Introducing D-day Beaches
The D-Day landings, code-named ‘Operation Overlord’, were the largest military operation in history. On the morning of 6 June 1944, swarms of landing craft – part of an armada of over 6000 boats – hit the beaches, and tens of thousands of soldiers from the USA, UK, Canada and elsewhere began pouring onto French soil.
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The majority of the 135, 000 Allied troops stormed ashore along 80km of beaches north of Bayeux code-named (from west to east) Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The landings on D-Day – called Jour J in French – were followed by the Battle of Normandy, which ultimately led to the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. In the 76 days of fighting, the Allies suffered 210, 000 casualties, including 37, 000 troops killed. German casualties are believed to be around 200, 000, and another 200, 000 German soldiers were taken prisoner.
Caen’s memorial museum provides a comprehensive overview of the events of D-Day, and many of the villages near the landing beaches have small museums packed with memorabilia relating to the invasion. Once on the coast, you can follow several sign posted circuits around the battle sites (follow signs for D-Day-Le Choc in the American sectors and Overlord-L’Assaut in the British and Canadian sectors). A free booklet called The D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, available from tourist offices, contains details on the major routes. A useful guide to the main landing beaches is www.6juin1944.com, including maps and an hour-by-hour breakdown of the day.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
