Posted on 06/06/2014 6:49:32 PM PDT by LibertyGirl14
A couple of years ago, I wrote a piece about the fading sentimental connection of today’s generations with World War II, the defining event of the 20th century. There is some oddity in living through the transition: in seeing the soldiers whom FDR called “our sons” become our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, and then the ghosts of history commemorated on tombstones.
One of the most important transitions is the fading of the grand narrative by which we defined and guided our nation for so many decades. The hindsight of history has its rewards. But it has its drawbacks as well, as immediacy and personal connection disappear behind us...
“These did not work as planned. The rough seas deflated them and many of them sank.”
That was true for Omaha beach, the DDs fared much better at the other landing sites where they were launched closer to shore.
WoW!....It sure looks like every area of the military represented had a major roll that made a huge difference in the outcome at one point or another, in changing the tide time and again. Remarkable stories.....stunningly so!
The waves were running at 6 feet that day, and you’re right that is why the GIs were getting seasick. It’s also why the DD tanks were sinking.. the floats were designed for something more like 2 foot seas. At Omaha there was also a strong current pushing the landing craft to the east.
Nice...thanks for posting.
The German defenders were concentrated in strongpoints that in turn were connected by trenches. You can see a map of the German defenses at Omaha on page 25 of this link:
http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/destroyersatnormandy.htm
The early morning bomber attacks missed these and dropped their loads farther inland.
The German Leadership did say that they had just one chance to win...and that was while we were in the water, which is why they bombarded as they did. Given that and the rolling of seas and all other problems...one can only stand in awe of these men...truly!
Was the original plan to land the tanks ASAP? or did they not expect such vicious opposition? It seems strange to wait until the beaches were more secure (relatively speaking) to send in tanks.
I’ve saved your link for further reading...it’s hard to read the difficulties these men faced....it’s written that 40% of the loss of our guys came in the first 30 minutes....and I can believe that...the Germans gave it all immediately, just as they determined to do as they believed whatever happened there would likely determine their end or not.
Tanks went in at the same time as the Higgins boats. At Omaha they were DD tanks fitted with flotation devices. But the seas were much rougher than expected and over 90% of the DDs heading for Omaha sank. Only one made it to shore.
DDs had better luck at the other landing sites, and tanks were also brought ashore by LSTs.
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