffered poor organization and lack of support from the main group of troops, located deeper in country. Adolf Hitler was sure that Allies try to distract his army and main strike is planned to Seine region. Accordingly, main German divisions located in France were not able to secure shore area and counterattack fast. Armored troops also weren’t alarmed and could not be called to help the defenders. Tactical mistakes of German commandment and highly effective air and naval operations of the Allied troops ensured the successful advancing of ground forces across Normandy.

Allied land forces that saw combat in Normandy on 6 June came from Canada, the Free French Forces, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the weeks following the invasion, Polish forces also participated, as well as contingents from Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, and the Netherlands. Most of the above countries also provided air and naval support, as did the Royal Australian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal Norwegian Navy.

By the end of summer 1944, the Allies reached the Seine river, liberated Paris and prepared to enter Germany. Allied invasion had strong psychological effect both for sieged Nazi army and Soviet forces, who fought their way from the East. Great inspiration and unity of free nations encouraged every soldier and officer of the anti-Hitler coalition. The victory in the Second World War was close.

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