Description: Join us for the raising of the Storm Flag, signifying the beginning of D-Day Conneaut.

 

Description: Join us at the start of D-Day Conneaut 2013 in "Occupied France"for the Axis troop formation and review. By June 6th, 1944, nearly one out of every six Axis troops stationed in Normandy were made up of captured Russian, Pole, Ukraine, and Baltic men forced to fight for Germany. Among these troops however were some of Germans most elite, which just so happened to be stationed defending Omaha beach.

 

Description: Watch as the Allied forces work on Chain of Command procedures and formation practice.

 

Description: Cover your ears and find some cover! Join us for a Q&A presentation and fire demonstration of some of the most utilized weaponry of the Allied forces during the Normandy Invasion of 1944 and throughout WWII.

 

Description: It is June 1944. All the months of planning and preparations have come to this. Join us for a guided tour of our Allied pre-invasion encampment in a famers field in England. Your VIP military escort will take you through the typical life and conditions of an Allied encampment. Typical uniforms, barracks, weapons, supplies, equipment and daily training and responsibilities will be discussed and showcased.

 

Description: Cover your ears and find some cover! Join us for a Q&A presentation and fire demonstration of some of the most popular weaponry wielded by the Axis forces during the Normandy Invasion of 1944 and throughout WWII.

 

Description: Allied troops assemble on the Allied parade grounds for the Raising of the Garrison Colors flag raising.

Description: Witness our "1 gun solute". Yes it's only one gun but it's a big one! Come watch, hear, and feel the raw power of the test firing of a WWII era Sherman tank. The few Sherman tanks that made it ashore in the early morning hours of D-Day provided some much needed heavy artillery for the troops.

Description: The Veterans luncheon is a private event open to Veteran of WWII and their escort.   Contact  Eric Montgomery  for details on the luncheon.

Description: The USO and Hollywood did their part during the war to lift the moral of the troops by giving them a taste of home and remind them what they are fighting for. Go back in time and join us for a little "song and dance" courtesy of our special guest:  Lana Turner.

Description: The battles of WWII were not only waged on the front lines in Europe and the Pacific, those left behind on the home fronts did their valuable part to keep the war machine working. Join us for some personal reflections by some of those who experienced this first hand.

 

Description: Join us at our Veterans' Memorial Wall for our formal laying of the wreaths to honor those who sacrificed so much and those who continue to give for the greater good of all.

 

Description: Allied troops spent months in England training for every aspect of the invasion. Watch our platoon demonstration of proper practices and explains what was required for accurate mortar firing.

Description: Allied troops represented some of the best trained, most fit troops of the time. By 1944, the average age of the German Army was 32 (36 for Normandy troops), where the average age of the American forces was nearly 25. Each Allied soldier carried an average of 75 pounds of gear and equipment on them.  Watch our Allied units as they go through ATC preparation and training routines and discuss the different rolls plaid by the different units.

Description: By D-Day, 35% of all German soldiers had been wounded at least once, 11% twice, 6% tree times, and 4% over 4 times. Participate in our guided tour of our mobile troop encampment, hidden in the trees of occupied France. Your German guide will take you through the life of a mobile field unit. Typical uniforms, barracks, weapons, supplies, equipment, and daily activities - including a working mobile field kitchen - will be discussed and showcased.

 

Description: Join us once again as our WWII veterans grace us with their moving heart-felt stories of their triumphs, hardships and service during WWII. Come early, as this is a must-see event with limited space. This year we hope to have over 100 WWII veterans in attendance at D-Day Conneaut!

Description: Cover your ears and find some cover! Join us for a repeat Q&A presentation and fire demonstration of some of the most popular weaponry wielded by the Axis forces during the Normandy Invasion of 1944 and throughout WWII.

 

Description: The US, Great Brittan, and their Allies were not the only ones to endure hardships during the war. Join us to lean more about what live on the German home front was like.

 

Description: In the early hours of June 6th, 1944 over 900
C-47 aircraft carried some 13,000 airborne troops across the channel to the Normandy cost of France. Watch Allied Airborne soldiers rehearse assault training and tactical methods used and learn about what they faced when and if they made it to the ground alive.

Description: The "Higgens Boat" or Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel(LCVP) as the Army called it, was the landing craft of choice for D-Day and many other battles of WWII. Some 20,000 LCVP's were manufactured during WWII by Higgins Industries in New Orleans and originally was made mostly of wood. Watch Allied soldiers rehearse assault training and tactical methods used to disembark from landing crafts on D-Day.

Description: The US and their Allies endured hardships during the war. The  Bureau of Labor Statistics  estimated that between 1942 and 1945 nearly 6 million Americans were injured or killed in industry resulting in a staggering fact that for every 1 soldier disabled in battle there were 8 people disabled in industry. Join us to lean more about life on the home front in America and the sacrifices and restrictions that they endured in the fight for freedom.

 

Description: "Football", soccer as we call it, was extremely popular throughout Europe during WWII. Join us for our annual Allied vs. Axis Soccer match. Come see who will win this epic battle.

Description: Gone are the short "bob" styles of the 1930's. Long side-parted hair is the choice of Hollywood and home front women. Matching lipstick and nail polish - a strategic marketing campaign by Revlon which doubled their sales - is now the in thing to do. Join our ladies and we discuss, showcase and teach participants how to go back in time and achieve the ultimate 1940's glamor look.

Description: In the early hours of June 6th, 1944 members of the 2nd Rangers were tasked with what most considered the most dangerous and demanding task of the invasion. Land on a hostel beach and immediately scale a shier cliff of nearly 100 meters and assault a heavily reinforced battery of six 155mm cannons enclosed in concrete bunkers defended by some of the best German forces in the area. Allied forces did their best to soften up the fortifications for weeks leading up to June 6 with an estimated 10 - kilotons of high explosives (Approximately the size of the Atomic bomb dropped on Heroshima). Amidst machine gun fire and dropping grenades, Rangers were on top of the bluff within 5 minutes and within 15 minutes most of the fighting landing first wave were on top. Join us to see our Rangers practicing some of the same climbing techniques used to climb the cliffs of Point du Hoc.

Description: Originally designed and produced by North American Aviation, the P-51 Mustang quickly became one a favorite. During the war, P-51 Mustang pilots shot down nearly 5,000 aircraft. Join us for an aerial display of WWII aircraft acrobatics featuring the T-51; 3/4 scale replica of the famous P-51 Mustang produced by Titan Aircraft. Also joining us this year for the flyby is Liberty Aviation's Georgie's Gal, a fully restored B-25 Mitchell J courtesy of our friends at the  Liberty Aviation Museum  in Port Clintion Ohio.

Description: Join us at the Conneaut City Park for our first ever Historic Vehicle Rally. Get up close and personal will all types of vehicles, civilian and military, from the 1940's.

Description: German control a strategic intersection in Foucarville France and have set up a check point to monitor traffic, locals in preparation for the much anticipated Allied attack. During, what appears to be a routine changing of the German guards on duty, something goes wrong.... very wrong. Watch as the local French resistance tries to disrupt the forces at the check point. One can't help but wonder why the resistance chose this night, the night of June 6th, to attack the German post. What do they know that the Germans don't?

Description: Join us as our special honored guest leads the crowd in a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.

Description: Come and be surprised.

Description: For security, all encampments are closed to the public during the Battle for Foucarville. