On this day in 1944, Allied forces entered the continent of Europe through the beaches at Normandy. As in all military operations, by the time the ramps dropped in the English channel, the generals had done their planning, the logisticians had obtained supplies and now it was up to the privates, corporals, sergeants and the junior officers.
We all know now that the landings were a success, but only because of the sacrifice of blood from the boys on the beach. Some historical revisionists find it fashionable to say that Overlord was only a sideshow, that Germany was doomed to defeat from the Russians. There may be some truth to that but Stalin had long begged for a western front, if only to relieve the pressure on his forces in the east.
Overlord was absolutely necessary to extend Allied influence in the postwar period.
1 comment:
They didn't all come over the beaches, some came from the sky, and they faced some unique hazards. I know you know this, but I didn't want anyone to be left out. What ever the route, all did their duty. That generation bought mine a nice life, at a dear price, and for that I am forever thankful.
Post a Comment