The American Sector

Omaha Beach and American Ranger Operations

We drive to the eastern end of Omaha Beach, Le Moulin tank exit 3 at Fox Green sector to see where the Big Red One, the American 1st Infantry Division came ashore under the hellish fire of Widerstandsneste (Wn) 62. To the east we shall see Fox Red sector, Port en Bessin where the PLUTO pipeline came ashore and Arromaches and the remains of the Mulberry Harbour B.

We then move up the bluffs to the American Cemetery for a brief visit, looking down onto Easy Red sector where Robert Capa took his defining photographs of the initial landings before making a hasty retreat to England. One could spend a day at the Cemetery but time constraints mean we must make a fleeting visit.

On now to Airfield 21c, La Rapière and Wn 65 where you will have the opportunity to take a then and now picture on the spot of one of the most defining pictures of the landings.

A drive along the beach follows, taking in Easy Green, Dog Red and on to Dog White and the Vierville draw (Wn71 & Wn72), the site of the carnage depicted in the opening scenes of Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan where the Bedford Boys suffered so much.

A brief look westward to the Ruined House (Wn73) and Pointe de la Percy to consider the assault by Rangers.

We now drive up to Utah Beach via Point du Hock, site of the famous Ranger assault up the cliffs, and the Maisy Battery; Rommel’s secret.

Utah Beach and American Airborne Drops

We start at Deadman’s Corner inland from Utah Beach Exit 2. Then we shall follow the tank route through Ste Marie du Mont and on to Utah Beach where Brigadier General Roosevelt proclaimed “We’ll start the war from right here” after the landings were made east of the planned objective by mistake.

At the beach we shall see the positions at Wn 5 and the Chapel de Madeleine.

Inland now to Brécourt Manoir to consider the Easy Company 2/506 PIR 101 Airborne Division action to capture the German battery so realistically portrayed in Spielberg’s Band of Brothers.

Next we visit the church at Ste Mère Église, where PFC Steele famously played dead whilst hanging from the steeple, there will be a brief opportunity to buy souvenirs here.

A short drive to the River Merderet causeway, described by survivors of the War as the hardest battle they ever fought and a visit to Iron Mike and General Gavin’s fox hole.

Next we shall visit the ambush site of General Falley, Commanding Officer of 91 Luftlande Infanterie-Division, the highest ranking German casualty on D-Day.

On to the naval battery at Crisbecq captured by PFC Riley with his Zippo and flamethrower.

Followed by the St Marcouf Battery to hear about the sinking of the USS Corry.

The tour is for up to 4 people in one vehicle. It covers all the main aspects of the American Sector of the Normandy Landing beaches and the areas immediately inland.

The price is €360 for 4 persons.

Answers to any questions you have may be found at FAQ or you may like to email the guide directly.