Educational Pamphlet

EDUCATIONAL PAMPHLET

Welcome to the Utah Beach Museum ! ______

Built on the very spot where American troops landed in Normandy, the museum honors all the soldiers who risked their lives to free France during the Second World War.

You are going to discover the various events that happened on this beach on June 6 th 1944 and the following days.

You will follow in the footsteps of the defenders of the Atlantic Wall and share the daily lives of the people of the Cotentin, chafing under the deprivations and weight of the German occupation. The following rooms and commemorative objects will teach you how the American troops managed to set in motion an amphibious landing in the Sainte-Marie-du-Mont sector, known worldwide by its codename, Utah Beach.

1 THE GERMAN DEFENSES

Define the role of Atlantic Wall. When was it constructed? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Hence, show that the Nazi strategy, started in 1939, has changed : ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What defenses and war materiel were installed on the Atlantic Wall ? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You are currently in the heart of the Atlantic Wall’s defenses, at German strongpoint WN5, which was commanded on the morning of June 6th by Lieutenant Arthur Jahnke, section chief of the 3 rd Battalion, 919th Grenadier Regiment.

From what you can see of the construction and information panels, explain who built these defenses and how. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

From the window displays and your own knowledge, identify the units manning the Normandy and Sainte- Marie-du-Mont sectors. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2 In the spring of 1944, Rommel’s insistence coupled with the impending allied invasion brought additional reinforcements to the Normandy beaches.

Explain why the arrival of paratroopers under Major Von der Heydte considerably increased Germany’s defensive potential. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Based on the window displays, show that the German army was not as mechanized as some believed. Explain why.? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

What material are these Eastern Front boots made of ?

………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………

In the bunker you can see an identification disk belonging to a worker from Organization Todt.

What is the Organization Todt ? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

3 THE COTENTIN UNDER THE OCCUPATION

For four long years, France lived under German occupation. They garrisoned the northern part of the country and pillaged the economy. Daily life was constrained by privations, rationing, and the restrictive measures put in place. However, these actions would have dramatic consequences in the Cotentin and France at large.

Name a few instances of privations that the locals had to endure. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

Explain what rationing is and how many Normans avoided it. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

Why do you think many Frenchmen remained imprisoned in Germany? How did they stay in touch? Base your answer on the documents provided. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

What political actions arose from the continued German occupation? Show they are in opposition and what part of public opinion supported them in the spring of 1944. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

4 ALLIED STRATEGY

Operation Overlord required meticulous preparation. Its iconic figure was General "Ike" Eisenhower, supreme commander of the Allied expeditionary forces.

What countries comprised the Grand Alliance in 1944? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

In what operational theatres were Allied troops committed? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

Why did the Allies find it necessary to open a second front? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

Why were so many countries involved? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

5 NAVAL FORCES

The naval element, known as Force "U", was tasked with attacking the enemy on Utah Beach and supporting the infantrymen storming it.

From the objects and documents on display, define the missions and means the US Navy disposed of on D-Day. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

Why do you think there were French ships in Force "U"? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

Analyze these two posters.

6 What is their message? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What do you see in each of them? What are their different hooks? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7 AERIAL FORCES

In order to support the naval and ground elements, an aerial force of B-26s was tasked with suppressing the enemy's defensive positions along the Atlantic Wall.

What are their objectives in the Utah Beach sector? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Major David Dewhurst was the squadron leader and pilot of one of these legendary planes, the likes of which you can admire in the museum's hangar.

Research what the “Victory Program” was and explain how this plane, as well as the afore-mentioned ships, are perfect examples of this policy. ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………

8 SAINT EXUPERY'S LETTER

In front of the Briefing Room (past the hangar) you can see the letter written by Antoine de Saint Exupery.

Who was he? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What role did he play in WWII? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

To whom was the letter written? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

When? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Recall the conditions in which the US entered WWII and name the principles they were fighting for. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Explain the phrase

“If wars are won by believers, peace treaties are often drawn up by businessmen...”

9 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Show that the author's fears were well-founded. Quote passages from his letter to justify your answer.

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What message do you think Saint Exupery wanted to communicate?

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Name three conflicts in which the US and France fought side by side:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 GROUND FORCES

23,000 men landed on Utah Beach on June 6th 1944. Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, cousin of President Franklin Roosevelt, was in the first assault wave at 0630. He was 57 years old. He landed in a LCVP identical to the one on display.

