King Tiger's World War 2 Battlefield Tour (Europe)
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King Tiger
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King Tiger
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King Tiger
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Among the burials at the cemetery are recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Jimmie Waters Monteith, Jr. (July 1, 1917 – June 6, 1944) was a United States Army officer
who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in World War II at the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
Jimmie Waters Monteith is buried at the American cemetery and his grave can be found in section I, row 20, grave 12.
Jimmie Waters Monteith, Jr. (July 1, 1917 – June 6, 1944) was a United States Army officer
who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in World War II at the D-Day landings in Normandy, France.
Jimmie Waters Monteith is buried at the American cemetery and his grave can be found in section I, row 20, grave 12.
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King Tiger
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Place and date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, June 6, 1944.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France.
1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire.
Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault.
He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff.
Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machine gun fire.
Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions.
Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed.
He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill.
Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety,
repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain.
When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation,
1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire.
The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France.
1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire.
Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault.
He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff.
Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machine gun fire.
Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions.
Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed.
He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill.
Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety,
repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain.
When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation,
1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire.
The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation.
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King Tiger
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An important position captured by 1st Lt. Monteith and his company on D Day.
Jun 1944 - Omaha Beach, an entire armada, a long stretch of invasion
May 2010 - Omaha Beach
Jun 1944 - Omaha Beach, an entire armada, a long stretch of invasion
May 2010 - Omaha Beach
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19. Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II.
The cemetery is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion) and the English Channel.
It covers 70 ha (172 acres), and contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II.
France has granted the United States a special, perpetual concession to the land occupied by the cemetery, free of any charge or any tax.
Was here back in 2001. The atmosphere was sombre. It was great to be here especially with Saving Private Ryan still fresh in my mind. Thanks for sharing. This is a truly wonderful thread. I was kinda WWII buff too when I was a teenage
King Tiger
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Was here back in 2001. The atmosphere was sombre. It was great to be here especially with Saving Private Ryan still fresh in my mind. Thanks for sharing. This is a truly wonderful thread. I was kinda WWII buff too when I was a teenage
Thanks DanMan. I can truly feel what you mean.
You are right that the place was very somber. I can't help, but somehow, feel sad and tear in my heart when I was here.
King Tiger
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20. The Cold Statistics
Below are the statistics that show what was needed for 'Operation Overlord'.
Also the 'Cold Statistics', which show the losses in human life during the Battle for Normandy.
THE BUILT UP OF THE TROOPS IN JUNE 1944 (IN GREAT BRITAIN):
1,700,000 British soldiers,
1,500,000 American soldiers,
175,000 Commonwealth soldiers (mostly Canadian),
44,000 other allied troops
Total 3,919,000 troops
Below are the statistics that show what was needed for 'Operation Overlord'.
Also the 'Cold Statistics', which show the losses in human life during the Battle for Normandy.
THE BUILT UP OF THE TROOPS IN JUNE 1944 (IN GREAT BRITAIN):
1,700,000 British soldiers,
1,500,000 American soldiers,
175,000 Commonwealth soldiers (mostly Canadian),
44,000 other allied troops
Total 3,919,000 troops
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King Tiger
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THE NAVY (OPERATION NEPTUNE) JUNE 6th, 1944:
The Western is the American sector, Omaha and Utah Beach.
The Eastern the British/Canadian sector, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach.
US= US Navy, RN= Royal Navy
Naval Task Forces and Commanders : Western Rear-Adm A. G. Kirk USN
Battleships : 3 US 3 RN
Cruisers : 10 (5 RN, 3 US, 2 French) 13
Destroyers & escorts : 51 (11 RN, 36 US, 4 French)
Other warships, incl. minesweepers & coastal forces : 260 (135 RN, 124 US, 1 Allied)
Total Warships : 324 (151 RN, 166 US, 6 French, 1 Allied)
LSIs, landing ships & craft : 644 (147 RN, 497 US)
Ferry service vessels & landing craft : 220 (RN & US)
Totals incl. Warships : 1,188
Plus minor landing craft (LCVP/LCA) : 836
Naval Task Forces and Commanders : Eastern Rear-Adm Sir P. Vian RN
Battleships : 3 RN
Cruisers : 13 (12 RN, 1 Allied)
Destroyers & escorts : 84 (74 RN, 3 French, 7 Allied)
Other warships, incl. minesweepers & coastal forces : 248 (217 RN, 30 US, 1 Allied)
Total Warships : 348 (306 RN, 30 US, 3 French, 9 Allied)
LSIs, landing ships & craft : 644 (147 RN, 497 US) 955 (893 RN, 62 US)
Ferry service vessels & landing craft : 220 (RN & US) 316 (RN & US)
Totals incl. Warships : 1,619
Plus minor landing craft (LCVP/LCA) 1,155
Total : LCVP/LCA 1991
Grand Total : US & RN 4798
To this can be added the following:
(1) Home Command for follow-up escort and Channel patrols, plus reserves:
1 battleship (RN);
118 destroyers and escorts (108 RN, 4 US, 1 French, 5 Allied);
364 other warships including coastal forces (340 RN, 8 French, 16 Allied).
