Many people associate D-Day solely with the June 6, 1944 Normandy landings (Operation Overlord), but the subsequent battles were equally crucial to the Allied victory in World War II. Operation Spring was a Canadian-led offensive that began on July 25, 1944, targeting the strategic Verrières Ridge south of Caen in Normandy.
Operation Spring represents one of the most controversial and costly Canadian military operations during the Normandy campaign, resulting in significant casualties before being suspended on July 27, 1944. The operation followed the initial success of the D-Day landings but faced intense German resistance as Allied forces pushed inland from the beaches.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on D-Day accommodations and tours! Look for deals here:
D-Day Hotels and Tours
Unlike the massive seaborne invasion of Operation Neptune (commonly called D-Day), Operation Spring was a land battle that tested Canadian forces against determined German defenders. The battle for Verrières Ridge demonstrates how the Allied advance through Normandy required numerous operations beyond the initial landings, each contributing to the eventual liberation of France during World War II.
Historical Context
World War II emerged from complex international tensions following the Great Depression and unresolved issues from the First World War. The conflict pitted democratic nations against totalitarian regimes in a struggle that would reshape global politics for generations.
Road to War
World War II’s seeds were planted in the aftermath of World War I. The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh penalties on Germany, creating economic hardship and resentment. The Great Depression of 1929 further destabilized the global economy, creating conditions for extremist ideologies to flourish.
Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany in 1933, promising to restore national pride and overturn Versailles restrictions. His Nazi regime began rearming Germany and expanding its territory. The annexation of Austria in 1938 and the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 revealed Hitler’s aggressive intentions.
The war officially began on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Britain and France declared war two days later, honoring their commitment to defend Polish sovereignty.
The Axis Powers and the Allied Nations
The conflict aligned nations into two opposing military alliances. The Axis Powers included Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. These nations shared expansionist ambitions and authoritarian governments.
The Allied Nations consisted primarily of Great Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States. The Soviet Union initially signed a non-aggression pact with Germany but joined the Allies after Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa in June 1941.
The United States entered the war after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. This completed the major Allied coalition that would eventually defeat the Axis.
The war in Europe followed a “Germany First” strategy, prioritizing the defeat of Nazi Germany before focusing on Japan. This decision recognized Hitler’s regime as the most immediate threat to European stability.
Significance of Normandy
Normandy emerged as a critical battleground in the Allied strategy to defeat Nazi Germany. By early 1944, the Soviet Union had already turned the tide on the Eastern Front with victories at Stalingrad and Leningrad, pushing German forces westward.
The Normandy coast offered several advantages for an invasion of Nazi-occupied France. Its beaches allowed for a large-scale amphibious assault, and it provided access to ports necessary for supplying the invasion force. Normandy’s proximity to England also meant Allied air forces could provide crucial air cover.
Operation Overlord, the codename for the Normandy invasion, represented the opening of the long-awaited “Second Front” requested by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The successful establishment of Allied forces in Northern France would allow them to push eastward while Soviet forces continued their advance from the east, trapping Germany in a vice.
Pre-Operation Planning
The planning for Operation Spring involved extensive preparation, strategic coordination, and intelligence gathering. This operation followed the massive D-Day landings and was designed to further Allied progress in Normandy.
Strategic Objectives
Operation Spring was planned as a follow-up offensive after the initial D-Day landings of Operation Overlord. The primary objective was to push inland from the Normandy beachheads and capture strategic locations. Allied planners identified key towns and high ground that would give tactical advantages for further advances into Nazi-occupied France.
The operation aimed to break through German defensive lines south of Caen. This would open paths toward Paris and deepen the Allied foothold in France. Planners also intended for Operation Spring to draw German forces away from other sectors, relieving pressure on American forces pushing toward Saint-Lô.
Military strategists designed the operation to coordinate with other offensive actions along the expanding front line, creating a multi-pronged approach to overwhelm German defenses.
