1944 Map of Normandy Coast: D-Day Plans

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This attractive illustrated map shows the zones of the American landings at Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944. This map was used to familiarize planners with the area to be attacked.

There is a rubber stamp applied to the upper right that says, "APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX A to OPERATION ORDER BB-44" followed by "TOP SECRET - NEPTUNE". The TOP SECRET is crossed out -- another stamp just above indicates that the document has been declassified.

The text at top begins:

With maximum visibility, the coast should be seen from bridge height in the center of the Transport Area (20,000 years off shore) from GRANDCAMP-LES-BAINS on the right to COURRSEULLES on the left, with PORT-EN-BESSIN due south. The coast should appear to be practically level, with a maximum height to the right of PORT-EN-BESSIN, tapering slightly to the POINTE DU HOE on the right and to ARROMANCHES on the left.

The text goes on to describe the coast in minute detail with plans for attacking and exiting from the beach.

Today in WW II: 8 Feb 1940 Germans establish the first large Jewish ghetto in Poland in the city of Lodz. More ↓

8 Feb 1941 US House of Representatives passes the Lend-Lease Act [265 to 165].
8 Feb 1942 Battle of Sarimbun Beach begins, the first stage of the Japanese assault on Singapore.
8 Feb 1942 Japanese Offensive in Burma begins [8 Feb-2 May].
8 Feb 1945 Battle of the Reichswald: British and Canadian forces under Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery begin Operation Veritable [8 Feb-11 Mar].
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