(2) Western Channel Approaches A/S Escort Groups and reserves:
3 escort carriers (RN),
55 destroyers and escort vessels (RN).
(3) Merchant ships in their hundreds - mainly British liners, tankers, tugs, etc to supply and support the invasion and naval forces.
(4) British 'Mulberry' harbour project of two artificial harbours and five 'Gooseberry' breakwaters including:
400 'Mulberry' units totalling 1.5 million tons and including up to 6,000-ton 'Phoenix' concrete breakwaters;
160 tugs for towing;
59 old merchantmen and warships to be sunk as blockships for the 'Gooseberries'. All were in place by the 10th June.
The Western is the American sector, Omaha and Utah Beach.
The Eastern the British/Canadian sector, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach.
US= US Navy, RN= Royal Navy
Naval Task Forces and Commanders : Western Rear-Adm A. G. Kirk USN
Battleships : 3 US 3 RN
Cruisers : 10 (5 RN, 3 US, 2 French) 13
Destroyers & escorts : 51 (11 RN, 36 US, 4 French)
Other warships, incl. minesweepers & coastal forces : 260 (135 RN, 124 US, 1 Allied)
Total Warships : 324 (151 RN, 166 US, 6 French, 1 Allied)
LSIs, landing ships & craft : 644 (147 RN, 497 US)
Ferry service vessels & landing craft : 220 (RN & US)
Totals incl. Warships : 1,188
Plus minor landing craft (LCVP/LCA) : 836
Naval Task Forces and Commanders : Eastern Rear-Adm Sir P. Vian RN
Battleships : 3 RN
Cruisers : 13 (12 RN, 1 Allied)
Destroyers & escorts : 84 (74 RN, 3 French, 7 Allied)
Other warships, incl. minesweepers & coastal forces : 248 (217 RN, 30 US, 1 Allied)
Total Warships : 348 (306 RN, 30 US, 3 French, 9 Allied)
LSIs, landing ships & craft : 644 (147 RN, 497 US) 955 (893 RN, 62 US)
Ferry service vessels & landing craft : 220 (RN & US) 316 (RN & US)
Totals incl. Warships : 1,619
Plus minor landing craft (LCVP/LCA) 1,155
Total : LCVP/LCA 1991
Grand Total : US & RN 4798
To this can be added the following:
(1) Home Command for follow-up escort and Channel patrols, plus reserves:
1 battleship (RN);
118 destroyers and escorts (108 RN, 4 US, 1 French, 5 Allied);
364 other warships including coastal forces (340 RN, 8 French, 16 Allied).
(2) Western Channel Approaches A/S Escort Groups and reserves:
3 escort carriers (RN),
55 destroyers and escort vessels (RN).
(3) Merchant ships in their hundreds - mainly British liners, tankers, tugs, etc to supply and support the invasion and naval forces.
(4) British 'Mulberry' harbour project of two artificial harbours and five 'Gooseberry' breakwaters including:
400 'Mulberry' units totalling 1.5 million tons and including up to 6,000-ton 'Phoenix' concrete breakwaters;
160 tugs for towing;
59 old merchantmen and warships to be sunk as blockships for the 'Gooseberries'. All were in place by the 10th June.
