Operation "Overlodge"

Many years have passed since the famous landing of the Allied Troops in Normandy. And still do not defeat the disputes - was it necessary for this assistance to the Soviet army - after all, the fracture in the war had already arrived?

In 1944, when it was already clear that the war would soon come to the victorious end, it was decided to participate the allied troops in World War II. The preparation for the operation began in 1943, after the famous Tehran conference, on which, finally, managed to find a common language with Roosevelt.

While the Soviet army led fierce battles, the British and Americans thoroughly prepared for the upcoming invasion. As the British military encyclopedias say on this topic: "The Allies have had enough time to prepare an operation with the thoroughness and thoughtfulness that its complexity required, on their side there were the initiative and the possibility of free selection of the time and place of disembarking." Of course, we are strange to read about "sufficient time," when thousands of soldiers were daily in our country ...

Operation "Overlodge" was to be carried out on land and on the sea (the marine part of it had the code name "Neptune"). Her tasks were as follows: "To land on the coast of Normandy. Focus the forces and means necessary for a decisive battle in the Normandy area, Brittany, and break through the defense of the enemy. Two groups of armies chasing the enemy on a wide front, focusing the main efforts on the left flank to capture the ports you need, go to the borders of Germany and create a threat to the roar. On the right flank, our troops will be connected with the forces that will invade France from the south. "

Involuntarily amazed caution of Western politicians, for a long time who stacked the moment for landing and postponing her day after day. The final decision was made in the summer of 1944. Churchillus writes about it in memories: "Thus, we approached the operation that the Western powers could consider the culmination point of the war. Although the path lying ahead could be long and heavy, we had every reason to be confident that she was obsessed with a decisive victory. Russian army expelled German invaders from their country. All the fact that Hitler so quickly won among Russians for three years before, it was lost with huge losses in people and gear. Crimea was cleaned. Polish borders were achieved. Romania and Bulgaria desperately tried to avoid revenge from the eastern winners. From day to day, the new offensive of Russians was to begin, timed to the time for our landing on the continent. "
That is, the moment was the most appropriate, and the Soviet troops were all prepared for the successful speech of the allies ...

Combat power

The landing was to be carried out in the north-east of France, on the coast of Normandy. Allies' troops followed the storm against the coast, and then go to liberate land territories. In the military headquarters, the operation was crowned with success, as Hitler and his military leaders believed that in this area, the landings from the sea were practically impossible - too complicated terrain of the coast and a strong current. Therefore, the Normandy coast area was weakly fortified by German troops, which increased the chances of winning.

But at the same time, Hitler did not waste in vain that the enemy landing on this territory is impossible - the allies had to break his head, inventing how to fulfill landing in such impossible conditions, how to overcome all the difficulties and strengthen on an unequipped shore ...

By the summer of 1944, the largest forces of allies focused on the British Islands - entire four armies: the 1st and 3rd American, 2nd English and 1st Canadian, which included 39 divisions, 12 separate brigades and 10 English troops and American marine infantry. Air forces were represented by thousands of fighters and bombers. The fleet under the guidance of the English admiral B. Ramseye was thousands of warships and boats, landing and auxiliary ships.

According to a carefully developed plan, the sea and air landing should have been landed in Normandy at a stretch of about 80 km. It was assumed that 5 infantry, 3 airborne divisions and several seasons of marines were asleep on the first day. The zone of landing was divided into two districts - in one should have been acting American, and in the second - British troops, enhanced by allies from Canada.

The main burden in this operation was located on the sea fleet, which should be delivered to the delivery of troops, ensure the cover of the landing and lead fire support. Aviation should cover the area of \u200b\u200blanding from the air, violate the communications of the enemy, suppress the defense of the enemy. But the hardest had to experience the infantry, which was led by the English General B. Montgomery ...

Judgment Day

The landing was appointed on June 5, but because of bad weather, I had to postpone her for the day. On the morning of June 6, 1944, a great battle began ...

This is how the British Military Encyclopedia tells about this: "Never one of the coasts has undergone the fact that I had to undergo the coast of France in this morning. In parallel, shelling from ships and bombing from the air. Along the entire front of the invasion, the Earth was cluttered by fragments from explosions; Shells from the ship's guns pierced the bars in the fortifications, and with the sky, tons of bombs were filled with them ... Through the clouds of smoke and falling debris, covered by horror at the sight of a picture of universal destruction, could hardly distinguish hundreds of ships and other swimming agents, inexorably approaching shore. "

In the screens and explosions, the landing began landing ashore, and in the evening of the territory captured by the enemy, there were significant forces of the allies. But at the same time they had to suffer considerable losses. During landing, thousands of military personnel of American, British, Canadian armies were killed ... almost every second soldier was killed - such a heavy price had to pay for the opening of the second front. This is how veterans remember about this: "I was 18. And I was very hard to watch, as the guys die. I just prayed to God so he let me return home. And many have not returned. "

"I tried to assist at least someone: I quickly made an injection and wrote on the forehead in the wounded that I was a wicl. And then we collected the dead comrades. You know, when you are 21, it is too hard, especially if there are hundreds of them. Some bodies flooded in a few days, weeks. My fingers passed through them "...

Thousands of young lives were cut into this non-micro-refinery French coast, but the task of command was fulfilled. On June 11, 1944, Stalin sent Churchill to Telegram: "As can be seen, a massive landing, taken in a grand scale, was completely successful. My colleagues and I cannot but admit that the history of wars does not know another similar enterprise in the latitude of the plan, the gradation of the scale and the execution skill. "

Allied troops continued their victorious offensive, freeing one town after another. By July 25, Normandy was practically cleared of the enemy. Allies for the period from June 6 to July 23, 122 thousand people lost 122 thousand people. The losses of the German troops amounted to 113 thousand people killed, injured and prisoners, as well as 2,117 tanks and 345 aircraft. But as a result of the operation, Germany was between two lights and was forced to lead the war on two fronts.

