Introduction to D-Day Landings and Allied Preparations

The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in the Allied invasion of Normandy, paving the way for the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. For the success of the landings, isolating the German defensive positions from sources of supply and reinforcement was crucial. This was achieved through extensive naval and air bombardment before the invasion.

The Role of Bombardment in Isolating the Battlefield

The isolation of the battlefield, particularly in terms of the D-Day beaches, Normandy Invasion, and the surrounding area, was one of the most critical aspects of the preparatory phase. Virtually every bridge for miles was destroyed, and the rail system in the region was almost nonfunctional.

Specific Areas of Bombardment

A specific area of focus was the Point du Hoc, where the Allied forces conducted intense bombardment. During my visit to Normandy in 2006, I observed the extent of the damage caused by the bombardment. The battlefield was largely isolated from external support, thanks to the successful bombing efforts.

The Case of Bow Beach

To the east of the D-Day beaches, a location code-named 'Bow Beach' saw action. The plan was to deal with the gun emplacements using naval bombardment from close range, complemented by attacks from commandos. This strategy proved effective, neutralizing several key defensive positions successfully.

The Effectiveness of Bombardment on Shore Defenses

Shore defenses, more broadly defined, encompass a range of fortifications and artillery positions. However, the most impactful of these were the concrete gun and machine-gun emplacements. Many of these defenses were strategically placed to minimize direct hits from naval and air bombardment.

Details of Specifically Targeted Batteries

One of the most famous instances involved the German artillery emplacement at Longues-sur-Mer, known as Le Chaos. Despite months of aerial bombing and another 604 tons of bombs on D-Day, the battery remained undamaged. In response, the HMS Ajax and Argonaut opened fire on June 6, 1944, at 0530, destroying one gun and heavily damaging two others. The remaining guns were neutralized by infantry on June 7, 1944.

A second instance involved the US battleship Nevada, which sank the US Destroyer Corry and straddled the destroyer Fitch multiple times. The Nevada destroyed two guns of the Saint Marcouf Battery an hour apart with its 14-inch guns. However, it did not disable the entire battery fully.

The Varreville Battery was another target. B-26 bombers caused significant damage, also destroying the main German observation post (OP) and strongpoint at Utah W5.

Common Experiences of Bombardment

These rare and notable instances were the exception rather than the rule. More commonly, bombardment efforts faced significant challenges. For example, at WN Strongpoint 39 at Gold Beach, a concrete casemate housing two 75mm guns, it was assessed that the naval bombardment had scored over a hundred near misses but only one direct hit.

Boots on the Ground vs. Satellite Bombing

Despite the extensive efforts, a captured map revealed that 28 German artillery batteries, many of them mobile, ranging across Utah Beach, could fire at the invading forces. Only six batteries were destroyed by air and/or naval bombardment before and on the day of D-Day.

Conclusion

Naval and air bombardment played a significant role in neutralizing German shore defenses, but the extent was limited. Isolating the battlefield and disrupting supply lines were crucial, but the effectiveness of attacks on fortified positions was constrained by the design and placement of the defenses, as well as the accuracy of the bombardment.