Juno Beach

Fourteen thousand Canadian soldiers stormed Juno Beach on this day in 1944. Three hundred and sixty-four of them died that day, many in the first hours when Canadian forces suffered a 50% casualty rate, as high as the Americans at Omaha. Despite the fierce defences, the Canadians pushed closer to their pre-invasion objectives than any other force that bloody day:

“At the end of the day, its forward elements stood deeper into France than those of any other division. The opposition the Canadians faced was stronger than that of any other beach save Omaha. That was an accomplishment in which the whole nation could take considerable pride.”

- John Keegan, in Six Armies in Normandy

I'd encourage anyone who thinks this history important to make a contribution to the Juno Beach Centre in France. Never forget.



Update: John at Castle Argghhh!!! remembers a number of events that took place on this day in history, but with an understandable focus on the entire Allied D-Day effort. Good pictures and links, as always from John.