![]() The minesweepers did this deadly work with extraordinary success, although they were aided by the fact that many German mines in the center of the English Channel had been programmed to sink, as the Germans had expected any invasion in 1944 to take place earlier than June. These included contact mines and magnetic influence mines, some with sophisticated ship counters and other countermeasure capabilities. The minesweepers had the vital mission of clearing the extensive German minefields that had been laid in the English Channel. ![]() On 5 June 1944, after a one-day delay due to weather, 255 minesweepers (mostly British) left ports in southern England, led in a symbolic gesture by the Polish destroyer Orp Slazak (a British destroyer loaned to the Polish navy-in-exile Poland had been the first country attacked by Nazi Germany). Under the doctrine at the time, Navy commanders were in command until ground commanders could establish themselves ashore, so Neptune was a Navy operation.) This H-gram focuses on the operations of the United States Navy during Operation Neptune, the amphibious assault phase of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of France. Nothing can detract from the extreme heroism demonstrated by the soldiers of the British, Canadian, and American armies, especially those at Omaha Beach. The great majority of the ships involved were British, as were the number of troops. In a broadcast to the people of occupied Europe, Eisenhower says, “Although the initial assault may not have been made in your own country, the hour of your liberation is approaching.(Note: This H-gram is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of the Normandy landings. troops begin coming ashore on a 50-mile front. Minesweepers go ahead to clear the waters in preparation for the thousands of landing crafts that will be carrying men, vehicles and supplies.īetween midnight and 8 a.m., Allied forces fly 14,674 sorties.Īt 6:30 a.m. JOvernight, a military armada and more than 160,000 troops cross the English Channel. We will accept nothing less than full victory!” In a broadcast message to troops before they leave, Eisenhower tells them, “The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory…. JAllied paratroopers and gliders carrying heavy equipment leave England to begin the invasion of France by air. They build up their troops and artillery near Calais, where the English Channel is the narrowest. November and December 1943 - British and US military chiefs discuss the specifics of the assault on France during the Sextant and Eureka Conferences.ġ944 - The Germans expect an invasion along the north coast of France, but they do not know where it will occur. Winston Churchill, President Theodore Roosevelt and their military advisers discuss crossing the English Channel.Īugust 1943 - British and US military chiefs of staff outline Operation Overlord during the Quadrant Conference. May 1943 - The Trident Conference, a British and US strategy meeting on the war takes place in Washington, DC. Preparations begin for an Allied invasion across the English Channel. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 Allied soldiers were killed, wounded and or went missing in action: 6,603 Americans, 2,700 British and 946 Canadians.ĪugA raid on the French port of Dieppe resulting in heavy losses convinces D-Day planners to land on the beaches. The exact number of casualties is not known. More than 13,000 aircraft and 5,000 ships supported the operation. D-Day is code for the day an important military attack is scheduled to begin.Ĭode names for the five beaches where the Allies landed: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. More: See historic photos from the landing.
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