Documentary
War & Politics

D-Day: The Soldiers' Story

June 1944. 1.5 million Allied soldiers stand poised to embark on the largest amphibious assault in military history. For tens of thousands of young American soldiers in particular, this war against the Nazis seems like an adventure. Most are overseas for the first time, and few have any experience of combat. For those bound for Omaha Beach, the baptism of fire will come at 0630 on 6th June – H-Hour, D-Day. It will prove a horrifying and unforgettable experience. D-Day: The Soldiers’ Story features the intimate personal testimony of the men who formed the spearhead of the Allied liberation of Western Europe on that fateful day. They include survivors of the US 29th Infantry Division’s first assault wave at Omaha Beach, the German machine-gunners who resisted them, and members of the French Resistance in Normandy. Expert analysis is provided by Antony Beevor (D-Day, Stalingrad, Berlin) and German military historian Peter Lieb.

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Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

D-Day - Tag der Entscheidung

First Air Date

May 10, 2010

Last Air Date

May 31, 2010

Seasons

1

Episodes

4

Language

German, English, French

Production Companies

Spiegel TV

Networks

SpiegelTV

S01E04

Part 4 - Breakout

D-Day is a success, but now the Allies face the challenge of breaking out of the dense hedgerows of Normandy and into open country. They face highly motivated and experienced German soldiers, including Waffen SS units, who make them pay dearly for every yard they advance. The savagery of the fighting also takes a high psychological toll on Allied soldiers – much more so than on German troops who have been subjected to years of indoctrination. But in the end, Allied material superiority takes its toll. General Patton arrives to lead the charge into open country. German soldiers start to surrender in ever greater numbers, and the road to Paris is suddenly open.

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