Until now, disputes continue, it was necessary to participate allies in the war. Some are confident that our army herself would have successfully coped with all the difficulties. Many annoys the fact that in Western history textbooks, it is very often about the fact that the Second World War actually won English and American troops, and the bloody sacrifices and battles of Soviet soldiers are not mentioned at all ...

Yes, most likely, our troops would have coped themselves with the Hitler's army. It would only have happened later, and from the war would not return much more than our soldiers ... Of course, the opening of the second front approached the end of the war. It is only a pity that the Allies took part in hostilities only in 1944, although they could do it much earlier. And then the terrible victims of the Second World War would be less than several times ...

70 years ago, June 6, 1944, thousands of soldiers and officers were preparing to take part in the operation, which marked the end of World War II. The fallout of the Allies in Normandy, in which more than 130 thousand military were involved, planned more than a year. By evening, "the longest day" more than 10 thousand people died, injured and captured. This operation has become the largest sea battle in world history.

You can get acquainted with the most icon and, including little-known facts of that operation and see rare photos.

1. Death rehearsal "Day D"

On July 28, 1944, eight ships with American infantry and equipment on board left the shores of British Devon and began the rehearsal of the planned landing in Normandy. However, not everything went smoothly. Ships used radio frequencies that intercepted German scouts. Due to the poorly established system of communications, the ships became an easy target for submarines of the Hitler's army. As a result, about 800 people died.

Concerned about the leakage of secret information, the command of the army of the Allied States frozen all the data archives. Consequently, some families could not find out how their loved ones died.

2. Temptation

In the book of Jonathan Mayo "Day D" talks about the unusual test, which arranged to his military unit Lieutenant Colonel Terens Ans. He wanted to be sure that the soldiers were not taking about the planned operation. To check the soldiers "For durability", the answer asked the most beautiful girls from the air squadron to go to the pub, seduce the military who rested there, and to reveal the mystery. None of the military fell into the trap.

3. What did Churchill thought on the eve of the operation?

4. Code names "Day D"

During the preparation of the operation, a number of code names were used. "Utah", "Omaha", "Gold" and "Sudo" denoted beaches on the coast of Normandy. "Neptune" - the name of the most
disembarking, and "overlord" - the whole surgery for the liberation of Normandy from the Nazis. Bigo is a code name for those who had tolerance at the highest level.

These secret data was hidden behind the seven locks. How the command was crushed when, shortly before the start of the operation, a crossword puzzle containing entire five code names was published in Daily Telegraph, including "Utah", Omaha and Neptune. British intelligence scored anxious, suspecting that in this way someone tries to convey the enemy secret information. However, searches in the house of the author of Crossword did not give anything.

5. Disinformation campaign

When developing an invasion plan, the allies became largely relied on confidence that the enemy unknown two major details - the place and time of the Overlord operation.
To ensure secrecy and suddenness, the landing was developed and successfully carried out the largest disinformation operation (Fortitude operation).

To disinform the enemy, the Allied Army has developed fake codes and operation plans.

Early in the morning of June 6, the detachments of drummers in a military form landed in Normandy and Pa de Cala. They had a special noise equipment that imitated the sound of firing and air plaque. This episode entered the history called "Titanic". His main goal was to distract the attention of the enemy from the fundamental forces of allies, landed a little west of this place.

6. What does "d" mean in the term "day d"?

For many years, people wondered what the letter "d" means in the title "Day D", under which the Norman operation is known.

"Day D" is a term generally accepted in a military business, which is denoted by the day of the military operation. It was used both before the allied landing in France and after.

Military terms "day d" and "hour h", denote the time to start any operation, the actual term of which is uniquely cannot be determined and where strict secrecy regime is observed.

As a rule, "d" and "h", in advance are generally unknown. The start time is reported on the day of the offensive. In the planning documents during military operation, the time is calculated approximately as follows: the preparation time for the operation - "h" minus XX hours of XX minutes, and all subsequent actions - "h" plus XX hours of XX minutes.

7. Letter of General Eisenhauer in case of defeat

US General Eisenhower wrote a letter to be published in the event of a defeat.
"The landing of our troops in the Sherburg-Havre zone did not bring successful results and I recalled our troops. My decision to strike is currently based on trustworthy information. Our marine and air troops demonstrated unprecedented courage. If someone is to blame in their defeat, then only I myself, "said in a letter, which General randomly signed on July 5, and not on 5 June.

8. The weather was on the side of the Allies

9. Hack the Enigma code

10. "The man who won the war"

General Dwight Eisenhower somehow said: "Andrew Higgins - a man who won the war for us."
So who is he Andrew Higgins?

Higgins - Genius - Succule in the design of small vessels, which developed and constructed the amphibian troops, with which the forces of the Allies crossed La Mans. "If Higgins did not create these vessels, we would never have been able to land on an outdoor beach. The strategy of the whole war would be completely different. "

"Many battles are claimed to the role of the main battle of World War II. Someone believes that this is a battle near Moscow, in which the fascist troops suffered the first defeat. Others believe that it is necessary to consider the Stalingrad battle, the third it seems that the main battle on Kursk The arc. In America (and recently in Western Europe), no one doubts that the main battle was the Norman landing operation and the battles that followed it. It seems to me that Western historians are right, although not in everything.

