[Charles Martel]

Yes, I think that the beachhead would've been sufficient even without Omaha being open, because the amount of armor put ashore initially would not have changed much. A slower pace, of course, might've allowed a Panzer division to move against the coast - but the task of blocking those routes was in the hands of paratroopers, for the most part. So again, not much change.

Anything that would have delayed events from the known timetable is bound to introduce new variables, but I think the key to dealing with that sort of "what if" is to continue pushing, even if one of the beaches had been effectively closed by the enemy.

I spent a week there last autumn, driving around. Many of the roads look just like they're pictured in the movies: centuries-old ruts about the width of an oxcart, with hedgerows on either side. It's truly a place of surreal beauty, filled with grazing cattle and apple orchards. It's difficult to believe that it ever saw such suffering and death.

The site of the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer may well be the most beautiful piece of coastline I have ever seen.

[Flag_This]

"centuries-old ruts about the width of an oxcart, with hedgerows on either side."

That's something that really amazes me - the fight in the hedgerows. I've always wondered why the allies were so surprised that those massive things could become veritable fortresses. I would've figured the French Resistance (or somebody) would have foreseen the possibility.

I know hindsight is 20/20, but still...