Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
second, larger building holds a Douglas C-47 plane that dropped parachutists, along with
many other supplies essential to the successful landings.
The Canadians' assignment for the Normandy invasions was to work with British forces
to take the city of Caen. They hoped to make quick work of Caen, then move on. That
didn't happen. The Germans poured most of their reserves, including tanks, into the city
and fought ferociously for two months. The Allies didn't occupy Caen until August of
1944.
Juno Beach Centre
Located on the beachfront in the Canadian sector, this facility is dedicated to teaching
travelers about the vital role Canadian forces played in the invasion, and about Canada
in general. (Canada declared war on Germany two years before the United States, a fact
little recognized by most Americans today.) After attending the 50th anniversary of the
D-Day landings, Canadian veterans were saddened by the absence of information on
their contribution (after the US and Britain, Canada contributed the largest number of
troops—14,000), so they generated funds to build this place (plaques in front honor key
donors).