Supreme Commander Eisenhower’s Role
Dwight D. Eisenhower, as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, oversaw the broader strategic framework into which Operation Spring fit. He ensured the operation aligned with the overall campaign objectives established during the planning of Operation Overlord.
Eisenhower coordinated between American, British, and Canadian forces, balancing each nation’s military priorities and capabilities. His leadership style emphasized unity of command while allowing field commanders operational flexibility.
He maintained regular communications with field commanders, reviewing progress reports and authorizing necessary resource allocations. Though not directly involved in tactical decisions for Operation Spring, Eisenhower’s oversight ensured the operation supported the broader goal of establishing a secure foothold across the English Channel.
Preparation and Intelligence
Intelligence gathering was crucial to planning Operation Spring. Allied reconnaissance aircraft flew regular missions over Normandy, photographing German defensive positions and troop movements. Code breakers provided valuable information about German unit locations and planned reinforcements.
Allied forces conducted detailed terrain analysis to identify challenges troops would face. Engineers prepared specialized equipment to overcome obstacles like hedgerows that had proven difficult during earlier advances.
Troops received specific training for expected combat conditions. Supply officers stockpiled ammunition, fuel, and medical supplies near the front lines. Weather forecasters worked to predict conditions that might affect the operation.
Military planners studied earlier operations in Normandy, incorporating lessons learned to improve tactics. Special attention was given to coordinating artillery support with infantry advances to minimize friendly fire incidents.
The Invasion of Normandy
The Invasion of Normandy was a massive Allied operation that marked a turning point in World War II. On June 6, 1944, forces from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations landed on five beaches along the coast of Normandy, France, beginning the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.
Operation Neptune: The Amphibious Assault
Operation Neptune was the naval component of the D-Day invasion, representing the largest seaborne invasion in military history. The operation involved nearly 7,000 vessels, including warships, landing craft, and support vessels.
Allied naval forces created five main landing zones along the Normandy coast: Utah and Omaha beaches (American forces), Gold and Sword beaches (British forces), and Juno Beach (Canadian forces).
Before the landings, naval bombardment targeted German coastal defenses. Ships fired thousands of shells at enemy positions to weaken fortifications and defensive positions.
The naval forces also provided crucial fire support during and after the landings, helping troops establish beachheads against German resistance.
Airborne Operations: Paratroopers and Transport Planes
Hours before the beach landings, more than 24,000 American, British, and Canadian paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines in Normandy. This massive airborne assault used over 1,200 transport planes and hundreds of gliders.
The American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped west of Utah Beach. Their mission was to secure exits from the beach and disrupt German communications and reinforcements.
British airborne units landed east of the invasion area to secure bridges over the Orne River. These operations were critical in preventing German reinforcements from reaching the beaches.
Many paratroopers missed their drop zones due to poor visibility and anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, they adapted quickly and caused significant confusion among German defenders.
D-Day: June 6, 1944
June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, began with challenging weather conditions that almost caused a postponement. General Eisenhower made the difficult decision to proceed with the invasion despite these conditions.
The operation involved 156,115 troops landing on the first day alone. This massive force comprised soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and several other Allied nations.
The invasion’s timing was carefully planned around moonlight (for airborne operations) and tides (for beach landings). Low tide was necessary to expose beach obstacles placed by German defenders.
The Germans were caught off guard partly due to successful Allied deception operations that suggested the invasion would occur elsewhere, primarily at Pas-de-Calais.
The Beach Landings
The beach landings began at 6:30 AM, with each of the five beaches presenting unique challenges. Utah Beach saw relatively light resistance compared to other sectors.
Omaha Beach faced the strongest defenses and highest casualties. American forces encountered intact German fortifications and experienced devastating losses before establishing a tenuous foothold.
Canadian forces at Juno Beach overcame strong initial resistance to penetrate further inland than any other landing force on D-Day. British troops at Gold and Sword beaches also made significant progress.
