Operation Overlord
Northern France
What happened
General Dwight D. Eisenhower led the Allied forces, with General Bernard Montgomery commanding the ground troops, against German forces under Field Marshals Erwin Rommel and Gerd von Rundstedt. To open a new front against Germany in Western Europe, the Allies used Operation Fortitude to trick the Germans into expecting a landing near Calais. After a one-day delay for bad weather, paratroopers landed during the night, and on 6 June 1944, D-Day, American, British, Canadian, Free French, Polish and other troops landed on five beaches in Normandy called Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. Over the following weeks the Allies built up their forces and fought their way inland.
Why it matters
Result: Allied victory. Leaders: 21st Army Group / Harry Crerar against OB West / Army Group B. Why it matters: It opened a Western Front against Germany and began the liberation of Western Europe. It also relieved pressure on the Soviet Union in the East.
What came next
Paris was liberated on 25 August 1944, and by 30 August the German army had retreated across the Seine. Today the Normandy American Cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach.
Did you know?
The Allies built two artificial harbours, called Mulberry harbours, to unload supplies on the Normandy coast.
Timeline
- 5 June 1944Bad weather delays the invasion by a day.
- 6 June 1944D-Day: Allied troops land on five Normandy beaches.
- 26 June 1944The Allies capture Cherbourg.
- 25 August 1944Paris is liberated.
- 30 August 1944German forces withdraw across the Seine.