Let's think that it would be if the Western Allies once again were proclaimed and did not land the landing in 1944? It is clear that Germany would still be divided, only the Red Army would finish the war not under Berlin and on Oder, but in Paris and on the shores of Loire. It is clear that General de Gaulle, who came to power in France, and anyone from the leaders of the Comintern. Similar figures would be found for Belgium, Holland, Denmark and all other large and small countries in Western Europe (as they were found for countries in Eastern Europe). Naturally, Germany would not be divided into four occupation zones, therefore, a single German state would have formed not in the 90s, and in the 40s, and it would be called not Germany, but the GDR. It would not be in this hypothetical world and a place for NATO (who would have entered in except the United States and England?), But in the Warsaw Agreement would unite the whole Europe. Ultimately, the Cold War, if she had taken place at all, would be a completely different character, and would have a completely different outcome. However, I'm not going to prove at all that everything would be exactly the case, and not otherwise. But in the fact that the results of the Second World War would be different, no doubt. Well, the battle, which largely identified the course of post-war development, should be considered the main battle of war. That's just a battle you can call it with a big stretch.

Atlantic Val.
So called the German defense system in the West. According to films and computer games, this shaft seems to be something very powerful - rows of anti-tank hens, behind them concrete dots with machine guns and tools, bins for live strength, etc. However, remember whether you have to see a photo somewhere on which all this would be seen? On the most famous and widely replicable photograph of the NDO, landing barges and American soldiers are wrapped in the water in the water, and this is removed from the side of the coast. We managed to find photos of disembarking places that you see here. Soldiers are planted on a completely empty coast, wherees there are no defensive structures except for several anti-tank heroes. So what was the Atlantic shaft?
For the first time, this name sounded in the fall of 1940, when four long-range batteries on the coast of Pa de Cala were built in a short time. True, they were not intended to reflect the landing, but to violate shipping in the strait. Only in 1942, after an unsuccessful landing of the Canadian Rangers under Dieppo, the construction of defensive structures began, mainly everything is there, on the coast of La Mansha (it was assumed that it was here that the allies landed would occur), the workforce and materials were released on the rest of the same sections principle. It remained not so much, especially after the intensification of the raids to Germany of the Allied Aviation (there was a bomb shelter for the population and industrial enterprises). As a result of the construction of the Atlantic shaft, as a whole percentage of 50, but directly in Normandy and is less. More or less prepared for defense, the only site, the one who subsequently received the name of the Omaha bridgehead. However, he looked at all as shown in a well-known game.

Think by yourself what sense to have concrete fortifications on the very shore? Of course, the guns installed there can fire landing vessels, and machine-gun fire can be hit by the enemy soldier when they wander the belt in the water. But the bunkers standing right on the shore are perfectly visible to the enemy, so he without much difficulty can suppress their ship artillery. Therefore, directly in water cuts are created only by passive defensive structures (mine fields, concrete fores, anti-tank hedgehogs). Behind them, it is desirable for the ridges of a dune or hills, the trenches are broken, and on the reverse slopes of the hills, blockbinds and other shelters are built, where the infantry can wait for art narrow or bombing. Well, even further, sometimes a few kilometers from the coast, closed artillery positions are created (here it is here that you can see the powerful concrete chamsis, which we like to show in the movies so much).

Approximately the plan and defense was built in Normandy, but I repeat, its main part was created only on paper. For example, mines were exhibited about three million, but at the most modest calculations needed at least sixty million. Artillery positions were mainly ready, but the tools were installed far from everywhere. I'll tell you this: long before the start of the invasion, the French resistance movement reported that on the Merville battery, the Germans installed four sea 155-mm guns. The shooting range of these guns could reach 22 km, so there was a danger of shelling warships, so it was decided to destroy the battery at any cost. This task was assigned to the 9th battalion of the 6th parachute division, which was preparing for her almost three months. A very accurate battery layout was built, and battalion fighters day after day attacked it from all sides. Finally, the day D, with a big noise and gamar, the battalion captured the battery and found there ... four French 75-mm guns on iron wheels (the seasons of the first world). Positions were really made under 155 mm guns, but the Germans themselves did not have, so they put what was at hand.

It must be said that the Arsenal of the Atlantic Shaft in general consisted mainly of trophy guns. For four years, the Germans methodically gone there all that they got from the broken armies. There were Czech, Polish, French and even Soviet guns, and to many of them had a very limited supply of shells. Approximately the same was the case with small armaments, either a trophy, or removed from weapons on the Eastern Front fell into Normandia. In total, in the 37th army (namely, it was the main severity of battle) 252 types of ammunition were used, and 47 of them were removed from production.

Personal composition
Now let's talk about who for whom it was necessary to reflect the invasion of the Anglo-Americans. Let's start with the command composition. Surely you remember the one-acoustic and one-eyed colonel of Staugnberg, who committed an unsuccessful attempt on Hitler. And whether you were questioned why such a disabled was not dismissed, but continued to serve, albeit in the army of the reserve? Yes, because by the 44th year, the requirements for fitness in Germany were significantly reduced, in particular, loss of eyes, hands, severe contusion, etc. No reason was the basis for dismissal from the service of the highest and secondary officer. Of course, on the eastern front, the target from such monsters would be a bit, but it was possible to plug holes in parts deployed on the Atlantic shaft. So approximately 50% of the command formulation was related to the category "limited fit."

Did not go around the Führer his attention and ordinary composition. Take for example 70th infantry division, more known as the "White Bread Division". She fully consisted of soldiers suffering from various types of stomach diseases, because of which they had to be constantly on a diet (naturally with the beginning of the invasion of the diet it became difficult to obey, so that this division disappeared itself). In other parts, there were whole battalions from soldiers suffering from flat-painting, diseases of the kidneys, diabetes, etc. In a relatively calm atmosphere, they could carry a rear service, but their combat value was close to zero.

However, not all soldiers on the Atlantic shaft were sick or cripples, there was a lot and quite healthy there, that was it only for 40 years (and in artillery and mostly served in the fifty-year-old).