Acquaint yourself with this officer's career. Found out why he was so popular in the 4th Infantry Division prior to the invasion. Show how he played a key role in the ensuing operations once the first soldiers landed on Wn5. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Brigadier General Roosevelt died a few weeks later from a heart attack south of Carentan, in the town of Meautis. The locals put up a plaque commemorating the death of this great officer. His tomb is visible at the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer.

In front of you is a landing craft like the ones used on June 6th 1944 to ferry troops to Utah Beach. Piloted from the rear, they brought soldiers from ship to shore. Based on your knowledge and the opening scene of “Saving Private Ryan” describe the soldiers' state of mind as they emerged from the landing craft as well as the conditions they beached in. (Careful, the movie takes place on Omaha Beach, where the fighting was far bloodier).

11 Based on the objects in the display, describe a typical American soldier's equipment. Why did many Normans find it so modern? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Each American soldier carried two identity discs with their name, serial number, and for some their address.

What conclusion can you reach after comparing them with those of Organization Todt? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name a few famous American brands. When do you think Americanization started in French society? Prove your answer. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What broader geographical, economical, and cultural phenomenon swept across Europe with the American advance? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You are now entering the upper level, in order to view how combat operations developed on Utah Beach and the surrounding area on D-Day.

12 OPERATION TIGER

At the top of the stairs, on your left, is a video dedicated to Operation TIGER, the tragic invasion rehearsal that claimed the lives of 749 soldiers on April 27th 1944.

THE NIGHT OF JUNE 6TH, 1944

The first aerial bombardments started at 2300 on June 5th over Saint-Martin-de-Varreville, to the north of Utah Beach. Operation Overlord was underway, and many Norman villages crumbled under the Allied bombs raining death and destruction.

This window recalls the suffering endured by civilians in those targeted areas, as well as the numerous casualties arising out of the massive aerial attacks. Designed to slow the advance of German reinforcements and wreck their lines of communication, the attacks proved particularly destructive for the local population. Historians and eyewitnesses debate their usefulness to this day.

13 D-DAY AT UTAH BEACH

A breathtaking view now offers itself to you!

You are now in the heart of the German defenses held by Lieutenant Jahnke and his grenadiers. In front of you is the exact spot where the first American barges landed at 06.30am, releasing their flood of infantrymen.

On the morning of June 6th, a meticulously planned sequence of events unfolded. Screens, panels, and videos relate these events.

To understand the size and scope of the military strategy orchestrated by American generals on June 6th 1944, it is important to understand the full scope of events from 2300 on June 5th to 1200 on June 6th.

14 Find the events based on the time they occurred. The first and last ones are given to you:

11.00pm 00.15am Bombing of Saint Martin de Varreville ………………………………………………… ………………………………………………… Objective : . Destroy the German Objective : battery located there that …. threated the Utah Beach …………………………………………………. landings. …………………………………………………… ..……………………………………………

5 min Before H hour 5.36a To 6.25am ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. . Objective : ….…………………………………………………. …………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………

6.30am H hour ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. . Objective : ….…………………………………………………. …………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………..

15 06.40am

………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. . Objective : ….…………………………………………………. …………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………

7.00am

7.15am ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………….. . Objective : ….…………………………………………………. …………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………

12.00am

First linkup between the paratroopers and infantrymen . Objective : Each airborne division had a specific linkup with an infantry division in order to confirm their respective missions were a success

16 Were the preliminary bombardments of Utah Beach effective? Prove your answer. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Describe the recreation of the trench below you. Identify the materials and their use, and explain what the museum is trying to show through this particular display. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... ……………………...... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

A SOLDIER'S DUTY

Return to the upper level and listen to the various video testimonies. Listen to the story of the sailors and soldiers who participated in the landings.

“You just revert back to your training, (...) it “They told us to go and we went. We becoms automatic (...) You don't ask yourself the didn't have much choice.” question whether to shoot someone. Its a uniform, a ship, nothing Jack Port more. When, in fact, it's much more: it's a human life!” “I was in the heat of battle, and all that I knew was what I was trained to do: kill.” Ronald B Davis William B Spriggs

What do these words inspire in you? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

17 In another video dedicated to the support and auxiliary units, two nurses describe their relationship to the wounded:

“They were young...18, 19, 20 years old. “We never talked about serious things. We Young boys. But they were men. exchanged pleasantries and smiles. You Real men.” cried within yourself but you had to smile Ellan Orkin for them” Dorothy Sinner

What do you have to say about the actions of these nurses, and those of the support units in general? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

18 THE LINKUP

In the night of June 5th to 6th, two airborne divisions were dropped behind the landing zone. By noon, they successfully linked up with the infantrymen that had landed on Utah Beach that morning. To the north, the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) linked up at Audouville-la-Hubert. In the middle, the 4th Infantry Division infantrymen met up with the 506th PIR paratroopers at the Forges intersection while to the south, Pouppeville and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont were liberated. A following linkup also occurred at Forges with the 501st PIR.

