L18: preparation for D-day

Question 1

aim of operation Overlord

Answer 1

• invasion of Fr (West Europe) to relieve pressure on Soviet forces
• liberate NW Europe from Nazi occupation + force Gr back to Gr

Question 2

preparation for Operation Overlord (experiment/ men)

Answer 2

• 150,000 men in initial invasion (~2mil waiting to join after)
• 6000 ships + landing craft
• 50,000 tanks + vehicle
• 11,000 planes

Question 3

preparation for Operation Overlord (Fortitude - what was it?)

Answer 3

• deception campaign to make Gr believe that allies wouldn’t launch offensive in Normandy
• use of fake US army group in Pas de Calais region/ agents/ fake radio signals/ fake landing equipment/ actors = convos to pass misinformation to any Gr spies

Question 4

preparation for Operation Overlord (Fortitude - impact)

Answer 4

• Hitler + Gr High Command = tricked
• confirmed that invasion would take place @ Pas de Calais region (May 1944)
• placed most powerful Panzer division away from Nomandy

Question 5

strength of Gr defence of Fr coast

Answer 5

• Atlantic Wall -> commanded by Rommel
• 3900km long
• bunkers + pillboxes
• 6.5mil mines