By day’s end, despite falling short of some objectives, Allied forces had secured crucial beachheads. The operation suffered approximately 10,000 casualties, including 4,414 confirmed dead—a high price that secured the foothold needed to begin liberating Europe.
Military Strategies and Operations
The success of D-Day and subsequent operations hinged on careful planning, deception tactics, and the coordination of massive military resources. Allied commanders developed comprehensive strategies to overcome Germany’s formidable defenses and sustain momentum after the initial landings.
Atlantic Wall and German Defenses
The Germans constructed the Atlantic Wall, an extensive series of fortifications along the coast of Western Europe. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel significantly strengthened these defenses in early 1944, adding millions of mines, concrete bunkers, and anti-tank obstacles known as “Rommel’s asparagus.”
The Wall featured:
- 15,000 concrete bunkers
- Artillery positions with interlocking fields of fire
- Extensive minefields (both on beaches and inland)
- Underwater obstacles to damage landing craft
- Machine gun nests positioned to create deadly crossfire
German forces included infantry divisions along the coast with Panzer divisions positioned inland as a mobile reserve. Hitler believed the Panzer units should counterattack once the main Allied landing point was identified.
The Luftwaffe’s air presence had diminished by 1944, but German forces still maintained significant defensive capabilities that would challenge Allied troops attempting to establish beachheads.
Overcoming Opposition
Allied forces employed innovative tactics and specialized equipment to overcome German defenses. “Hobart’s Funnies” were modified tanks designed for specific tasks:
- DD tanks – amphibious tanks that could “swim” ashore
- Flail tanks with rotating chains to detonate mines
- AVRE tanks equipped with demolition charges
- Crocodile flamethrower tanks to neutralize bunkers
The Allies achieved surprise through an elaborate deception campaign called Operation Bodyguard. This convinced German high command that the invasion would target Pas de Calais rather than Normandy.
Allied air forces conducted extensive bombing operations to damage railway networks, bridges, and communication centers before D-Day. This isolated the battlefield and prevented German reinforcements from reaching the front quickly.
Naval bombardment from battleships and cruisers targeted coastal defenses, though with mixed effectiveness due to poor visibility and timing issues.
Breakout and Pursuit
After establishing beachheads, Allied forces faced the difficult challenge of breaking out from Normandy. The bocage countryside with its high hedgerows proved difficult terrain for tanks and infantry.
Operation Goodwood (July 18-20, 1944) saw British and Canadian forces launch a major armored assault east of Caen. While failing to capture its objectives fully, it drew German armor away from the American sector, setting conditions for further advances.
Allied engineers developed “rhino tanks” by welding metal prongs to tank fronts, allowing them to punch through hedgerows rather than climbing over them – exposing vulnerable underbellies to anti-tank fire.
The capture of St. Lô provided a crucial jumping-off point for further operations. Allied forces gradually wore down German resistance through combined arms operations while maintaining steady pressure across the entire front.
Operation Cobra and Subsequent Missions
Operation Cobra (July 25-31, 1944) marked the decisive American offensive that finally broke through German defenses. General Omar Bradley concentrated his forces on a narrow front near St. Lô, beginning with a massive carpet bombing by over 1,500 heavy bombers.
Key elements of Cobra’s success:
- Concentrated force on a narrow frontage
- Overwhelming air support
- Rapid exploitation of breakthroughs with armored units
- Sequential phased attacks that built upon initial success
Operation Spring (July 25-27), conducted by II Canadian Corps, was less successful but tied down German forces that might have countered Cobra. This simultaneous offensive near Caen suffered heavy casualties but contributed to the overall strategy.
After breakthroughs, Allied forces rapidly advanced through France. General Patton’s Third Army conducted a sweeping maneuver through Brittany and south of Paris, while British and Canadian forces pinned German units in place.
Impact and Consequences
The D-Day invasion marked a decisive turning point in World War II, setting in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to Nazi Germany’s defeat. Operation Spring was part of the broader Normandy Campaign that followed the initial landings.
