A traveler’s guide to the history of the D-Day landings and points of interest around Omaha Beach in Normandy, featuring planned walking tours. As the left most inland flank of the D-Day landings, Sword Beach was thought most likely to receive the first German counterattacks. The British troops selected for the assault had the tasks of securing the beach and advancing on the heavily defended medieval town of Caen. The troops also were determined to link up with British paratroopers and glider units who had landed the night before on special missions and were not equipped to withstand an armored counterattack alone. Backed up by an impressive array of modified armored vehicles, the veteran 3rd Division, spearheaded by No. 4 Army Commando and 41 Royal Marine Commando, stormed ashore and secured its objectives with moderate casualties. No. 4 Commando also reached the airborne troops before they could be overwhelmed by German armor. However, the British failed to secure the key town of Caen on schedule. This book guides the reader through the battle for the V Corps beachhead, the fiercest and bloodiest of the landings. Whether you’re interested in World War II history, have a relative who fought that day, or were inspired by Saving Private Ryan, this is the book for you.