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King Tiger
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THE AIR FORCE ON JUNE 6th, 1944:
3440 heavy bombers
930 medium bombers
4190 fighters/ fighter-bombers
1360 troop transport planes
520 reconnaissance planes
80 Sea/Air Rescue
1070 Coastal Command
Total: 11,590 (6080 American and 5510 British)
3500 Gliders (Horsa, Hamilcar and Waco)
3440 heavy bombers
930 medium bombers
4190 fighters/ fighter-bombers
1360 troop transport planes
520 reconnaissance planes
80 Sea/Air Rescue
1070 Coastal Command
Total: 11,590 (6080 American and 5510 British)
3500 Gliders (Horsa, Hamilcar and Waco)
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King Tiger
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The Cold Statistics
In military terms, the word 'casualties' is used.
One use to think that this covers the 'killed in action' figures. This is not the case.
That's why you'll find, because of the confusing reports, contradicting numbers for the losses during and after battles.
A 'casualty' of war means, 'no longer fit for battle', wounded, killed or missing.
In that perspective it shows that the losses in human life were less dramatic than sometimes pictured.
Below are the numbers of casualties in the first days during and after the landings in Normandy (on the Allied side).
As you may notice, the list of missing is enormous. Still to this day, human remains are found.
But in most cases, the missing men will never be found, they were simply wiped of this earth by bombblast, or incinerated by fire.
For years the exact number of victims of the Allies was uncertain.
The US National D-Day Memorial Foundation did an inquest and the number was much higher then ever was thought.
The US National D-Day Memorial Foundation checked all the Allied troops that were killed on the 6th of June 1944, during Operation Overlord.
It has been confirmed that 2499 Americans were killed on D-Day and 1915 of the other Allied nations, a total of 4414 dead (and the number will increase when the still missing are counted into it).
The losses on the British beaches on 6 June were for GOLD Beach around a 1000 men, and for SWORD Beach the same.
The 6th Airborne had 600 killed and the same number for the missing. Under the gliderpilots a 100 were casulties.
The losses on 6 June for the 3rd Canadian Division on JUNO Beach were 340 killed, 574 wounded and 47 were made prisoner.
US medics attending to the wounds at Omaha Beach.
Bodies of U.S. airborne troopers at D Day.
In military terms, the word 'casualties' is used.
One use to think that this covers the 'killed in action' figures. This is not the case.
That's why you'll find, because of the confusing reports, contradicting numbers for the losses during and after battles.
A 'casualty' of war means, 'no longer fit for battle', wounded, killed or missing.
In that perspective it shows that the losses in human life were less dramatic than sometimes pictured.
Below are the numbers of casualties in the first days during and after the landings in Normandy (on the Allied side).
As you may notice, the list of missing is enormous. Still to this day, human remains are found.
But in most cases, the missing men will never be found, they were simply wiped of this earth by bombblast, or incinerated by fire.
For years the exact number of victims of the Allies was uncertain.
The US National D-Day Memorial Foundation did an inquest and the number was much higher then ever was thought.
The US National D-Day Memorial Foundation checked all the Allied troops that were killed on the 6th of June 1944, during Operation Overlord.
It has been confirmed that 2499 Americans were killed on D-Day and 1915 of the other Allied nations, a total of 4414 dead (and the number will increase when the still missing are counted into it).
The losses on the British beaches on 6 June were for GOLD Beach around a 1000 men, and for SWORD Beach the same.
The 6th Airborne had 600 killed and the same number for the missing. Under the gliderpilots a 100 were casulties.
The losses on 6 June for the 3rd Canadian Division on JUNO Beach were 340 killed, 574 wounded and 47 were made prisoner.
US medics attending to the wounds at Omaha Beach.
Bodies of U.S. airborne troopers at D Day.
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King Tiger
Active Member
From 6 June to 10 June, 1944, D-DAY + 4:
101st Airborne Division, consisted of 8451 paratroopers.
137 killed, 482 wounded, 2000 missing, a total on casualties: 2619 men
82nd Airborne Division, consisted of 7534 paratroopers.
84 killed, 936 wounded, 200 missing, 10 made prisoner, a total on casualties: 1235 men
OMAHA BEACH D-Day + 4
1st Infantry Division: 124 killed, 1083 wounded, 431 missing, a total on casualties: 1638 men
29th Infantry Division: 280 killed, 1027 wounded, 890 missing, a total on casualties: 2210 men
Other units on OMAHA Beach: 148 killed, 656 wounded, 599 missing, a total on casualties: 1373 men
The American forces lost during the first four days, 5221 men on OMAHA Beach alone.
Bodies of U.S. soldiers are attended to in the French countryside, Summer 1944.
101st Airborne Division, consisted of 8451 paratroopers.