Well, the last, the most amazing facts of the native Germans in infantry divisions were only about 50%, the remaining half was all sorts from all ends of Europe and Asia. It was ashamed to admit to this, but there were a lot of compatriots there, for example, the 162nd Infantry Division consisted of the so-called "Eastern Legions" (Turkmen, Uzbek, Azerbaijani, etc.). Were on the Atlantic Valley and Vlasovsky, however, the Germans themselves were not sure that there would be some kind of prog. For example, the Commander of the Cherbourg Garrison General Schliben said: "It is very doubtful that we will be able to incline these Russians to fight for Germany in France against Americans and the British." He was right, most of the eastern troops surrendered to allies without a fight.

Bloody Beach "Omaha"
American troops planted on two sites, "Utah" and "Omaha". On the first of them, the battle did not work out - there were only two reference points on this site, each of which was defended by reinforced platoon. Naturally, they could not have any resistance to the 4th American division, especially since both were practically destroyed by the fire of ship artillery even before the landing began.

By the way, there was an interesting case, perfectly characterizing the combat spirit of the allies. A few hours before the start of the invasion, aerial deposits were planted in the depths of the German defense. Due to the error of the pilots, about three dozen parachutists were reset on the very shore near the bunker W-5. Some of them were destroyed, the Germans were captured by others. And at 4.00, these prisoners began to emerge the bunker commander immediately send them to the rear. When the Germans asked that it was so impatient, the brave warriors immediately reported that an arteephone preparation from the ships would begin, followed by a landing. It is a pity that the story did not keep the names of these "freedom fighters and democracy", issued an hour to start the invasion for the sake of their skins.

Let's go back, however, on the scenery "Omaha". In this area, only one available area is 6.5 km available for landing (east and west of it for many kilometers to reach steep cliffs). Naturally, the Germans were able to prepare him well to defense, there were two powerful bins with guns and machine guns on the flanks of the site. However, the cannons from them could only fire the beach and a small water strip along it (from the side of the sea, the bins were covered with rocks and a six-meter layer of concrete). For a relatively narrow beach strip, the hills began, up to 45 meters high, whose ridge were separated by trenches. All this defense system was well known to the allies, but they hoped to suppress it before the landing began. The fire on the springboard was to lead two linkers, three cruisers and six destroyers. In addition, field artillery should shoot with landing vessels, well, and eight landing barges were redesigned to the installation for starting jet shells. In just thirty minutes, more than 15 thousand shells of different calibers were supposed (up to 355-mm). And they were released ... in white light as in a penny. Subsequently, the Allies came up with a lot of exclusion of the small efficiency of shooting, here and strong excitement at the sea, and the predestal fog, and something else, but in one way or another, nor bunkers, nor even trenches from the art crestrail.

Even worse than allied aviation. Armada Bombarders "Libertor" dropped several hundred tons of bombs, but none of them fell not only in strengthening the enemy, but even on the beach (and some bombs exploded five kilometers from the coast).

Thus, the infantry had to overcome the completely intact band of the opponent's defense. However, troubles for land parts began before they were on the shore. For example, from 32 floating tanks (DD SERMAN) 27 sank almost immediately after the descent on the water (two tanks got to the beach, three more were unloaded straight to the shore). Commanders of some landing bargains, not wanting to enter the sector heated by German guns (Americans at all the instinct of self-preservation is developed much better than the sense of debt, and all other feelings), have led the ranks and proceeded to unloading at depths of about two meters, where most paratroopers have been successfully tone .

Finally, the first wave of the landing was planted. It included the 146th sapper battalion, whose fighters were needed, first of all, destroy the concrete fores, so that it was possible to start landing tanks. But it was not there, it was, for each superb laying two or three brave American infantrymen, who, to put it mildly, objected to the destruction of such reliable shelter. I had to lay the saules to lay explosives from the side facing the enemy (naturally, many of them were killed 111 from the 272 stems). For helping saperes in the first wave, 16 armored bulldozers were granted. Almost three got to the coast, and the use of sappers were only two of them - paratroopers were covered for the third and, threatening the driver, forced him to stay in place. It seems that examples of "mass heroism" is quite enough.

Well, then we start with solid riddles. In any source dedicated to the events at the Omaha section, there must be a mention of two "fire-haired bunkers on the flanks", but not in any of them they say who, when and how to suppress the fire of these bunkers. It seems that the Germans shot-shot, and then stopped (perhaps, so it was, remember that I wrote above about the ammunition). It is even more interesting about the machine guns shifted on the front. When American sappers smoked their comrades because of concrete foreman, they had to seek salvation in the dead zone at the foot of the hills (in some way it can be considered an onset). One of the branches there were discovered a narrow path leading to the top.

Carefully moving on this path, the infantrymen got to the ridge of the hill, and there were completely empty trenches there! Where did the Germans defeated them? And there was no place there, on this plot, the defenses occupied one of the mouth of the 1st battalion of the 726th Grenadier regiment, which consisted mainly of Czechs forcibly designed to the Wehrmacht. Naturally, they dreamed of surrender to the Americans as soon as possible, but agree, throw a white flag before the enemy attacks you somehow unoliginal even for the descendants of the brave soldier Schweik. The Czechs lay in the trenches, from time to time releaseing a turn-other towards Americans. But after a while they realized that even such a formal resistance restrains the offensive of the enemy, so they gathered manati and moved to the rear. There, in the end, they were captured to general pleasure.

In short, shifting the pile of devoted to NDO materials, I managed to find one only story about a combat clash at the Omaha bridgehead, I cite him literally. "Rota" E ", landed before Collarm after a two-hour battle captured the German bunker on top of the hill and captured 21 people." Everything!

