June 5, 1944
Was a day of waiting. Eisenhower was still obsessed with the weather, Under the original plan the landings should have been happening already, but due to terrible weather and tides the invasion was pushed to the 6th.
The Meteorology department was meeting hourly at this point,
Erwin Rommel deciding that the invasion wasn't going to happen returned to German to celebrate his wife's birthday
In England Junior Officers received and opened their sealed orders and began their briefings.
Troop Convoys were leaving the Southern Ports of England. And the Airborne elements of the invasion were making final preperations
Eisenhower wrote and sealed his infamous D-Day has failed letter
Quote:
“Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops,” it began.
“My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air, and the navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone,”
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At 7PM Task force command sent a message to US ships departing
Quote:
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“put the Navy ball over for a touchdown.”
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At 10:30 the Boatswain aboard the USS Quincy piped in "All men man your battlestations
Across all troops Chaplains were offering final prayers and comfort.