D-Day: A Comprehensive Overview of the Normandy Landings

Prelude to Invasion

The Normandy landings, codenamed Operation Overlord, commenced on June 6, 1944. They played a significant role in the liberation of Europe during World War II.

Prior to the invasion, the Allies (United States, Great Britain, and Canada) had successfully misled German intelligence into believing that the main landing would occur at Pas-de-Calais. As a result, the Germans were largely unprepared for the actual landing sites in Normandy.

Landing Beaches

Omaha, Utah, Gold, Sword, and Juno

The Allied forces landed on five beaches along the Normandy coast: Omaha, Utah, Gold, Sword, and Juno. Each beach was assigned to a specific division from the United States, Great Britain, or Canada.

American troops faced the most resistance at Omaha Beach, while Canadian forces encountered strong opposition at Juno Beach. However, Allied forces ultimately secured all five beaches by the end of D-Day.