Home Battle of World War II
In this summary, I only told about the first hours of the Norman landing operation. In the days that followed them, the Anglo-Americans had to face many difficulties. Here and the storm, almost destroyed one of two artificial ports; and confusion with supply (field hairdressers were delivered to a bridgehead with a large delay); And the inconsistency of the allied actions (the British began the offensive for two weeks earlier than was scheduled, obviously, they were less than Americans depended on the presence of field hairdressers). However, opposition to the enemy among these difficulties is at the last place. So is it worth it to call "Battle"? "

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The worst thing, not counting
played battle,
this is a won battle.

Duke Wellington.

Allied landing in Normandy, operation "Overlord", "Day d" (eng. "D-Day"), Norman operation. This event has many different names. This is the battle that everything knows, even outside the countries who fought in the war. This is an event that has taken many thousands of lives. The event, which is forever entered the story.

general information

Operation "Overlord" - Military operation of allies troops, which has become an operation-opening of the second front in the West. Holded in Normandy, France. To this day, it is the largest landing operation in history - more than 3 million people were involved. Operation began June 6, 1944 and ended on August 31, 1944 by the liberation of Paris from the German invaders. This operation combined the skill of the organization and preparation for the combat actions of allies troops and rather ridiculous errors of the Reich troops, which led to the collapse of Germany in France.

Goals of warring parties

For English-American troops "Overlord" I put the goal to apply a crushing blow to the heart of the Third Reich and, in cooperation with the onset of the Red Army throughout the Eastern Front, crush the main and most powerful opponent from the Axis countries. The goal of Germany, as a defending side, was limited: not allow the allies to land and strengthen in France, to force them to incur large human and technical losses and reset them into the strait of La Mans.

The forces of the parties and the general state of affairs before the fight

It is worth noting that the position of the German army in 1944, especially on the Western Front, left much to be desired. Hitler's main troops focused on the Eastern Front, where Soviet troops won one after another. The troops of Germany were devoid of a single leadership in France - permanent shifts of the highest commanders, conspiracies against Hitler, disputes about the possible place of disembarkation, the lack of a single defensive plan did not contribute to the successes of the Nazis.

By June 6, 1944, 58 German-fascist divisions were stationed in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, including 42 infantry, 9 tank and 4 airflows. They combined into two groups of armies, "b" and "g", and were subordinated to the "West" command. The group of armies "B" (Commander-Feldmarshal General E. Rommel), located in France, Belgium and the Netherlands, included the 7th, 15th Army and the 88th Separate Army Corps - only 38 divisions. The group of the army "G" (commander of General I. Blassovitz) as part of the 1st and 19th armies (only 11 divisions) was located on the coast of the Biscay Bay and in Southern France.

In addition to the troops, which were part of the Army Groups, 4 divisions amounted to the "West" command. Thus, the greatest densities of the troops were created in Northeast France, on the coast of the Para de Kale. In general, the German units were scattered throughout France and did not have time to come on the battlefield. So, for example, about 1 million, Reich soldiers were in France and originally did not participate in the battle.

Despite the relatively considerable amount of German soldiers and technology deployed in the area, their combat capability was extremely low. 33 divisions were considered "stationary", that is, either did not have vehicles at all, or did not have the necessary amount of fuel. About 20 divisions were newly formed or restored after battles, so they were equipped only 70-75% of the norm. Many tank divisions also did not take fuel.

From the memories of the headquarters of the West command, General Westfal: "It is well known that the combat capability of the German troops in the West by the time the disembarkation was much lower than the combat capability of the divisions operating in the east and in Italy ... a significant number of units in France compounds of land forces, the so-called" stationary divisions "were very poorly equipped with weapons and motor transport and consisted of senior age soldiers ". The air fleet of Germany could provide about 160 combat-ready aircraft. As for the naval forces, the Hitler's troops had 49 submarines, 116 watchdogs, 34 torpedo boats and 42 artillery barges.

The allied troops who were commanded by the future US President Duight Eisenhower, had 39 divisions and 12 brigades at its disposal. As for aviation and fleet, in this aspect the allies had an overwhelming advantage. They had about 11 thousand combat aircraft, 2,200 transport aircraft; Over 6 thousand combat, landing and transport ships. Thus, by the time of landing, the overall superiority of allies over the enemy was 2.1 times in people, 2.2 times, by airplanes, almost 23 times. In addition, the Anglo-American troops constantly pulled up new forces on the field of Brahi, and by the end of August, about 3 million people were already at their disposal. Germany could not boast such reserves.

Operation plan

American command began to prepare for landing in France long before "Day d" (The initial landing project was considered 3 years before it - in 1941 - and had the code name "Roundap"). In order to test his strength in the war in Europe, the Americans, together with the English troops landed in North Africa (the Torch operation), and then in Italy. The operation was transferred many times and changed because the United States could not decide which theaters of hostilities are more important for them - the European or Pacific. After the decision was made by the main opponent to choose Germany, and on the Pacific, limit the tactical protection, the development plan began operations "Overlord".

The operation consisted of two phases: the first received the code name "Neptune", the second - "Cobra". Neptune assumed the initial landing for troops, the seizure of the coastal territory, "Cobra" - further offensive in France, with the subsequent seizure of Paris and access to the German-French border. The first part of the operation lasted from June 6, 1944 to July 1, 1944; The second began immediately after the end of the first, that is, from July 1, 1944 and until August 31 of the same year.

The operation was preparing in the strictest secrecy, all the troops that were to disembark in France were translated into special isolated military bases that were forbidden to leave, information propaganda was carried out on the place and time of the operation.

In addition to the US troops and England, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand soldiers participated in the operation, and in France itself, the strength of French resistance was active. For a very long time, the command of the Allied forces could not accurately decide on time and the start of the operation. The most preferred places for landing the landing were Normandy, Brittany and Pa de Calais.

