Allied Breakout and German Collapse | Beyond the Beaches

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy hosted its latest symposium, Beyond the Beaches: D+1 and the Battle for Normandy, at The National WWII Museum on June 6-7, 2024.
The program opened Thursday evening with the Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II, featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson who discussed “Operation Overlord: 80 Years On.”
On Friday, the free daylong public symposium enlightened guests through presentations by leading historians on the challenges, battles, and victories that followed the June 6 Allied landings and made the liberation of Europe from Nazi oppression possible. Sessions covered the struggles of fighting in the Normandy bocage, the bitter battle for Caen, how Allied Air Power assisted the advance, and the ultimate breakout from the Normandy region.
This event was free and open to the public, but registration was required.

[@OldWolflad]

The Poles contribution will never be forgotten here in the UK. They are a much-liked sub-population. God bless them! We have the Katyn Memorial here in Staffordshire.

[@DD-qw4fz]

Forgotten, the Poles were BETRAYED, the veterans of battle of Normandy and western Campaign were not even allowed to be in the victory parade to appease Stalin and general Sosabowski was blamed for the failure of Market Garden because the Poles were a convenient scapegoat for Montgomery.

[@OldWolflad]

@@DD-qw4fz You may be right in terms of politicians, but I am talking about the people. Not sure I entirely agree, Sosabowski was individually excellent but also (just like Montgomery) often difficult to get along with. When it was suggested that Sosabowski be removed, specifically-named Polish Officers were suggested as his replacement, so perhaps it was an individual issue , not an issue with Poles per se as is sometimes made out.

[@thevillaaston7811]

@@DD-qw4fz Rubbish. Polish forces actually had two invitations to the 1946 Victory Parade in Britain. Montgomery criticized the performance of the Poles in MARKET GARDEN, that is quite different to blaming them for the outcome of the battle.

[@babychuma1]

Good panel! I especially liked the stuff about the Poles. Are we sure they didn't get the invitations to the commemorations for the same reason they weren't invited in London in '45? To keep the Russians happy because they hated the Poles? And the best representation on film was Gene Hackman as Sobieski in "a bridge to far" when he says "vhat about the Germans" pronouncing the G like Goody not Jermans.

[@DD-qw4fz]

Sadly Yes, dirty politics and Soviet appeasement.

[@terryzanger7152]

I think the contributions by the Poles is well know, from the Battle of Britain to Falaise and Casino. Well known of course by everyone except the Americans as usual.