Casualties and Losses
D-Day’s human cost was immense. Allied forces suffered approximately 10,000 casualties on the first day alone, with 4,414 confirmed dead. American troops at Omaha Beach experienced the heaviest losses, facing fierce German resistance.
The weeks following the invasion brought additional casualties on both sides. During Operation Spring (July 25-27, 1944), the Canadian forces suffered significant losses while attempting to capture Verrières Ridge south of Caen.
German forces lost irreplaceable experienced soldiers and equipment they couldn’t replace. The Normandy campaign eroded Hitler’s defensive capabilities in Western Europe, forcing him to fight on multiple fronts simultaneously.
By campaign’s end, Allied casualties reached about 209,000 while German forces suffered approximately 200,000 casualties with another 200,000 captured.
Liberating Normandy and France
The successful establishment of the Allied beachhead allowed for the rapid buildup of troops and supplies. Within weeks, over a million Allied soldiers had landed in France.
Paris was liberated on August 25, 1944, boosting French morale and resistance efforts. The Allies pushed eastward, liberating town after town from Nazi occupation.
Operation Spring was part of this larger effort, designed to pressure German forces and prevent reinforcements from reaching the front lines. Though not entirely successful in its immediate objectives, it contributed to the overall advance through Normandy.
The liberation brought freedom to millions of French citizens who had endured four years of Nazi occupation. It also restored hope to occupied nations across Europe that freedom would soon arrive.
Towards the German Surrender
D-Day and subsequent operations like Spring created the crucial “Second Front” that Stalin had long demanded from his Western allies. This forced Hitler to divide his already stretched forces between the Eastern and Western Fronts.
The psychological impact on German leadership was devastating. The invasion prevented Hitler from sending reinforcements to the Eastern Front, where Soviet forces were advancing westward.
With Allied bombing campaigns intensifying and ground forces pushing through France, Germany’s industrial and military capacity steadily declined. The Nazi war machine began to crumble under this combined pressure.
By spring 1945, Allied forces had crossed the Rhine into Germany. Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, and Germany surrendered unconditionally on May 8, 1945.
Post-D-Day Military Actions
After the Normandy breakout, Allied forces launched Operation Cobra in late July 1944, which helped create a gap in German defenses. This allowed Patton’s Third Army to advance rapidly through France.
The Battle of the Bulge (December 1944) represented Germany’s last major offensive in the west. Despite initial success, the German advance was halted, further depleting their reserves of men and equipment.
Operation Spring and similar actions helped maintain pressure on German forces, preventing them from establishing stable defensive lines. These operations were crucial stepping stones toward the eventual crossing of the Rhine and push into Germany.
Allied air superiority, established during and after D-Day, continued to degrade German transportation networks and industrial capacity. This air dominance played a vital role in supporting ground operations throughout the remainder of the war.
Reflections and Legacy
D-Day stands as one of the most significant military operations in modern history, forever changing the course of World War II and shaping our understanding of sacrifice and courage.
Memorializing the Fallen
The human cost of Operation Overlord was immense. Allied forces suffered approximately 10,000 casualties on the first day alone, with total Allied casualties during the Normandy Campaign reaching over 200,000. The coastline once filled with battleships and landing craft now hosts solemn memorials and cemeteries.
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia honors the fallen with particular poignancy. Bedford suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses of any American community, making it a fitting location for national remembrance.
Across the Normandy coast, military cemeteries contain thousands of white crosses and Stars of David. These meticulously maintained grounds serve as permanent reminders of the price of freedom.
Twenty-three Americans received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Normandy Campaign, many posthumously.
Strategic and Historical Analysis
Military historians regard D-Day as a masterpiece of planning and deception. Operation Fortitude successfully convinced German forces that the invasion would come at Pas-de-Calais rather than Normandy, dividing Hitler’s defensive resources.
The invasion marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, creating a critical second front that divided German forces. This relief helped Soviet forces on the Eastern Front advance more rapidly toward Berlin.
