US troops “dig in” on D-day on Utah Beach
At 06.30 on D-Day the first regular US forces landed on what is now known as Utah beach. The troops from the US 4th Infantry Division had been in their assault craft for over three hours and had had to battle through waves of 4-5 feet in their small assault craft. They arrived on the beach soaked through, disorientated and suffering terribly from sea-sickness. The tanks as planned had not landed prior to them to provide close support fire.
Utah Beach how it is today with the flags of the Memorial Museum visible over the back of the sand dunes.
It had all of the ingredients for a disaster, but of all the beaches that were assaulted that day this one saw the the fewest casualties. Come with us to discover why it was a success, why luck played a very favourable hand and how an ex American President’s son, through inspired leadership saved many lives.
One of only six B26 Marauders still in existence today.
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