The Invasion: Time, Place and Beginning: Jun. 12, 1944

When the Allies crossed the Channel they risked on the first day:

» 4,000 ships, not counting small craft.

» Twelve battleships—as many as the entire 1940 U.S. Pacific fleet had—plus cruisers and 80 destroyers as escort (according to German reports).

» 7,500 planes and 31,000 airmen—in indifferent flying weather—during the first eight hours.

» Four airborne divisions and two parachute divisions — 60,000 to 90,000 airborne troops (also according to German reports).

» Thousands upon thousands more of troops in vulnerable landing craft.

Even if the German reports were exaggerated, the losses thus risked were...