Everyone knows that the choice was stopped at Normandy. The choice was influenced by such factors as the distance to the ports of England, the echelion and the power of defensive fortifications, the radius of the Aviation of the Allies forces. The combination of these factors and determined the selection of the command of the Allies.

The German command until the very last moment believed that the landing would occur in the pa-de-kale area, as this place is closest to England, and it means that it takes less time for the carriage of goods, technicians, new soldiers. The famous "Atlantic shaft" was created in Pa-de-Calais - an unapproachable line of defense of the fascists, while in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Street landing was hardly ready halfway. The landing took place on five beaches that received the code name "Utah", "Omaha", "Gold", "Sord", "Juno".

The time of the operation was determined by the ratio of the level of water tide and the sunrise time. These factors were considered to ensure that landing vessels would not be stranded and did not receive damage from underwater barriers, it was possible to plant equipment and a landing as possible to the shore. As a result, the beginning of the operation began on June 6, this day was called "Day d". During the night before disembarking the main forces in the rear of the enemy, a parachute landing land, which was supposed to help the main forces, and immediately before the beginning of the main attack, German fortifications were subjected to massive airlinale and allies ships.

Course of operation

Such a plan was designed in the headquarters. In fact, everything went wrong. The landing, which was rebelled into the rear of the Germans per night before the operation, was scattered in a huge territory - over 216 square meters. km. 25-30 km. from capture objects. Most of the 101st division, which settled near the Saint Mayor-Egliz, disappeared without a trace. The 6th English division was also not lucky: although the paratroopers were planted, they were much smaller than their American comrades, in the morning they fell under the shelling of their own aviation, which was failed to establish communication. The 1st Division of the US troops was almost completely destroyed. Some vessels with tanks were sinking even before they got to the shore.

Already during the second part of the operation - the operation "Cobra" - the aviation of the Allies hit the same command item. The offensive went much slower than it was planned. The very bloody event of the entire company was landing on the beach "Omaha". According to plan, early in the morning, German fortifications on all beaches were subjected to shelling by ship tools and bombing of aviation, as a result of which the strengthening was significantly injured.

But on Omaha because of the fog and rain, ship tools and aircraft missed, and the fortifications did not receive any damage. By the end of the first day of the operation, on Omaha, the Americans lost more than 3 thousand people and could not take the position planned by the plan, while at the Uta During this time, about 200 people lost, took the right positions and united with a landing. Despite all this, in general, the allied troops have passed quite successfully.

The second phase was successfully started successfully. operations "Overlord"As part of which cherbourg such as Cherbourg was taken, Saint-Lo, Ca and others. The Germans retreated, throwing weapons, equipment to the Americans. On August 15, due to the errors of the German command, two German tank army fell into the environment, which, though they could get out of the so-called phalevas boiler, but at the cost of huge losses. Then on August 25, the Allied troops captured Paris, continuing to push the Germans to the borders of Switzerland. After the full stripping of the French capital from the fascists, operation "Overlord" It was declared completed.

Causes of the victory of the Allied Troops

Many of the causes of the victory of the allies and the defeat of the Germans were already named above. One of the main reasons was the critical position of Germany at this stage of war. The main forces of Reich were focused on the Eastern Front, the permanent Natisk of the Red Army did not give Hitler the opportunity to transfer new troops to France. Such an opportunity appeared only at the end of 1944 (Ardenne offensive), but then it was too late.

The best military-technical equipment of allies troops has also affected: all the Anglo-Americans technique was new, with a complete ammunition and a sufficient fuel margin, while the Germans constantly experienced difficulties in supply. In addition, the allies constantly received reinforcements from English ports.

An important factor was the activity of the French partisans, which pretty well spoiled the supply of German troops. In addition, the allies had a numerical advantage over the enemy for all types of weapons, as well as personal composition. Conflicts inside the German headquarters, as well as the wrong opinion that the landing will happen precisely in the area of \u200b\u200bPa de Calais, and not in Normandy, led to the decisive victory of allies.

The value of the operation

In addition to the fact that the landing in Normandy showed the strategic and tactical art of the Command of the Allied Troops and the courage of ordinary soldiers, she also had a huge impact on the course of the war. "Day d" He opened the second front, forced Hitler to fight on two fronts, which stretched the already running power of the Germans. It was the first major battle in Europe, in which American soldiers showed themselves. The offensive in the summer of 1944 caused the wreck of all Western Front, Wehrmacht lost almost all positions in Western Europe.

Representation of the battle in the mass media

The scale of the operation, as well as its bloodshed (especially on the beach "Omaha") led to the fact that today there are many computer games, films for this topic. Perhaps the most famous movie was the masterpiece of the famous director Stephen Spielberg "Save Private Ryan"which talks about the slaughterhouse that happened on Omaha. Also this topic was affected in "The Long Day", television series "Brothers in Arms" And many documentaries. Operation "Overlord" appeared in more than 50 different computer games.

Even though operation "Overlord" It was held more than 50 years ago, and now it remains the most large-scale landing operation in the history of mankind, and now the attention of many scientists and experts is riveted, and now endless disputes and debates are underway about it. And probably it is clear why.

On June 6, 1944, the long-awaited landing for the troops of the anti-Hitler coalition on the northern coast of France, which received the general name "Sisser" (Overlord). The operation was preparing for a long time and carefully, she was preceded by difficult negotiations in Tehran. Millions of tons of military cargo were delivered. At the secret front, the disinformation of the Abver reconnaissance of Britain and the United States regarding the landing area and many other events ensuring a successful offensive. At different times, both of us and abroad, the scale of this military operation, depending on the political situation, was exaggerated, they were understood. It is time to give an objective assessment both, and its consequences at the Western European Theater of World War II.

