D Day, also known as the Normandy landings, was a crucial military operation in World War II that took place on June 6, 1944. It was a turning point in the war and paved the way for the liberation of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany. The operation involved meticulous coordination between various Allied forces and was composed of over 156,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. The operation included a massive naval assault, with over 5,000 ships and landing craft, and a massive airborne operation, with over 11,000 planes.
The Normandy landings were a risky operation, but they were ultimately successful in achieving their objectives. The operation was divided into several key phases, each of which played a crucial role in the overall success of the mission. The following are some of the salient operations that took place as part of D Day:
- The Airborne Assault – The airborne assault was the first phase of the D Day operation. It involved the dropping of over 13,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines to disrupt German defenses and secure key objectives. This operation was carried out by the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions of the United States Army and the British 6th Airborne Division.
- The Naval Assault – The naval assault was the largest amphibious assault in history, with over 5,000 ships and landing craft involved in the operation. The naval assault was divided into five zones, each of which was assigned to a different Allied force. The assault involved the use of specialized landing craft, including Higgins boats, which were used to transport troops and equipment to the beaches.
- The Beach Landings – The beach landings were the most dangerous and difficult phase of the operation. The Allies landed on five beaches in Normandy, codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The landing at Omaha Beach was the most challenging, as the Germans had heavily fortified the area. Despite heavy losses, Allied forces were ultimately able to secure the beach and begin pushing inland.
- The Breakout – The breakout was the final phase of the operation and involved the pushing of Allied forces inland and the establishment of a beachhead in Normandy. This phase of the operation involved a combination of armored and infantry units, which worked together to break through German lines and establish a foothold in France.
Sources:
- https://www.nationalww2museum.
org/war/articles/d-day- airborne-assault - https://www.history.com/
topics/world-war-ii/d-day - https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/d-day-landing-at-omaha-beach/
- D Day – https://www.historyonthenet.com/d-day
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