Gold Beach

Gold, commonly known as Gold Beach, was the code name for one of the five areas of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during the Second World War. Gold, the central of the five areas, was located between Port-en-Bessin on the west and La Rivière on the east. High cliffs at the western end of the zone meant that the landings took place on the flat section between Le Hamel and La Rivière, in the sectors code-named Jig and King. Amphibious landings at Gold were undertaken by the British 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, commanded by Major-General D.A.H. Graham, with sea transport and naval artillery support provided by the Royal Navy. The 8th Armoured Brigade provided armour support.

The objectives at Gold were to secure a beachhead, move west to capture Arromanches and establish contact with the American forces at Omaha, capture Bayeux and the small port at Port-en-Bessin, and to link up with the Canadian forces at Juno to the east. Forces attacking Gold faced elements of the German 352nd Infantry Division and 716th Infantry Division. About 2,000 men were stationed in the immediate area. Improvements to fortifications along the Normandy coast had been undertaken under the leadership of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel beginning in October 1943.

Gold Beach (disambiguation)

Gold Beach was one of the Allied landing points in France during the Battle of Normandy.

Gold Beach or Golden Beach may also refer to:

See also