D-Day represented unprecedented cooperation between allied nations. Despite different military doctrines and command structures, American, British, Canadian, and other Allied forces worked as a cohesive unit.
The lessons of D-Day continue to influence military strategy today:
- The value of deception operations
- The importance of air superiority
- The challenges of amphibious landings
- The need for specialized equipment
D-Day in Public Memory and Culture
The invasion has been portrayed in numerous films including “Saving Private Ryan” (1998) and “The Longest Day” (1962), which helped cement D-Day in public consciousness. These works balance entertainment with educational value, though they sometimes dramatize events.
Every five years, major commemorations draw world leaders and veterans to Normandy beaches. The 80th anniversary in 2024 marks a significant milestone, as very few D-Day veterans remain to share firsthand accounts.
Museums along the Normandy coast preserve artifacts, personal stories, and educational materials for future generations. The Caen Memorial Museum offers comprehensive exhibits on both World Wars and subsequent peace efforts.
D-Day remains a powerful symbol of international cooperation against tyranny. The Allied coalition demonstrated how nations with different political systems could unite for a common cause, a legacy that continues to inspire diplomacy and alliance-building today.
Supporting Forces and Figures
Operation Spring, distinct from D-Day but part of the larger Normandy campaign, was supported by substantial military resources. The success of these operations depended heavily on the coordination of ground forces, air power, naval support, and strategic leadership.
Notable Leaders and Commanders
General Omar N. Bradley played a crucial role in the Normandy campaign, commanding the U.S. First Army during D-Day and subsequent operations. His leadership was instrumental in coordinating American forces throughout the campaign.
Winston Churchill, as British Prime Minister, provided political leadership for the Allied forces. His determination helped maintain Allied resolve during difficult phases of the campaign.
On the German side, Adolf Hitler’s interference in military decisions often hampered the German defense. He frequently overruled his generals, insisting on holding ground rather than allowing tactical retreats.
Canadian leadership was particularly important during Operation Spring, as II Canadian Corps led this specific offensive in late July 1944, after the initial D-Day landings.
Contribution of the Allied Forces
The Allied forces brought together troops from multiple nations. For D-Day, approximately 156,000 American, British, Canadian, and French ground troops landed on the beaches of Normandy.
U.S. Army forces made up a significant portion of the invasion force, securing Omaha and Utah beaches despite heavy resistance. Their continued contribution was vital during subsequent operations.
Canadian forces were specifically tasked with leading Operation Spring (July 25-27, 1944),
Broader War Efforts and Campaigns
Operation Spring was part of a much larger Allied strategy spanning multiple theaters during World War II. The Normandy invasion represented just one component of a coordinated global campaign against Axis powers.
The Mediterranean and North Africa
Allied operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean served as crucial precursors to the Normandy invasion. Beginning in 1942, the British Eighth Army under General Montgomery battled Rommel’s Afrika Korps across Libya and Egypt. The victory at El Alamein in November 1942 marked a turning point.
Operation Torch followed, with American and British forces landing in Morocco and Algeria. By May 1943, the Allies had pushed Axis forces out of North Africa completely.
The Sicily invasion (Operation Husky) in July 1943 opened the Italian campaign. Allied forces advanced up the Italian peninsula, tying down German divisions that might otherwise have reinforced France.
These Mediterranean campaigns provided valuable amphibious warfare experience that would later benefit D-Day planners.
Opening the Second Front in Western Europe
The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, represented the fulfillment of Stalin’s long-standing demand for a “Second Front” in Northwest Europe. Soviet forces had been engaging the bulk of German military power since 1941.
Operation Overlord involved landing over 156,000 troops across five beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. British and Canadian forces took the eastern beaches while Americans landed at Utah and Omaha.
Elaborate deception plans like Operation Fortitude convinced Hitler that the main attack would come at Pas-de-Calais rather than Normandy. This critical misdirection kept German reinforcements away from the actual landing sites.
The successful establishment of beachheads allowed for the rapid buildup of Allied forces. Within a week, over 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles, and 100,000 tons of supplies had reached France.