Stew, condensed milk and egg powder

As you know from movies, Soviet soldiers, the participants of the war of 1941-1945 were called the "second front" American stew, condensed milk, and other foods arrived in the USSR from the USA under the Lend-Liz program. This phrase was uttered with a somewhat ironic intonation expressing a little hidden contempt for the "Allies". It was invested in this sense: while we shed blood here, they slow with the beginning of the war against Hitler. They are sitting in general, wait to enter into war at the moment when Russians, and the Germans will weaken and expand their resources. Then the Americans will come with the British to share the winners laurels. The opening of the second front in Europe was all postponed, the main severity of hostilities continued to bear the Red Army.

In some sense, everything was so. Moreover, to reproach F. D. Roosevelt is that he did not hurry to send the American army into battle, and waited for this most successful moment, it would be unfair. In the end, as president of the United States, he was obliged to think about the welfare of his country and act in her interests. As for Great Britain, without American assistance, it was technically not able to carry out a massive invasion of the mainland. From 1939 to 1941, this country was alone in a war with Hitler, she managed to stand out, but he didn't even go about the onset of speech. So Churchill reproach especially nothing. In a sense, the second front existed all wartime and until the day "d" (landing day), he shouted the significant forces of Luftwaffe and Crygsmarine. Most (about three-quarters) of the German Maritime and Air Fleet was occupied in operation against Britain.

Nevertheless, without detraining the merit of allies, our participants in the Great Patriotic War always rightly believed that it was they who made a decisive contribution to the case of a common victory over the enemy.

And whether it is necessary

Confinitely contemptuous attitude towards alliance was cultivated by the Soviet leadership all post-war decades. The main argument was the ratio of Soviet and German losses on the Eastern Front with similar figures of the dead Americans, the British, Canadians and the same Germans, but in the West. Nine out of ten killed Soldiers of the Wehrmacht folded their heads in the battles with the Red Army. Under Moscow, on the Volga, in the area of \u200b\u200bKharkov, in the mountains of the Caucasus, on thousands of nameless highlights, in unfortunately villagers was reversible, the ridge was easily overwhelmed by almost all European armies and submissive in the country in a matter of weeks, and sometimes days. Maybe the second front in Europe was generally not needed and could have done without it? By the summer of 1944, the outcome of the war was generally predetermined. The Germans carried the monstrous losses, human and material resources lacked catastrophically, during the time the Soviet military production reached the revolutions unprecedented in the world history. The infinite "leveling of the front" (so Goebbels propaganda explained the constant retreat) was at their essence. Nevertheless, I. V. Stalin persistently reminded allies about their promise to hit Germany on the other hand. In 1943, American troops landed in Italy, but it was clearly not enough.

Where and when

The names of military operations are chosen so as to invest in one or two words the entire strategic essence of the upcoming action. At the same time, the enemy, even learning it, should not guess about the main elements of the plan. The direction of the main strike, attracted by technical means, the timing and the like details for the enemy must remain a mystery. The upcoming landing on the Nordic European coast was called Overlord. The operation was broken into several stages that also have their own code designations. She began on the day "d" with "Neptune", and ends "Cobra", involving promotion into mainland.

The German General Staff did not have any doubt that the second front would take place. 1944 - the extreme date, when this event could take place, and, knowing the basic American techniques, it was difficult to assume that the Allies of the USSR will begin the offensive in the unfavorable autumn or winter months. In the spring, the invasion was also considered unlikely due to the instability of weather conditions. So summer. The intelligence provided by the Abvert confirmed the massive transportation of technical means. B-17 and B-24 bombers were disassembled to the island by the courts of Liberty, as well as Sherman tanks, and other goods arrived in addition to these offensive arms from Ocean: Food, medicines, fuel and lubricants. , ammunition, transport marines and much more. Hide such a large-scale movement of military equipment and personnel is almost impossible. The German command had only two questions: "When?" and where?".

Not where they are waiting

La Mans is the most narrow place of water space between the British "Mineland" and Europe. It was here that the German generals would start landed if they decided on her. This is logical and meets all the rules of military science. But that is why General Eisenhower fully eliminated the English channel, planning Overlord. The operation was supposed to be a complete surprise for the German command, otherwise there was a considerable risk of military fiasco. Defense the coast in any case is much easier than to storm it. The strengthening of the Atlantic Shaft was created in advance throughout the previous military years, work began immediately after the occupation of the northern part of France and were conducted with the population involved in the captured countries. They acquired a special intensity after Hitler realized that the opening of the second front was inevitable. 1944 was marked by arrival at the expected place of landing of the allies of the Allied General-Field Marshal Rommel, whom the Fuhrer respectfully met by the "deserted fox", then his "African Lv." This military specialist has spent a lot of energy for improving fortifications, which, as time has shown, was almost not useful. This is a great merit of the American and English special services and other soldiers of the "invisible front" of the Union forces.

Follow Hitler

The success of any military operation is more depends on the suddenness factor and a timely created military concentration than that of the relationship of the opposing parties. The second front should be opened on the sector of the coast, where the invasion was expected to be less. The possibilities of the Wehrmacht in France were limited. Most of the German Armed Forces led the fighting against the Red Army, trying to keep her offensive. The war was moved from the territory of the USSR into the space of Eastern Europe, under the threat there was a system of oil supply from Romania, and without gasoline, all combat techniques turned into a pile of useless metal. The situation resembled a chess tsungwang when almost any move was conducted to irreparable consequences, and even more so incorrect. It was impossible to make a mistake, but the German headquarters did the wrong conclusions. This was facilitated by many of the actions of allied intelligence, including the planned "leakage" of misinformation, and various measures to be misleading the agents of the Abver and air intelligence. There were even models of transportation vessels placed in ports far from real loading sites.

