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D-DAY LANDING AT SAINT AUBIN SUR MER TRAVEL GUIDE ASSIGNMENT

Sophia Sweeney

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Introduction 

  • D-Day, the 6th of June 1944, stands as a monumental moment in history. It marked the commencement of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War ll. The objective was to establish a beachhead in Normandy, France, and initiate the liberation of Western Europe from German control. 

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Significance of D-Day

D-Day was a meticulously planned and executed operation involving troops from the United States, Britian, Canada, and other Allied nations. Its success hinged on surprise, coordination, and the bravery of the soldiers who stormed the beaches under heavy fire. Victory on D-Day paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. 

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Introduction to Saint Aubin sur Mer

  • Saint Aubin sur Mer, nestled along the coast of Normandy, played a pivotal role in the Allied invasion as part of Juno Beach. This serene seaside village witnessed intense fighting as Canadian forces, notably the North Shore Regiment, landed on its shores. The North Shore Regiment’s objective was to secure the beachhead and push inland, contributing significantly to the success of the broader operation. 

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Conclusion 

  • Saint Aubin sur Mer’s significance lies not only in its picturesque landscape, but also in its place in history as a battleground where Allied forces fought courageously for freedom. Understanding the events that unfolded on D-Day at Saint Aubin sur Mer is essential for appreciating the sacrifices made by those who served, and the enduring legacy of liberation they left behind. 

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Background leading up to D-Day, Strategic Importance of Normandy Beaches

  • Prior to D-Day, Nazi Germany had occupied much of Western Europe, posing a significant threat to Allied forces. The Allies recognized the need to establish a western front to relieve pressure on the Eastern Front and open a new front against German forces in France.
  • The beaches of Normandy were chosen for the invasion due to several factors:
  • -Proximity to Britian: Normandy’s coast was the closest spot in Europe to Britian, which made it perfect for Allied troops and gear to launch a beach attack.
  • -Terrain: Normandy’s beaches offered relatively flat terrain suitable for landing operations, with sufficient space for troops to maneuver inland.
  • -Infrastructure: Normandy had a network of roads and railways that could be used to rapidly deploy reinforcements and supplies once the beachhead was secured. 

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Role of the North Shore Regiment in Saint Aubin sur Mer

  • Leading up to D-Day, the North Shore Regiment underwent intensive training and preparations for the assault on Juno Beach. They practiced landings, beach assaults, and coordination with other Allied units to ensure a smooth operation.

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D-Day Landing at Saint Aubin sur Mer 

  • On the morning of June 6, 1944, the North Shore Regiment, alongside other Canadian units, landed on Juno Beach, which included Saint Aubin sur Mer as one of the sectors. The soldiers faced heavy German resistance as they stormed the beaches under enemy fire.

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Objectives at Saint Aubin sur Mer

  • The primary objective of the North Shore Regiment at Saint Aubin sur Mer was to establish a beachhead, secure the area from German defenders, and push inland to link up with other Allied units. This required overcoming obstacles such as barbed wire, minefields, and fortified positions. 

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Conclusion 

  • The events leading up to D-Day, including the strategic planning and preparations, highlights the Allied commitment to liberating Europe from Nazi occupation. The North Shore Regiment’s role in the larger operation at Saint Aubin sur Mer demonstrates their bravery and determination in the face of formidable opposition, ultimately contributing to the success of the Allied invasion of Normandy. 

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D-Day Explained

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Quiz �(Answers on slide after each question.)

What date is commonly known as D-Day?

  1. June 6, 1943
  2. June 6, 1944
  3. July 6, 1944
  4. May 6, 1945

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Quiz 

What date is commonly known as D-Day?

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b) 

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Which beach was assigned to the Canadian forces during the Normandy Invasion?

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  1. Omaha Beach
  2. Juno Beach
  3. Gold Beach
  4. Sword Beach

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Which beach was assigned to the Canadian forces during the Normandy Invasion?

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b) 

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What was the primary objective of the North Shore Regiment at Saint Aubin sur Mer?

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  1. Capture a strategic bridge
  2. Destroy enemy artillery positions
  3. Secure the beachhead
  4. Establish communication with Allied forces

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What was the primary objective of the North Shore Regiment at Saint Aubin sur Mer?

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c) 

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How many Canadian soldiers landed on Juno Beach on D-Day?

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  1. Approximately 10'000
  2. Approximately 21'400
  3. Approximately 5'000
  4. Approximately 30'000

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How many Canadian soldiers landed on Juno Beach on D-Day?

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b) 

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What was the code name for the Allied invasion of Normandy?

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  1. Operation Overlord
  2. Operation Neptune
  3. Operation Barbarossa
  4. Operation Market Garden 

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What was the code name for the Allied invasion of Normandy?

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a)

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Who was the Supreme Allied Commander responsible for planning and executing the D-Day Invasion?

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  1. Winston Churchill
  2. Franklin D. Roosevelt 
  3. Charles de Gaulle
  4. Dwight D. Eisenhower 

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Who was the Supreme Allied Commander responsible for planning and executing the D-Day Invasion?

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d) 

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What type of obstacles did Canadian troops encounter on Juno Beach

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  1. Hedgehogs
  2. Dragon's teeth
  3. Barbed wire
  4. All of the above

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What type of obstacles did Canadian troops encounter on Juno Beach

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d) 

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Who was the commanding officer of the North Shore Regiment on D-Day?

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  1. Captain John A. MacLellan
  2. Major David V. Currie
  3. Lieutenant Colonel William C. Hopgood
  4. Brigadier Harry W. Foster

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Who was the commanding officer of the North Shore Regiment on D-Day?

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c) 

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Which of the following landmarks can be found in Saint Aubin sur Mer? 

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  1. Canada House
  2. Pointe du Hoc
  3. Mulberry Harbour
  4. Pegasus Bridge 

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Which of the following landmarks can be found in Saint Aubin sur Mer? 

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a)

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What was the codename for the sector of Juno Beach where the North Shore Regiment landed?

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  1. Sword
  2. Gold
  3. Omaha 
  4. Juno 

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What was the codename for the sector of Juno Beach where the North Shore Regiment landed?

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d) 

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What were the main objectives of the North Shore Regiment after securing Saint Aubin sur Mer?

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  1. Establish communication with Allied forces and advance to Caen
  2. Retreat to the beachhead and regroup with reinforcements 
  3. Withdraw from Saint Aubin sur Mer and await further orders
  4. Secure nearby German strongpoints and link up with other Canadian units 

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What were the main objectives of the North Shore Regiment after securing Saint Aubin sur Mer?

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d) 

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Timelapse view of Saint Aubin sur Mer (modern)