Canada's D-Day: The Battle Of Normandy

One of Canada’s largest military endeavors was the battle of Vimy Ridge during World War One. It was a fierce battle between Germans and Canadians. Canada was trying to take over the German controlled ridge, which ran from northwest to southwest between Lens and Arras, France. Its highest point was 145 feet above sea level, which was exceptionally helpful in battle because of the very flat landscape. Already over 200,000 men had fallen at Vimy, all desperately trying to take or defend this important and strategic ridge. As a result of its success in taking the ridge, Canada gained a lot more than just the strategic point. Canada was united as a nation, and the victory changed the way other counties viewed them. Canadians no longer

The invasion of Normandy, also known as Operation Overlord or D-Day, was perhaps one of the most important battles in the human history. The invasion took place on June 4, 1944, at the Coast of Normandy in France. Troops from over twelve countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America participated in the fight against Germany. Although the battles were enduring and hard-fought, the Allies achieved the final victory; the Allies were finally able to set their feet on the European soil again. The Allied invasion of Normandy was a major turning point of the war that led to the ultimate liberation of Europe from the Nazi forces.

Although he helped American troops in North Africa, Eisenhower’s biggest feat was the invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe, better known as D-Day. As the Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces in World War II at the time, Eisenhower gave permission for a massive invasion called Operation Overlord. He only had a window of four days to launch the attack, but jumped at the opportunity (Koves). The 40 mile stretch of the beaches of Normandy, France was divided into five sections: Juno, Sword, Omaha, Gold, and Utah (Operation Overlord Animated Map). Late at night on June 6th, 1944, aerial troops secured both the eastern and western parts of the beach. In the morning, seaborne soldiers began to attack the coast (Operation Overlord Animated Map). By June 27th, the Germans had wrecked their ports, assuming this would slow down the Allies. Their attempt failed, and finally, on August 25th, the French army successfully liberated Paris (BBC News).

This day is now known as D-Day, but was previously codenamed Operation Overlord (Phillips). The Allied Forces fighting World War II were losing, and Operation Overlord was their solution to winning the war. In the largest land, sea, and air invasion ever, Britain, Canada, and the United States invaded Normandy, France, which was occupied by Germany at that time (History.com Staff). Under the control of the Supreme Allied Commander for the operation, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the United States and British navies built their fleets up to 7,000 ships and 12,000 aircraft (History.com Staff). In the weeks prior to the invasion, the United States deceived the Germans. The Germans were led to believe that an attack was planned for a different area in France. The stage was set for the. Early in the morning on June 6, Allied air attacks destroyed communication and supply routes inside France, along with bridges and canals that were near the Normandy beaches. Beginning at 6:30 a.m., more than 23,000 airborne troops and 155,000 amphibious troops landed on the five beaches, codenamed Gold, Juno, Sword, Omaha, and Utah. Unfortunately some ships sank and men died before reaching the shore due to big waves and strong currents in the ocean. The landings at Gold, Juno, Sword, and Utah beaches went well, but the ships at Omaha beach were launched too far from shore, so many sank before reaching the shore,

Nazi’s had occupied France at the time and had taken control. France was part of the allied forces and was under attack by the Nazi’s. As part of the Allied Powers America, Canada, and Great Britain came to the rescue. Dwight Eisenhower was the leader behind this invasion. In December 1943, Eisenhower was put in charge of Operation Overlord – the long waited for attack on mainland Europe. Such an attack would require detailed and meticulous planning which is why Eisenhower was picked to lead this plan by the combined chief of staffs. In excerpts from General Eisenhower’s document the Order of The Day which he gave to the soldiers on D-Day he states In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. / But this is the year 1944!/The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!(Eisenhower 1944). General Eisenhower explains that the allies should come together, and they will bring forth destruction upon the Germans. He also states that in the document they will force the Nazi’s out of Europe and France will be freed. Eisenhower

First troops landed behind Nazi defenses and took control of important roads so that when the Nazis rushed to the shores they would be blocked. Meanwhile Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy. This mission was dubbed “Operation

