D.Day. One of the biggest events that changed the World. Many of us on this forum had relatives involved. Many of us have been to Normandy countless numbers of times, but not this year though. Like many people I've taken a huge number of photos in Normandy. If you had to chose just two images from a visit there what would your choices be?
The thread title's made me think how confusing it would have been if D-Day had been 5th June as planned. The Americans would have subsequently insisted that that it took place on 6th May... Now to look for some photos...
I certainly don't want to imply that Omaha was everything but two photos sprung to mind: Not as good a view as the Germans would have had from WN60. It was a rather blustery, drizzly day and everything was buried under brambles - you'll have to take it on trust that this was one of the two defiladed gun positions overlooking the beach and the casemated pair on WN62(?). I can't help the feeling that these guns contributed more than they are creditted for. Yes, it's Bayeux cemetery, but that's not where this chap died: BBC - WW2 People's War - The Royal Navy on Omaha Beach Casualty Interestingly, CWGC records him being on LCA 1068.
This picture of the present honouring the forefathers There is a very good chance 1in 3 that my uncle may be laid here so a favourite of mine Have a look at Pegasus Bridge Memorial Facebook page they had a small service yesterday but sill moving
I don't want to post a photo. I want to remember the forgotten. My heroes are the men who fell as members of the Forward Observation Units and Forward Observation Bombardment units. These men did not serve in commando or para units, but were attached from other units or the Royal Navy. How about Lieutenants Johnson and Archer whose units were not in theatre when they fell? What about the gunners and naval telegraphists whose details are harder to find?
This is the best footage I've seen of D-Day preparations and the push through Normandy. Original color by a professional correspondent. He added narration in 1970 and has a classic New York City accent that isn't heard anymore. Clear and soothing to the ear. He also included the famous B&W clip of the British solider patting his friend on the back in the landing craft. He said it was made by an automatic camera in a fixed mount. Whole thing is just great. A Newsreel Cameraman’s View of D-Day – The Unwritten Record
I'm so glad you liked it. I just watched the whole thing again. The smiling little kids in both England and Germany were my favorite part.
Tuesday, July 11, 1944 The days that marked the Battle of Normandy The Germans, who have just lost the city of Caen the day before, launch an offensive in the Cotentin Peninsula, aware that the Americans are trampling in the bocage rather favorable to defense and that they are not really in a position of strength. They have a clear advantage: they are the master of the air. The Germans decided to carry their attack in the direction of Saint-Jean-de-la-Daye, in the center of the American front and directly north of Saint-Lô. They precede their assault with a bombardment of their artillery which continues northward at the time of the attack, given in the first part of the night. At the same time, the Americans of the 9th and 39th infantry divisions were opposed to the German forces of the Panzer Lehr by a courageous resistance, and they did not bend against the enemy’s device, and heavy tank fighting took place in the Normandy hedgerow. At the end of the morning, they even regain the advantage by launching a counter-offensive directed towards Saint-Lô, and then they progress like the previous days, meters after meter, at the price of heavy losses. The British do not take the time to savor their victory north of Caen and already the 2nd Army of General Dempsey continues its offensive towards Hill 112, still defended by the Panzergruppe West commanded by Eberbach. https://www.dday-overlord.com/en/battle-of-normandy/days/11-july-1944
Today 78 years ago D-Day 6th June 1944 https://assets.publishing.service.g...loads/attachment_data/file/30054/ww2_dday.pdf
Nothing at all on the BBC to remember the 78th anniversary yesterday from what I could see. Only mentioned it this morning, 7th June.
I know he was there yesterday the 6th, but I am sure the Beeb didn't show it until this morning the 7th. (Well after all, there was something far more important to talk about all day yesterday, wasn't there?).
I was at Pegasus Bridge for service a at the Museum on the5th ,Ranville cemetery on the6th ,a7 Para wreath laying at the old memorial and a visit to the new memorial .I was in two minds about it and the money that it cost, but it is absolutely fantastic. I found the pier with my uncles name on ,the site has a spectacular view of the beaches it’s a perfect position (might get a bit cold in the winter up there) . The People of Normandy are extremely great full for all the young men that fought for them.I was chatting to some about their fondness for the Airborne and the answer was that they fought no stop in Normandy as other Units passed through. They never Forget
"A synagogue in New York holds 24-hour services on D-Day to pray for the success of Allied troops as they land on the beaches of Normandy, June 6, 1944"