Global Impact and the European Theater
The Normandy Campaign had significant ripple effects across the entire European Theater. The new Western Front forced Hitler to divert resources from the Eastern Front, relieving pressure on Soviet forces.
D-Day accelerated the collapse of German power. Allied bombing campaigns had already weakened German industry and infrastructure. Now ground forces could directly engage Wehrmacht divisions in Western Europe.
While the European campaign progressed, Allied forces in the Pacific Theater continued their island-hopping strategy
Techniques and Innovations
The D-Day landings represented an extraordinary convergence of military innovation, engineering solutions, and tactical approaches. Allied forces developed numerous techniques and specialized equipment specifically to overcome the formidable German defenses along the Normandy coast.
Logistics and Engineering
The sheer scale of D-Day required unprecedented logistical planning. One remarkable innovation was the Mulberry Harbours – massive artificial ports constructed to unload troops and supplies where no natural harbors existed. These floating structures allowed Allied forces to deliver essential resources directly to the beaches.
Engineers developed specialized vehicles known as “Hobart’s Funnies” – modified Sherman tanks and other armored vehicles designed to overcome specific obstacles. These included:
- DD (Duplex Drive) tanks with canvas skirts
Communication and Intelligence
Operation Fortitude South was a masterful deception campaign. It convinced German commanders that the main invasion would target Pas-de-Calais rather than Normandy. This strategic misdirection kept vital enemy divisions away from the actual landing sites.
Radio technology played a critical role in coordinating the complex operation. The Rebecca-Eureka system helped guide airborne forces to their drop zones. This was done through a combination of aircraft transmitters and ground beacons positioned by advance teams.
Encrypted communication systems allowed Allied commanders to maintain operational security. They also helped in coordinating between air, sea, and land forces. Signal units established communication networks almost immediately after landing to facilitate battlefield coordination.
Intelligence gathering through aerial reconnaissance provided detailed maps of German defenses. These maps helped planners identify the best approach routes and targets for preliminary bombardment. This information proved essential in developing effective assault tactics.
Related Operations and Battles
D-Day was part of a broader Allied strategy to defeat Nazi Germany. Several major operations preceded and followed the Normandy landings. These created a coordinated effort across multiple fronts to overwhelm Axis forces.
The Normandy Campaign
The Normandy Campaign extended well beyond the initial D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. After establishing beachheads, Allied forces faced the difficult task of pushing inland through the dense Norman hedgerows.
Operation Spring (July 25-27, 1944) was a significant offensive conducted by II Canadian Corps. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division played a crucial role in this operation, which aimed to capture strategic high ground south of Caen. Despite heavy resistance and casualties, Canadian forces made important territorial gains.
The Normandy Campaign included other key battles like Operation Cobra (July 25-31), which broke through German defenses in Northwestern France. By August 1944, Allied forces had secured much of Normandy and began the liberation of Paris.
The campaign’s success built upon lessons learned from earlier setbacks, particularly the disastrous Dieppe Raid of 1942. This raid showed the difficulties of frontal assaults on fortified positions.
Operation Husky and the Italian Campaign
Before D-Day, the Allies launched Operation Husky on July 10, 1943—the invasion of Sicily. This massive amphibious assault involved over 2,500 ships and 160,000 troops under the command of General Eisenhower.
American forces, including a regiment led by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (who later participated in D-Day), advanced through western Sicily. Meanwhile, British and Canadian troops pushed through the eastern part of the island. Within 38 days, Sicily fell to Allied forces.
The success of Operation Husky opened the way for the Italian Campaign. In September 1943, Allied forces landed on mainland Italy, leading to Italy’s surrender. However, German forces quickly occupied northern Italy. This resulted in a long, difficult campaign up the Italian peninsula.
The Italian Campaign served as a vital “second front.” It diverted German resources from both the Eastern Front and the eventual Normandy invasion. It also provided valuable experience in amphibious operations that would later benefit the D-Day planners.