Juno was the landing area for the 3rd Canadian Division. The division was to assault the coast through a line of small resort towns from Graye-Sur-Mer to St Aubin (Neillands & Norman, 232). There were different names for different sectors of the invasion. There was 'Mike Red' and 'Mike Green' to the west side, and 'Nan Red', 'Nan Green', and 'Nan White to the east (Neillands & Norman, 233). Landing on the beach there was the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, the Regina Rifle Regiment, the Canadian Scottish Regiment, the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, the French Canadian Regiment de la Chaudiere and the North Shore (Chartwell, 52). Now D-Day, or some call it Juno Beach, is a defining moment and played a big role for Canadians in the development of their future in military affairs. What makes it a defining moment is that Canada succeeded in their objectives, Canada supported the mother country and allies in this battle, and Canada fought the most in D-Day. But for Canada that was no problem.

D-day is and was one of the greatest allied invasions in the history of the world.Troops from all over took place in this invasion.In fact more than 160,000 allied troops took place in the invasion.It started all when Nazi Germany invaded France.They were on a path of destruction. D-DAY actually started on June 5, 1944. People just think it took place on June 6, 1944. This is just not as known. 5 beaches were invaded by the allies.The beaches were sword,Juno,gold,Omaha,and Utah.Canada,America,and Britain would divide the beaches into in the assault.America would take 2,Britain would take 2,and Canada would take 1.This was the battle plan.There were 9,000 allied casualties.It was worth it though.The beaches had finally been taken in the end.The

Imagine rushing out of a cramped boat into a thigh deep water while machine gun fire and artillery shells are falling all around you. All you see ahead are flat sand beaches with no cover and imposing concrete fortifications set on cliffs which are manned by hostile troops who want to kill you and your fellow soldiers. Events similar to these were experienced by the brave Allied soldiers who partook in The Battle of Normandy, also known as D-Day. It marked the turning point of World War II in Europe and although there were other pivotal battles in Europe, Middle East and North Africa like Stalingrad, Tobruk, and the Battle of the Bulge, none matched its importance. No single battle was more significant to the Allied victory over Germany

Operation overlord was the codename for D-day, the attack on German occupied Normandy, France. The Americans, British, and Canadians were preparing to storm the beaches of Normandy with planes, ships, tanks, and landing craft with around three million troops. Most of the infantry got to shore in small boats holding 10 - 20 men. The Germans used machine guns, rockets, and cannons. The allies were continuously sprayed by the gunfire of the Germans while they made their way inland. The majority of deaths occurred when soldiers first arrived on the beaches. There was no cover or protection for the initial soldiers so they made up many of the deaths. Around 2700 Americans were confirmed dead while many more were unconfirmed casualties.

The storming of the beach of Normandy or as it is more commonly known as “D-day” ( project overlord ). Is known around the nation as the day that America made there first big push to end the war. This amazing sea born invasion (Witch is the biggest to date) took place on June 6,1944 on the northwest edge of Europe(that was under German control at the time) on the beach of Normandy( project overlord ).

The planning of Operation Overlord and the invasion were both effected by the lack of equipment and landing crafts. Operation Overlord was a very advanced operation involving Americans, Canadians, British, and other allies. The allied forces were going to attack the beaches of Normandy in France, which was currently under Nazi Control. They attacked five different Beaches: Juno, Gold, Sword, Utah, and Omaha beach. This operation could lead to the end of World War 2 and the defeat of the Nazis.

Code-named “Operation Overlord”, the battle of Normandy lasted from early June 1944 to late August 1944.

Battle Analysis of the Invasion of Normandy Allied forces on their roles rehearsed the Invasion of Normandy for D-Day months before the invasion ever kicked off. On April 28 1944, there were 638 U.S. soldiers and sailors killed by German torpedo boats surprised one of these landing exercises. This initial attack triggered Gen. Eisenhower to retaliate. General Eisenhower was the supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. He was in charge of making every operation decision that led the fight to Normandy.

The D-Day happened in Europe at the Omaha beach where many survived the attacks form the allies. The allies were interested in attacking Europe through the entry from various entries into the country. It is believed that the D-Day and Omaha beach was the hardest fought and significant victory for the Allies in the World War II. According to Ambrose, there were five beaches and the Omaha beach was the one that received the most devastating effects of the battles. During the battle many people lost their lives and others were casualties. The allies had to pay a high price with the loss of lives, especially at Omaha beach. The operations overload begun five minutes before midnight On