137 killed, 482 wounded, 2000 missing, a total on casualties: 2619 men
82nd Airborne Division, consisted of 7534 paratroopers.
84 killed, 936 wounded, 200 missing, 10 made prisoner, a total on casualties: 1235 men
OMAHA BEACH D-Day + 4
1st Infantry Division: 124 killed, 1083 wounded, 431 missing, a total on casualties: 1638 men
29th Infantry Division: 280 killed, 1027 wounded, 890 missing, a total on casualties: 2210 men
Other units on OMAHA Beach: 148 killed, 656 wounded, 599 missing, a total on casualties: 1373 men
The American forces lost during the first four days, 5221 men on OMAHA Beach alone.
Bodies of U.S. soldiers are attended to in the French countryside, Summer 1944.
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King Tiger
Active Member
From 6 June till 20 June, 1944:
US First Army lost 24.126 men: 3082 killed, 13.121 wounded and 7959 missing.
The British lost 13.572 men: 1842 killed, 8599 wounded and 3131 missing.
The Canadian lost 2815 men: 363 killed, 1359 wounded and 1093 missing.
French townspeople lay flowers on the body of an American soldier.
US First Army lost 24.126 men: 3082 killed, 13.121 wounded and 7959 missing.
The British lost 13.572 men: 1842 killed, 8599 wounded and 3131 missing.
The Canadian lost 2815 men: 363 killed, 1359 wounded and 1093 missing.
French townspeople lay flowers on the body of an American soldier.
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King Tiger
Active Member
THE GERMAN CASUALTIES
After intensive investigations it is impossible to give exact figures on the German losses in the first days after the allies landed in Normandy.
A report from Erwin Rommel , end of June, speaks of the losses in that month of '28 Generals, 345 commanding officers and about 250.000 men'.
The total losses from June 6th, 1944 till 22 August, D-DAY + 77 on the Allied side where; 200.000 men, among them almost 37.000 killed.
Under the French population there were at least 100.000 victims, civilians and Résistance.
Together with the German losses, about 400.000, the total figure on casualties run around the 700.000 men in 77 days of battle.
In perspective, the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest from the First World War, that was fought over a period of 141 days,
the losses were at least 1.250.000 on German, British and French troops.
In comparison, the Battle for Normandy was just as bloody as the fighting on the western front in the First World War.
The corpse of a German soldier, in front of a bunker overlooking the coast, June 1944.
Killed German para's of the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment
After intensive investigations it is impossible to give exact figures on the German losses in the first days after the allies landed in Normandy.
A report from Erwin Rommel , end of June, speaks of the losses in that month of '28 Generals, 345 commanding officers and about 250.000 men'.
The total losses from June 6th, 1944 till 22 August, D-DAY + 77 on the Allied side where; 200.000 men, among them almost 37.000 killed.
Under the French population there were at least 100.000 victims, civilians and Résistance.
Together with the German losses, about 400.000, the total figure on casualties run around the 700.000 men in 77 days of battle.
In perspective, the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest from the First World War, that was fought over a period of 141 days,
the losses were at least 1.250.000 on German, British and French troops.
In comparison, the Battle for Normandy was just as bloody as the fighting on the western front in the First World War.
The corpse of a German soldier, in front of a bunker overlooking the coast, June 1944.
Killed German para's of the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment
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King Tiger
Active Member
With these, I conclude my Then and Now, and the documentary thread on D-Day and Normandy battlefield areas.
Coming soon next, Operation Market Garden.
Attach is my collection of all the sands from Normandy beach.
Coming soon next, Operation Market Garden.
Attach is my collection of all the sands from Normandy beach.
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Really great work, I've spent hours in total on several occasions going thru your thread, I applaud your preparation and effort. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
Its interesting how todays perspective allows us to derive varied interest, such is one of the splendors of photography and technology.
Looking forward to more of your inputs.
dtoh
www.dtohphoto.com
Its interesting how todays perspective allows us to derive varied interest, such is one of the splendors of photography and technology.
Looking forward to more of your inputs.
dtoh
www.dtohphoto.com
With these, I conclude my Then and Now, and the documentary thread on D-Day and Normandy battlefield areas.
Coming soon next, Operation Market Garden.
Attach is my collection of all the sands from Normandy beach.
Hi old friend,
I am surprise you still on the World War 2 Battlefield Tour story.
Good on you! :thumbsup:
King Tiger
Active Member
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