Military Operations of June 6th 1944

[Jim]

Events calendar of military operations of June 6th 1944

00:05- Parachuting of the British pathfinders who had to light-up the drop zones (22nd Independent Company).

00:15- Parachuting of the US pathfinders from 20 Dakotas

00:20- Sudden attack of Major Howard's men. Their 5 gliders land next to bridges of Orne River and of the Canal de Caen to the sea (52nd foot)

00:45- The 3rd and 5th Brigades of the British 6th Parachute Airborne Division jump at the east of the Orne River.

02:30- Parachuting of the 82nd Airborne to the West and around Saint-Mere-Eglise.

01:30- Parachuting of the 101st US Airborne to the west of Utah-Beach.

03:20- Landing of 72 British gliders in the 6th Airborne zone, with their commanding officer: General Gale.

04:30- The 505th regiment of the 82nd Airborne holds Sainte-Mere-Eglise.

04:45- Attack against Merville battery.

05:50- Beginning of the naval bombing of the coast.

06:00 to 06:30- 1365 medium bombers attack the coastal fortifications

06:30- The first troops land at Utah Beach and Omaha Beach.

07:10- The 2nd US Ranger Battalion climbs up "Pointe du Hoc".

07:30- General attack on Gold and Sword.

08:00- Utah is rid and kept under the artillery fire.

08:45- Juno is taken and held. The advance begins.

09:30- Sword is taken. The troops filter through the country-side.

10:00- Two breaches are opened at Omaha.

10:45- Gold is almost cleared. Mont Fleury Battery is annihilated.

13:30- Junction between the 1st Special Brigade and the British 6th ABN.

14:00- The first exit for vehicles is cleared at Omaha.

19:00- At Omaha, Vierville is taken; the road to Grandcamp is open in many spots.