D-Day: the 6th of June 1944 marked the beginning of the end of WW2 when the Allies invaded Normandy, penetrating Hitler’s Fortress Europe. The British 2nd Army were designated the beaches codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword.
Gold Beach, from Longues-sur-Mer to La Riviere is 5 miles long and included Arromanches, where the Mulberry Harbour was established. 30th Corps landed and pushed the Germans six miles inland. Juno Beach, either side of the port of Courseulles-sur-Mer from La Riviere to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer is 6 miles wide and was the responsibility of the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division and the British 1st Corps. Sword Beach stretches 5 miles from Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer to Ouistreham at the mouth of the River Orne was the responsibilty of the British 1st Corps with French and British commandos.
Securing the eastern flank of the innovation force was the responsibility of of the 6th Airborne Division, some of whom’s objectives were to take Merville Battery and Pegasus Bridge.
The first two British soldiers that were killed on D-Day were Lt. Den Brotheridge of the 6th Airborne Division and Lance Corporal Fred Greehalgh. Brotheridge was shot in the neck while leading his platoon, and Greehalgh immediately drowned when he stepped out of Brotheridge’s glider.
A Spaniard codenamed ‘Garbo’ was a British double agent who played a crucial role in duping the Germans about where the invasion would occur. Whilst living in Portugal, Garbo managed to produce reports of life in England which the Germans accepted as true. At the time, he spoke no English, and used a French-English dictionary, supported by newspapers and the local library, to make up his reports. One of his most glaring errors was to suggest that there were men in Glasgow who would do anything for a litre of wine.
‘Bigot’ is one level above Top Secret and was the security level assigned to the plans for Operation Overlord (D-Day). Those who had that level of security clearance were said to be ‘Bigoted’. D-Day planning took place at Norfolk House in London’s St James’s Square. The building had a private bar installed so staff could talk freely without risking loose talk in local pubs. In the summer of 1943, a copy of a secret Operation Overlord plan blew out of a window in Norfolk House. It was later handed in by a man who said his eyes were so bad he had no idea what it was.
Itinerary
Below is an example itinerary. As each tour is bespoke, you will receive confirmation of your personal itinerary with your booking confirmation.
- Merville Battery
- Pegasus Bridge
- Ranville
- Juno Beach Centre
- Arromanches
- D-Day Museum
- Mount Fleury battery
- Crepon
- Battle of Normandy Museum
- Bayeux War Cemetery
What they said…
