Gold Beach was one of the five designated landing zones on D-Day, the 6th of June, 1944, during the Operation Overlord, the code name for the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Here are detailed aspects of this operation:
Location and Geography
- Located in the Calvados region of Normandy, Gold Beach stretches from Le Ham to La Rivière.
- The beach is characterized by its wide, flat expanse, which was both an advantage and a challenge for the invading forces.
Objectives
- The primary objective was to secure a beachhead for further inland operations and to link up with Juno Beach to the east.
- Capturing the Arromanches area was crucial for the construction of Mulberry Harbour, an artificial harbour to facilitate the unloading of supplies.
The Assault
- The landing was carried out primarily by the British Army, with forces from the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division and elements of the 47th Royal Marine Commando.
- The assault began at 07:25 AM with the initial waves encountering less resistance than expected due to the dispersal of German defenses.
- Challenges included the heavily mined beach, high seawalls, and anti-tank obstacles.
Outcome and Significance
- By the end of D-Day, the British forces had advanced approximately 10 kilometers inland.
- The success at Gold Beach was vital for the establishment of a firm foothold in Normandy and contributed significantly to the overall success of the Operation Overlord.
Aftermath
References