D-Day Beaches: A Comprehensive List of Landing Sites

Omaha

June 6th, 1944

On D-Day, U.S. forces primarily fought on the 5-mile-long stretch of Normandy coastline known as Omaha Beach, located between Vierville-sur-Mer and Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Although they eventually succeeded, American troops faced the most dangerous and difficult landing site on D-Day.

Utah

June 6th, 1944

The U.S. 4th Infantry Division landed at Utah Beach, in the small French town of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, around 06:30. It was originally thought to be the easiest of all the beaches to break through, but it proved to be difficult because the sea there was unusually rough and the obstacles placed there by the Germans proved harder than expected.

Gold

June 6th, 1944

Located west of Omaha and between Arromanches and La Riviere, the Gold Beach area featured a small beach surrounded by steep bluffs. Because of the cliffs and heavy German resistance, the U.S. forces encountered at some of the most difficult fighting of the day.

Juno

June 6th, 1944

Juno Beach was where British and Canadian forces landed on D-Day. It is located east of Gold Beach and between La Riviere and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. The Canadian First Division stormed the beach at approximately 07:35 and met relatively light resistance.

Sword

June 6th, 1944

Sword Beach, located east of Juno Beach, stretching from Ouistreham to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, was intended to be the initial Allied landing point during D-Day. Due to heavy winds, the troops arrived a mile off course, but British forces were fortunately successful in overtaking the German forces.