Operation Shingle and Other Allied Efforts
Operation Shingle, the January 1944 landing at Anzio, Italy, demonstrated both the potential and limitations of amphibious assaults. Allied forces initially achieved surprise, but commanders failed to push quickly inland, and this caused them to become bogged down.
The Anzio landing created another front that stretched German resources. Combined with simultaneous bombing campaigns over Germany and fighting on the Eastern Front, these operations weakened German military capacity before D-Day.
In the Mediterranean, Operation Dragoon (August 15, 1944) brought Allied forces ashore in southern France. This operation complemented the Normandy Campaign by threatening German forces from multiple directions.
In Eastern Europe, the Soviet Red Army launched Operation Bagration on June 22, 1944, just weeks after D-Day. This massive offensive destroyed German Army Group Center and prevented reinforcements from reaching Normandy.
These coordinated operations across multiple theaters formed a strategic vise that gradually crushed Nazi Germany’s ability to continue the war.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on D-Day accommodations and tours! Look for deals here:
D-Day Hotels and Tours
Read About Other D-Day Operations:
Operation Albany: Airborne Mission Behind Enemy Lines
Operation Atlantic: The Allied Invasion of Normandy Explained
Operation Biting: The Bruneval Raid and Its Impact on Allied Intelligence
Operation Bluecoat: A Critical Allied Offensive in Normandy Campaign
Operation Bodyguard (D-Day Deception)
Operation Bolero: The Massive Allied Buildup That Enabled the Normandy Invasion
Operation Boston: The Strategic Allied Airborne Mission Behind Enemy Lines
Operation Charnwood: The Allied Offensive to Capture Caen
Operation Chattanooga Choo-Choo: Strategic Significance in Allied Invasion Plans
Operation Chicago: The Strategic Airborne Mission Behind Allied Victory
Operation Cobra: The Decisive Allied Breakout in Normandy
Operation Deadstick: The Crucial Glider Mission That Secured Pegasus Bridge
Operation Detroit: The Critical Allied Deployment Strategy in Normandy
Operation Dingson: The Strategic French Resistance Mission in Brittany
Operation Epsom: The Critical British Offensive in Normandy
Operation Fortitude: The Deception Plan That Secured Allied Victory
Operation Gaff: The Secret Mission to Eliminate Rommel
Operation Gambit: The Crucial Submarine Reconnaissance Mission Behind Allied Success
Operation Glimmer: The Deceptive Naval Mission That Fooled German Forces
Operation Goodwood: The Pivotal Allied Armored Offensive in Normandy
Operation Hammer: The Allied Assault That Changed Modern Warfare
Operation Husky: The Allied Invasion of Sicily That Changed the Mediterranean Campaign
Operation Jupiter: The Abandoned Allied Invasion Plan for Norway
Operation Lüttich: The Failed German Counteroffensive in Normandy
Operation Mallard: The Critical Airborne Mission Behind Allied Success
Operation Mulberry: The Artificial Harbors That Secured Allied Victory in Normandy
Operation Neptune (D-Day Assault)
Operation Paddle: The Forgotten Maritime Support Mission Behind the Normandy Landings
Operation Pluto: The Undersea Pipeline That Fueled Allied Victory
Operation Pointblank: The Strategic Air Campaign That Paved the Way for Normandy Invasion
Operation Samwest: The French SAS Mission Behind Enemy Lines
Operation Spring: Allied Offensive on the Normandy Beachhead
Operation Taxable: The Brilliant Deception Strategy That Fooled Nazi Forces
Operation Tiger: The Forgotten Rehearsal that Shaped Allied Victory
Operation Titanic: The Secret Allied Deception Plan That Fooled German Forces
Operation Tonga: The British Airborne Mission That Secured the Eastern Flank
Operation Totalize: The Allied Offensive to Break German Defenses in Normandy
Operation Tractable: The Allied Assault to Close the Falaise Gap
What Was Operation Overlord
