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| Omaha Beach |
On June 6th 1944, the United States, Great Britain and Canada sent their forces onto the beaches of Normandy France. This force was augmented by other countries and Free French. It was the greatest armada the world had ever seen. Employing over 6900 ships thousands of men and vast quantities of material. They were invading the European continent to rid it of the forces of fascism and marked the end of Hitler's hold over the continent. It was and endeavour of great and immense effort and sacrifice. That proved very costly in human lives and suffering. Omaha beach was the most difficult of the landed beaches, of which there were five. The beach was fronted by high palisade type cliffs. That had to be surmounted by the invading force of Americans. Because of this the invasion force had very little area for cover as they ran out of beach and soldiers were hard pressed to advance. Leaving them in out in the lurch and under the guns of the enemy.
Mounting those cliffs was done with ropes and rope ladders. The cliffs were heavily defended by the enemy. This resulted in casualties exceeding more than 2000 men in just a few hours. This was the initial move that continued across France and the low countries on into Germany. It was a magnificent and monumental achievement . It is one of great courage and logistical mastery. The ability to move and disperse those great numbers of men and to do it almost under complete and total secrecy. Is worth taking note of and studying . It is an event and undertaking that changed history and freed millions all over the world. Under the leadership of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and others. This was a day to remember. By July 4th overcoming severe storms that battered temporary landing facilities. Over a million men were landed. Almost 100,000 vehicles were landed by as early as June 19th, and over 600,000 men and 120,000 tons of supplies.
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| One of many cemeteries in France where invading forces are buried |
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