Combined with the narrow, winding roads which passed between farms, this area known as the “Bocage” created a nightmare situation for Allied forces. Instead of wooden fences, Norman farms are enclosed by century-old hedgerows, man-made earth walls, deeply rooted with plants. For all of the preparations made for OVERLORD, the Allied forces were ill-equipped for fighting in the hedgerows they quickly encountered in Normandy. Despite challenges and sometimes fierce enemy opposition, Allied forces persisted in establishing a beachhead in Normandy.Īllied planners envisioned a quick push into Normandy after establishing a beachhead. To the west, the landings went more to plan for British and Canadian forces. American airborne forces of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions were scattered behind Utah, sometimes tens of miles off target. The landing force bound for Utah was blown off course, resulting in troops going ashore nearly a mile down the beach. At Omaha beach, the resistance was devastating for the early waves of troops. Things went badly from the beginning for American forces landing at Omaha and Utah. A short naval and aerial bombardment preceded the landings, which began at around 6:30 am. Paratroops began landing after midnight as the massive invasion force took station off the coast. With a small window of opportunity in the weather, Eisenhower made the decision to go-D-Day would be June 6, 1944. The decision was made to delay 24 hours, requiring part of the naval force bound for Utah beach to return to port. However, on June 4, as paratroopers prepared to board the C-47 Skytrains which would carry them behind enemy lines, weather conditions deteriorated. After numerous delays and major planning changes, D-Day was set for June 5.
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