Which troops landed at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944?
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June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, marked the start of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. Of the five beaches designated for the Normandy landings, Juno Beach was entrusted to Canadian forces, principally the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, with support from British commandos.
Under the command of Major-General Rodney Keller, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division comprised several infantry brigades, including the 7th and 8th Brigades, each made up of regiments such as the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the Régiment de la Chaudière and the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment.
The 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade provided essential armoured support to infantry troops during the landings and the advance inland.
British commandos, such as No. 48 Commando (Royal Marine), also took part in operations on Juno Beach, working closely with Canadian forces to achieve their objectives.
The Allied forces had defined several strategic objectives for Juno Beach:
- Establish a bridgehead by creating a solid base for landing reinforcements and equipment;
- Seize key positions, notably the villages of Courseulles-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, to secure vital routes for the advance inland;
- advance towards Caen, a strategic city some 15 km to the south, whose capture was crucial to the success of Operation Overlord.
The first waves of the assault began at around 7:45 am. Canadian troops encountered fierce German resistance, exacerbated by obstacles such as mines and coastal fortifications. Despite heavy initial losses, the soldiers managed to break through the enemy defenses and advance inland.
The fighting at Juno Beach was intense. Canadian forces suffered some 961 casualties, including 340 killed, 574 wounded and 47 captured. These sacrifices testify to the determination and courage of the troops involved.
Today, Juno Beach symbolizes the courage and commitment of the Canadian forces during the World War II. The Juno Beach Centre, located in Courseulles-sur-Mer, pays tribute to the Canadian soldiers and preserves the memory of their decisive contribution to the liberation of Europe.
The Juno Beach landings on June 6, 1944, illustrate the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian and British troops in the fight against Nazi oppression. The success of this complex operation played a crucial role in the unfolding of the Normandy campaign and, more broadly, in the liberation of Western Europe.
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Which troops landed at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944?
Answer
On June 6, 1944, during the Normandy landings, the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade landed on Juno Beach, supported by British commandos.