I know what happened and the general stuff but I am visited the beaches with my family today and I became incredibly interested in the specifics of Omaha. I would like to find out more regarding how many machine guns the germans had, where they were placed, how many bunkers/concrete casemates were built (for any that have visited there is the one at dog green right on the beach), and information of the sort. I would also like to know some specifics from the American side, such as where on the beach they were dropped off. And other than the tank obstacles what actual cover they were able to run too. Currently there is a sea wall but I am not sure if it was present back then.
Noticing the incredible distance from the water at low tide to the base of the large hill in the rear of the beach(for those that have visited) made me very curious about the landing and how it was achieved. Really got to give credit to the boys and all those at d-day.
Edit: Also any information about the infantry fighting itself at D-day would be great! Number of german troops at the start, how many were moved in since the landing, distances of engagement, etc.
Recommend the trip to the beach as well as the grave site. Very eye opening. Thanks!
I was in Normandy last week, although leading a group around the British and Canadian sectors. I highly recommend Holt's battlefield guide to the beaches which goes into some detail about the defences, dispositions of units and landing locations.