Quote:
Originally Posted by cDnStealth
I am actually a military history major and WW2 was my focus of study. I've seen hundreds of photos but it really is different to actually see the beach in person. I haven't been to Omaha but I sure would like to see it one day. What gets me about Juno is just how flat it is. There is literally zero cover. Those men would have been completely exposed coming off those boats.
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I've been to both beaches twice so I'll try and paint as much of a picture as I can from the two visits. Omaha beach is as flat as Juno, but behind it is a hill/bluff. Here's the beach
Here's the bluff beyond the beach. Note the marker about a third of the way from the right (not the tall one on the left) with some people in white near it.
Here's an ammo storage cache part way up the hill which I believe is beside a machine gun nest or similar. Look at how distant the people on the beach seem.
Here's a shot from a German artillery bunker. I believe they had a view of the western end of Omaha and in the distance by the cliffs is Utah. Pretty dam open to drop whatever they wanted where ever.
And finally here's the marker I pointed out in an earlier photo and the view of the beach from there. totally exposed.
That's a heck of a climb to make while the world is crashing down around you.