Another piece of trivia about D-Day and it's events that is not too well known.
The Germans had taken years to build the Atlantic Wall. At Utah Beach, it had held up the U.S. 4th Division for less than one hour. At Omaha Beach, it had held up the U.S. 29th and 1st Divisions for less than one day. At Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach, it had held up the British 50th, the Canadian 3rd, and the British 3rd Divisions for about an hour.
Fortress Europe had been breached. The largest amphibious operation in history was a success
Trouble began offshore. Thirty-two out of the 36 amphibious tanks accompanying the assault troops sank. Smoke and dust from the naval bombardment and strong currents pulled many boats off target.
The first waves were nearly wiped out before the men got across the beach. Some died before they exited their boats. Survivors crouched behind beach obstacles or crawled up the beach as the tide rose behind them. Many took shelter behind a sea wall.
Sgtleo