D-Day: Normandy vs Pas-de-Calais (1944)
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The Allies had to choose where to land the largest amphibious invasion in history. Pas-de-Calais was closer but heavily defended. Normandy was farther but achievable with surprise. Operation Fortitude deceived Germany about the location.
Normandy
1944
year
100+ miles
distance from england
Lighter — Germans expected Calais
german defenses
Chosen — June 6, 1944, largest amphibious invasion ever
outcome
Pas-de-Calais
1944
year
21 miles (shortest crossing)
distance from england
Heaviest concentration — expected landing site
german defenses
Used as deception target (Operation Fortitude)
outcome
Norway
1944
year
Far
distance from england
Light but logistically difficult
german defenses
Also used as deception target
outcome
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