The ratio of military grouping

No battle for the entire history of mankind passed according to the plan, unexpected circumstances impeded this. "Overlord" - an operation planned for a long time and carefully, who has repeatedly delayed for various reasons, which also did not make an exception. However, the two main components that determined its common success still managed to preserve: the place of landing the enemy remained unknown until the day "D", and the ratio of force was in favor of the coming. In landing and followed hostilities on the continent, 1 million 600 thousand soldiers of the Union troops were received. Against 6 thousand 700 German guns, Anglo-American parts could apply 15 thousand of their own. Tanks they had 6 thousand, and the Germans only 2000. A hundred sixty airplanes "Luftwaffe" was extremely difficult to intercept almost eleven thousand allied aircraft, including, among which, the sake of justice should be noted, most part were transport "Douglas" (but there was a lot and " Flying fortresses, "and" Libertors ", and" Mustangs ", and" Spitfire "). Armade from 112 ships could withstand only five German cruisers and destroyers. The quantitative advantage was only among the German submarines, but by that time the means of combating them from Americans reached a high level.

Beaches of Normandy

Using French geographical concepts, the US military did not become, they seemed difficult to use. Like the names of military operations, sections of the coast called beaches were encoded. They were allocated four: Gold, Omaha, Juno and Suduord. A lot of soldiers of the Union troops flew on their sand, although the command made everything to minimize losses. On July 6, eighteen thousand paratroopers-parachutists (two divisions of the Airborne University) were planted from the DS-3 aircraft and through gliders. Such a scale did not know the previous wars, like the whole second world. The opening of the second front was accompanied by the most powerful artillery preparation and aviation bombardment of defensive structures, infrastructure and locations of the dislocation of German troops. The actions of the parachutists in some cases were not very successful, during the landing there was a spraying of forces, but it was already of great importance. Court went to the shore, they were covered with the outcome of the day on the shore were already 156 thousand soldiers and 20 thousand military vehicles of different types. The seized bridgehead had a size of 70 by 15 kilometers (on average). As of June 10, over 100 thousand tons of military cargo were already unloaded on this strip, and the concentration of troops reached almost a third of a million people. Despite the huge losses (in the first day they amounted to about ten thousand), after three days the second front was opened. It became an obvious and immutable fact.

Development of success

In order to continue the release of territories occupied by the Nazis, not only soldiers and techniques were required. The war devours daily hundreds of tons of fuel, ammunition, food and medicine. She gives hundreds and thousands of wounded countries to be treated. Expeditionary body devoid of supply is doomed.

After the second front was opened, it became an obvious advantage of the developed American economy. Allied troops have not experienced problems with the timely supply of all necessary, but for this we needed ports. They were captured very quickly, the first became French Cherbourg, he was taken on June 27.

After recovering from the first sudden strike, the Germans, however, were in no hurry to recognize defeats. Already in the middle of the month, they first applied the FAU-1 - the sample of the winged rockets. With all the meant of the possibilities of Reich, Hitler had resources for the mass production of ballistic fau-2. London (1,100 rocket strikes) were shelling, as well as those located on the mainland and used by allies to supply the troops of the ports of Antwerp and Liege (almost 1700 FAU of two types). Meanwhile, the Norman bridgehead expanded (up to 100 km) and deepened (up to 40 km). 23 airbases were deployed, capable of taking all types of aircraft. The number of personnel has increased to 875 thousand. Conditions were created for the development of the offensive in the direction of the border of Germany, for which the second front opened. The date of the general victory was approaching.

Failure allies

Anglo-American aviation carried out massive raids into the territory of fascist Germany, dropping on cities, plants, railway units and other objects tens of thousands of tons of bomb load. To withstand this avalanche in the second half of 1944, the Luftwaffe pilots could no longer. For the entire period of the liberation of France, the Wehrmacht suffered half a million losses, and allied troops - only 40 thousand killed (plus more than 160 thousand wounded). The Nazis tank troops consisted only with hundreds of combat-ready tanks (Americans and the British - 2 thousand). For each German plane accounted for 25 allied. And the reserves were no longer. The two-hundredthly grouping of the Nazis turned out to be blocked in the west of France. In the conditions of the overwhelming superiority of the invasion of the invasion, the German parts often highlighted the white flag before the start of art preparation. But we often had cases and stubborn resistance, as a result of which dozens were destroyed, even hundreds of allies tanks.

On July 18-25, the English (8th) and Canadian (2nd) corps came across a well-fortified German position, their attack choked, which prompted Marshal Montgomery in the future to argue that the blow was false and distracting.

The annoying backflow consequence of the high firing power of American troops was the loss of the so-called "friendly fire", when the troops suffered from their own shells and bombs.

In December, Wehrmacht launched a serious counterattack in the Ardenne ledge, which was crowned with partial success, but strategically could decide the strategically.

Result of the operation and war

After the Second World War began, the participating countries from time to time changed. Some stopped armed actions, others started them. Some took the side of their former enemies (as Romania, for example), others simply capitulated. There were even states that formally supported Hitler, but not opposed the USSR (like Bulgaria or Turkey). The main participants of the war of 1941-1945, the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and Britain, the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and Britain (they fought even longer, from 1939th) remained opponents. France also fell into the number of winners, although Feldmarshal Kaitel, signing the surrender, could not resist from an ironic observation about this.

There is no doubt that the Norman landing of the Allied Troops and the subsequent actions of the US Army, Britain, France and other countries contributed to the defeat of Nazism and the destruction of the criminal political regime that did not hide their anti-human essence. However, to compare these, of course, who deserve respect for efforts with the battles of the Eastern Front is very hard. It was against the USSR that Hitlerism led a total war, the purpose of which was the complete destruction of the population, which was also declared by the official documents of the Third Reich. In the early respect and bright memory, our participants of the Great Patriotic War, who fulfilled their duty in much more difficult conditions, are deserved in much more difficult conditions than their Anglo-American fellow in arms.