Post by connie on Nov 22, 2014 23:50:37 GMT -5
On June 5 I watched this 2-hour Nova Documentary, previously recorded.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/military/dday-sunken-secrets.html
(If you search I believe you can also locate the documentary to stream to your computer).
It started a bit slowly. But it did become very interesting. Some of the elements I found fascinating were the historic maps created for the invasion-- both aerial views and horizontal views of what approaching ships would see and weather mapping: the modern mapping done of the channel bottom, the discussion of equipment developed especially for the invasion, etc.
The views of France offered insights into the placement of the German bunkers, and aerial and ground views of the French countryside brought me new understanding of the term "hedgerows" and the obstacles these presented.
I was unaware of the wooden gliders employed in the invasion. This was fascinating.
There were veterans that took part in this documentary, adding new layers of meaning...
D-day of course did not relate directly to the 106th. As a division the 106th did not hit the beaches of France until about 6 months after D-day. Like everyone else in the country they, of course, felt the impact of this invasion that also made way for their coming. But, in the waves of troops plundered from the division after Tennessee Maneuvers, there were men taken in April and sent out to relocation depots. Certainly there were men who trained with the division who were part of the invasion.