Wireless operators were trained to direct naval gunfire from the front line of battle, but their sets often malfunctioned. By the afternoon, many operators were overcome by exhaustion.
As troops pushed inland, two vast temporary and portable Mulberry Harbours were being towed in sections across the English Channel. These were essential if the Allies were to land the 2 million troops stationed in England, along with huge quantities of supplies, weapons and tanks.
One of these prefabricated harbours was destined for Omaha Beach, the other for Arromanches: this latter town became a key afternoon target for the British troops who landed on Gold. Overlord also called for the capture of Caen and Bayeux, together with their roads, railways and infrastructure: by mid-afternoon, it seemed doubtful if such ambitious goals could be met.
Meanwhile, the Germans were quick to spot a potentially fatal weakness in the Allied beachhead – a four-mile gap separating Sword Beach and Juno Beach. The 20th Panzer Division sought to exploit this gap, moving swiftly north towards the coast. If successful, Rommel’s panzers could cut the eastern end of the beachhead into two isolated zones.
German forces also sought to stop the Allies wresting control of the high ground to the east of Bénouville and Ranville bridges. As the Allied commandos rapidly advanced, the Germans faced a stiff fight if they were to prevent these elite troops from moving into commanding defensive positions.
When the French living in the coastal zone realized that this was indeed the invasion, and not just a raid, many fled inland. It would be many weeks before they could return to their bombed-out towns and villages.
Wireless operators were trained to direct naval gunfire from the front line of battle, but their sets often malfunctioned. By the afternoon, many operators were overcome by exhaustion.