Operation Overlord
June 6, 1944, one of the biggest days in the history of the world. This battle turned the tide of WWII and ultimately began Germany’s downfall. This is the story of the events that happened before, during, and after that crucial day.
Planning for D-day started in 1943 in England. The war was in full swing. Before they could start planning the intricate details, they needed a place to land thousands of men onto French soil. A group led by British General Frederick Morgan accomplished a reconnaissance mission and drew up assault plans for the invasion. The next thing that they needed was a commander. In December of 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was chosen. General Eisenhower had led many allied operations in both Italy and North Africa. He took his new position in January of 1944.
Next, the invasion was given a code name, Operation Overlord. This battle would be the factor between winning and losing the war. To get ready for such a massive invasion, many military divisions came together from many different countries. This became known as the Combined …show more content…
6,939 ships were assembled in England to attack Normandy including 1,213 naval combat ships, 4,126 landing ships and landing crafts, 736 ancillary craft, and 864 merchant vessels (D-DAY: JUNE 6, 1944:. “The National WWII Museum”). This was the biggest water invasion in all of history. These ships would carry many of the two million men to the beaches of Normandy.
Over 11,000 aircraft flew over Normandy on D-Day. The air invasion was called Operation Neptune. There were many phases to Operation Neptune. The first phase was heavy bombing on German support, artillery, and supply lines by B-17 Flying Fortresses, British Lancasters, and Hawker Typhoons. Phase two was a paratrooper drop from C-47s behind the beaches before the sea invasion. Phase three was a night paratrooper drop after the invasion. Over 1,000 fighter planes flew support over allied
Planning for D-day started in 1943 in England. The war was in full swing. Before they could start planning the intricate details, they needed a place to land thousands of men onto French soil. A group led by British General Frederick Morgan accomplished a reconnaissance mission and drew up assault plans for the invasion. The next thing that they needed was a commander. In December of 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was chosen. General Eisenhower had led many allied operations in both Italy and North Africa. He took his new position in January of 1944.
Next, the invasion was given a code name, Operation Overlord. This battle would be the factor between winning and losing the war. To get ready for such a massive invasion, many military divisions came together from many different countries. This became known as the Combined …show more content…
6,939 ships were assembled in England to attack Normandy including 1,213 naval combat ships, 4,126 landing ships and landing crafts, 736 ancillary craft, and 864 merchant vessels (D-DAY: JUNE 6, 1944:. “The National WWII Museum”). This was the biggest water invasion in all of history. These ships would carry many of the two million men to the beaches of Normandy.
Over 11,000 aircraft flew over Normandy on D-Day. The air invasion was called Operation Neptune. There were many phases to Operation Neptune. The first phase was heavy bombing on German support, artillery, and supply lines by B-17 Flying Fortresses, British Lancasters, and Hawker Typhoons. Phase two was a paratrooper drop from C-47s behind the beaches before the sea invasion. Phase three was a night paratrooper drop after the invasion. Over 1,000 fighter planes flew support over allied