L18 - Preparation for D-Day Flashcards
don't fail
Why was the decision to invade France?
-Stalin had been requesting a major offensive to be launched in Europe to relieve pressure on Soviet forces
Where did they decide to attack in France and why was it decided?
Normandy. It was believed it would be the best spot due to its proximity to the English coast and its long, sloping beaches.
Who was appointed SHAEF (Supreme Allied Commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force)
US General Dwight D. Eisenhower
What was Operation Overlord?
The codename for the Invasion of France.
What were the German advantages of Operation Overlord?
- Had larger number of men (10:1)
-Built the Atlantic Wall (3,900km long and comprised of 6.5 million mines, thousands of bunkers and pillboxes)
Therefore, if the Germans knew the allied plan, the allies didn’t stand a chance > element of surprise was crucial.
What were the aims of Operation Fortitude?
Make the Germans believe that the location of the Allied offensive into Western Europe was going to be anywhere except Normandy.
What were some key elements of Operation Fortitude?
- A fake US Army group was created in south-east Britain
-Double-agents give false information to Germans
-Fake radio messages and signals sent to confuse the Germans who intercepted them
What was the aim of Operation Overlord?
Liberate North-Western Europe from Nazi occupation and force the Germans back to Germany
What were the Allies equipment and men?
-150,000 men in initial landing (2 million waiting to join after initial attacks)
-6,000 ships and landing craft
-50,000 tanks and vehicles
-11,000 planes
What was the date set and what was it called?
6th June 1944 aka ‘D-Day’
What would happen if Operation Overlord failed?
The allies would have to wait several more years to try another invasion and Russia would continue to bear the brunt of the fighting/
What would happen if Operation Overlord was a success?
The Germans would suffer their greatest blow yet and the end of the war would be in sight.
