"D-Day Objectives" Topic
9 Posts
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Whitestreak | 14 Feb 2021 9:50 p.m. PST |
I've been playing HPS Simulations' computer game about the Normandy Campaign, which lead me to this question: What were the initial regimental and/or brigade objectives on D-Day (beyond getting off the beaches) and the next three or four days? This game does have units landing in the wrong areas, away from their other regimental/brigade units, so it also made me wonder just where the heck were they supposed to be trying to reach? Any sources, on-line or written? Thanks! |
Desert Rat | 15 Feb 2021 12:50 a.m. PST |
Maps for the US beaches can be found at HyperWar: Utah:
Omaha:
British objectives are harder to come by. |
Frederick | 15 Feb 2021 8:35 a.m. PST |
For the Canadians on Juno Beach their objectives were Caen and the airport at Carpiquet – while they didn't achieve them, I believe they advanced the furthest inland of any Allied forces on the first day link |
Whitestreak | 15 Feb 2021 10:40 a.m. PST |
The maps are very informative, and the BBC links are pretty interesting, too. Thanks for the help! |
Martin Rapier | 16 Feb 2021 9:16 a.m. PST |
The main objectives at Gold were to capture Arromanches and link up with Canadians at Juno. At Sword the main objectives were to link up with 6th Airborne Div on the Orne crossings and get 185 Brigade into Caen. Sadly the planners hadn't noticed that a panzer grenadier regiment was dug in south of Periers, supported, later in the day by the entire 21st Panzer Regiment, who rather got in the way. |
Legionarius | 16 Feb 2021 9:53 a.m. PST |
Reminds me of what Eisenhower reputedly said: "Plans are worthless but planning is everything." |
Nine pound round | 16 Feb 2021 10:35 a.m. PST |
These maps are from the West Point Atlas- not sure if it has comparable maps for Sword, Gold or Juno, though.0 |
ScottWashburn | 19 Feb 2021 10:33 a.m. PST |
From things I've read it seems as though planning at the regiment and battalion level was so focused on the huge task of getting off the beach that once that was accomplished many units lost momentum and spent much of the rest of D-Day standing around, unsure what to do next. |
Heedless Horseman | 19 Feb 2021 9:29 p.m. PST |
ScottWashburn. I think you already know from your own research, but I will post anyway, for those who may not be WW2 oriented… or, who MAY be using computer simulations… which may/may not allow for 'The Bug***tion factor', endemic to operations! (And, because it is 4am and I 'feel the need' to communicate SOMETHING. Apologies, if wrong…) :( Not sure about US units, but Brits encountered major difficulties because, although combat elements succeeded in getting off the beaches, their HQ and essential support didn't, being stuck in traffic 'log jams' due to cratering, etc. Some units pushed on inland but, without the command/support structure… especially FOOs, effectiveness was severely impaired… and Brit training was to act as elements of a unit. You can contrast this with German training… when Junior Officers were selected/trained to act independently. I, sadly, cannot help but laugh at the junior officer being 'roasted' by his C/O… when HE managed to catch up… for sitting in a 'ditch', because his map showed a 'river'… which was not there… he was sitting in it! . But, as usual, Brits managed to 'Muddle Through, somehow'… as before and since! All credit to those there… job done, eventually! I would recommend the DVDs from 'Pen & Sword'. Cannot vouch for accuracy,though they seem well researched, but their team provides very interesting perspectives on Normandy. link |
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