At 00.15am American paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines. What units were involved? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

Why were they so scattered? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What were their objectives? Did they meet them? Prove your answer. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

19 THE BATTLE FOR BRÉCOURT MANOR

The battle for Brécourt Manor, between Utah Beach and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, was particularly violent. However, the American paratroopers involved handled it with flexibility and guile. The American TV series “Band of Brothers” immortalized the key moments of Lt Richard Dick Winters' actions, as well as those of Easy Company of the 506th PIR.

Why was Easy Company tasked with taking the manor? Why was the battery's position a threat? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Explain why, even today, this battle is taught at West Point as a model for small unit assaults. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

20 FROM UTAH BEACH TO CHERBOURG

The landings in the Cotentin were just the first phase for American soldiers, whose objectives included cutting the peninsula in half before rolling up towards Cherbourg.

Following the landings, the Americans engaged in what became known as “the war of the hedgerows”, where fighting took place in a maze of hedges, brush, and trenches, which slowed down their progress and beefed up the German defenses. The road to Cherbourg grew longer as casualties piled up.

Temporary cemeteries started popping up at Blosville, Sainte-Mère-Eglise, and a plethora of other locations. The wounded multiplied and emergency medicine improved. Campaign tent hospitals sprang up overnight, capable of treating thousands of soldiers. Some returned to the front, while the more gravely wounded were evacuated to England.

MEDAL OF HONOR

One window displays a famous American medal for valor that has been depicted in many modern-day movies and games.

Find out how the Americans created the Medal of Honor, its requirements, and the number of recipients who fought in Normandy.

…...... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………......

Why is it such a remarkable distinction in the US Army? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………......

21 LECLERC'S ODYSSEY, FROM KOUFRA TO STRASBOURG VIA UTAH BEACH

General Leclerc landed on Utah at the head of the 2nd French Armored Division. A recently renovated plaque on the Saint-Martin-de-Varreville beach recalls how the first Free French forces came back to their homeland.

When did General Leclerc land on Utah? Retrace the path that led him there. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………......

22 UTAH BEACH'S ARTIFICIAL HARBOR

One of the main problems that confronted the Allies during their preparations was the lack of a deep- water harbor. Hence, the capture of Cherbourg was of vital importance in order to have a location capable of bringing in war materiel, ammunition, and reinforcements and evacuating wounded and prisoners.

What temporary solution did the Allies settle on, pending the capture of Cherbourg? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………

Was it effective? Prove your answer with the figures provided by the museum's displays. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………

23 History and rememberance, 70 years later

On Utah Beach and the battlefields of Europe, cannons are silent, rivalries have been forgotten, and hatreds dispelled.

What two global superpowers emerge at the end of WWII? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………

The complex relationship between these two countries will influence most of the post-war years up to the 1990s. What does History call this period? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………

In 1957, what new institution marks the end of the bitterness caused between winning and losing sides in a war? ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………

Name the countries that were responsible for this initiative and point out a few key landmarks, from its conception to today. ……………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...……………………………………………………………………………………

24 COMMEMORATIONS

Ceremonies occur on a regular basis at Utah Beach and all the key areas of the invasion.

What is the point in remembering the past? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What commemorative role and/or function do the various monuments and statues around Utah Beach, including those lining the road between the beach and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, play? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You can find two interesting pieces of history in the museum. One is a watch that stopped at 5.45am the morning of June 6th due to an explosion on Utah Beach. The other is a bible, hit by a rifle bullet, that saved an infantryman's life.

What did these two objects witness? Why can we say they deserve their place in the museum? Find other such examples that struck you. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

25 KEY DATES

September 1st 1939 : Germany invades Poland. Start of WWII.

June 18th 1940: General DeGaulle's call to arms.

June 22nd 1940: Marshall Petain signs the armistice between France and Germany.

December 7th 1941: Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

February 2nd 1943: First German military defeat at Stalingrad.

June 6th 1944: Allied landings (American, British, Canadian, Danish,...) in Normandy.

August 15th 1944: Allied landings in Provence.

April 30th 1945: Russia occupies Berlin and Hitler commits suicide.

May 8th 1945: Germany capitulates. End of WWII.

August 1945: The US drops the only two atomic bombs in History on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on the 6th and 9th of August, respectively.

September 2nd 1945: Japan surrenders.