Are there still bunkers on Normandy Beach?

The barbed wire and beach obstacles are long since removed, the defense ditches and trenches all filled in, but the bunkers built by the Germans are too big to get rid of and the bullet pock marks and shell holes made in them on D-Day by the assaulting American forces are still there to be seen.

How did Germany prepare for D-Day?

To ready for an invasion, in 1942, Germany began construction on the Atlantic Wall, a 2,400-mile network of bunkers, pillboxes, mines and landing obstacles up and down the French coastline. But without the money and manpower to install a continuous line of defense, the Nazis focused on established ports.

How many men died on Omaha Beach?

The Americans suffered 2,400 casualties at Omaha on June 6, but by the end of the day they had landed 34,000 troops. The German 352nd Division lost 20 percent of its strength, with 1,200 casualties, but it had no reserves coming to continue the fight.

Who built the bunkers in Normandy?

Hitler ordered the construction of the fortifications in 1942 through his Führer Directive No. 40. More than a half million French workers were drafted to build it.

Was the Battle of the Bulge successful?

The Allies won the Battle of the Bulge, resulting in significantly higher casualties on the German side despite their surprise attack on Allied forces. Losing 120,000 people and military supplies, German forces were dealt an irreparable blow, while Allied forces suffered only 75,000 casualties.

Can you walk on Omaha Beach?

If you go to Normandy, you can walk on this beach and imagine the events of June 1944. You can feel the sand between your toes; the waves lap at your feet. Children will be playing around you, and families will be out for a stroll, enjoying the sun and the sea.

How many bunkers were built during World War II?

Most people don’t realize the sheer number of bunkers that were built during such a short period of time but estimates are about 25,000 plus German bunkers were built during WWII stretching from Norway to the southernmost part of France at the Pyrenees.

What is the Normandy section?

Our Normandy section covers upper and lower Normandy and includes the 7th and 15th German armies respectively and will also feature the Kreigsmarine and Luftwaffe designations. For those of you new to the defensive structures built by the Germans during the Second World War, the Germans had each section or area of defense put into designations.

What is the best example of a German bunker?

The Hillman Bunker complex is another fine example of a beautifully preserved German bunker site and is located in Normandy. This site has a rare 605 type bunker with room for two gun types. The Crisbecq batterie also in Normandy is another fine example of a wonderfully preserved batterie.

What are some of the best bunker sites in Normandy?

This site has a rare 605 type bunker with room for two gun types. The Crisbecq batterie also in Normandy is another fine example of a wonderfully preserved batterie. Located not far from Sainte Mere Eglise this is a must visit on any trip to Normandy.