The crossing and the landings · Reference 24
The first assault wave
English reading guide
About this dossier
An overview of the first assault wave at Vierville identifies the tanks, engineers, infantry and Rangers intended to arrive around 06:30 on 6 June. The text compares planned strength with the forces believed to have reached the beach and describes the role of surviving tanks. Numbers and timings include estimates rather than a complete count. Links to the separate unit and craft studies allow readers to examine how the initial landing unfolded across the different sectors.
This English guide introduces the dossier. Yves Cordelle’s archival text, quotations and captions are preserved in the linked French edition, including any original-language passages. The guide does not replace the original document or resolve its uncertainties.
Read the French edition →Consult the original archive
The full text, detailed image captions, maps and source references are available in the French edition. Quotations, witness recollections and historical uncertainties remain attached to that original record.
La première vague d'assaut
Open the original dossier in French →Original site reference: 24-VagueAssaut1Vierville.htm. About the collection and its preservation.