He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. Reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. At first, Hitler, believing the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack. Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.įor their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Rommel, who was away on leave. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing.
However, by day’s end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture beaches codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword, as did the Americans at Utah Beach.
The amphibious invasions began at 6:30 a.m. By dawn on June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads.
0 kommentar(er)
