Rare WWII Footage Uncovers D-Day Training Before the Historic Invasion

Early U.S. Training in Chesapeake Bay

Before the D-Day invasion, American soldiers and sailors spent months preparing along the U.S. coast, especially in Chesapeake Bay. These men were new to amphibious warfare, and their early missions involved practicing how to go from ships to land. During this time, the beaches they landed on were friendly and safe, giving them a chance to learn without combat pressure.

Once the early training was done, troops left the United States in late winter. Convoys of ships carried thousands of men across the Atlantic through the spring. Onboard the transports, life was routine. Soldiers rested and waited, knowing a major operation was coming, but not knowing exactly when or where.

Continued Rehearsals in Britain

In the spring of 1944, landing practice became more intense along the British coast. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard crews worked day and night with small landing craft, practicing timed beach approaches. The larger crafts, including LSTs and LCIs, practiced hitting precise points on the shoreline under strict timing orders.

Meanwhile, Allied air forces carried out daily bombing missions. Their goal was to weaken German defenses and disrupt supply routes. These air raids supported the upcoming invasion and gave ground troops a better chance of success.

Final Preparations Before the Invasion

By early June, thousands of Allied ships gathered off England’s southern coast. Crews made final checks as the invasion drew closer. When rations were loaded onboard, troops knew the event was near. On June 5, landing ships were filled. The next time these men touched land, it would be on hostile ground.

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