#13 - Holding the Center (6-12 June) - PzC 02 Normandy '44

Northwest of Bayeux, on the American beach named OMAHA: In the center of the Normandy Beachhead lies the single largest Beach - OMAHA. This was the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting on D-Day. Elements of 4 US Infantry divisions from 2 Corps came ashore there. The invading troops soon found their advance halted under devastating fire by German guns of all sizes that sweep the beach with murderous crossfire. The task of the beleaguered men pinned on the beach was to seize the beach exits as quickly as possible and drive inland to the high ground as soon as they could. It is claimed by some that it was the experience of the 1st Division, "The Big Red One", on the eastside of the beachhead, that carried the day for the Americans. This scenario depicts the first weeks action in the central sector where a general lack of German reinforcements had given the Allies potential for busting open the center. But General Bradley came close to deciding to withdraw Omaha, just when word came that several breaches had been made and "the boys were moving inland". For a 2 day version covering the same battle area, see #08 "Conquering the Bessin". [Size: medium; Length: 69 turns]