The Longest Day: Heroes and Sacrifice on June 6, 1944

By Jonathan Reynolds

"The Longest Day: Heroes and Sacrifice on June 6, 1944" takes readers on an immersive journey back to one of the most pivotal moments in history. On that fateful day, June 6th, 1944, as dawn broke over the Channel, an unprecedented spectacle unfolded. Never before had such a formidable armada been assembled, with 7,000 vessels carrying 130,000 brave men, supported by 20,000 planes soaring above.

Amidst a hail of fire, these courageous soldiers stormed the shores of France, while an additional 20,000 would descend from the skies. It was a day of immense sacrifice, with 10,500 Allied soldiers and nearly as many Germans losing their lives. Yet, the significance of their efforts cannot be overstated. Just eleven weeks later, Paris would be liberated, and the path to Berlin would be paved.

"The Longest Day" offers a unique perspective, weaving together the narratives of both Allies and Germans involved in this epic tale. From the meticulous planning stages in Britain, initiated in January 1944, to the ultimate outcome in the summer, the book provides a comprehensive account. Readers will delve into the strategic minds of leaders like Dwight Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, Bernard Montgomery, Winston Churchill, and Erwin Rommel, witnessing the sacrifices made by countless anonymous heroes.

This is not merely a recounting of a triumphant march. Contrary to popular legend, the reality was far more complex and harrowing. The film captures the essence of this staggering event, giving voice to the Tehran Conference of 1943, where the heads of state—Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt—grappled with the crucial decision of determining the invasion date in Western Europe.

For two years, the Soviet Union, Britain, and the United States wrestled with the strategic intricacies and shifting tides of war. The weight of their decision was immense, with the outcome shaping the course of the war and the world. Joseph Stalin, keen to relieve the pressure on his Eastern front, yearned for a Western invasion. Churchill, influenced by his own apprehensions, had sought alternative routes. But Roosevelt, driven by a desire to end the reign of the Third Reich and foster future cooperation, ultimately set the wheels in motion.

"The Longest Day" pays homage to the heroes who fought and fell, including those behind the cameras like Sergeant Grant, who risked their lives to document the indelible moments. Within these pages, readers will witness the construction of the formidable Atlantic Wall, Hitler's response to the perceived threat, and the resounding courage displayed by all who participated in this monumental undertaking.

Prepare to be transported back in time, as "The Longest Day" offers an unflinching portrayal of the sacrifices, strategies, and steadfast determination that shaped the destiny of nations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Public War Records
• Release date: May 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223339748

Book preview

The June 6, 1944

June 6th, 1944, a gray day breaks over the Channel, revealing an awe-inspiring sight.

Never had such an armada been seen in the history of mankind.

On board 7,000 vessels, 130,000 men crossed the stretch of sea with air cover from 20,000 planes.

At dawn, after a hail of fire, the men would land on the coast of France.

Twenty thousand of them would also arrive by air.

10,500 Allied soldiers would be lost on that day and almost as many Germans.

Eleven weeks later, Paris would be liberated and the road to Berlin opened wide.

This film will tell from the viewpoint of both Allies and Germans, this epic tale from its planning in Britain launched in January 1944

until its outcome in the summer.

With the US generals: Dwight Eisenhower,

Omar Bradley, British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery,

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill,

German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel,

and all the anonymous heroes who took part in the landings.

Not to mention men like Sergeant Grant, who risked their lives filming it.

They all participated in this staggering event, which, contrary to legend, was no victory march.

The Tehran Conference, 1943

December 1st, 1943, the Tehran Conference,

three heads of state had just made a key decision.

The satisfied-looking Joseph Stalin, supreme leader of the Soviet Union and its armies at the top of the steps.

Lower down, the concerned-looking British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

For two years, Stalin, Churchill, and US President Roosevelt had been struggling to reach an agreement on the invasion date in Western Europe.

The outcome of the war and of the world would depend upon it.

From the moment his country entered into the war with Germany in June 1941, the Soviet leader had been demanding the opening of a second front in the West

to relieve the pressure on his troops alone against Hitler in the East.

Meanwhile, influenced by Churchill, who feared attacking Germany head-on, the Anglo-Americans had vainly hoped to weaken the Axis

by passing through North Africa in order to invade southern Europe via Italy.

However, they were stopped short near Naples and were unable to advance any closer to Germany.

For a long time, Roosevelt was hesitant. He didn't think his country was ready enough for such a huge operation.

However, he now wanted to put an end to the Third Reich as soon as possible and to do so in the West.

He also hoped to cooperate with the Soviets after the victory.

Churchill could only resign himself to it.

Since the United States had entered the war in 1941, Hitler had feared an invasion of the German-occupied West Coast of Europe.

In 1942, he began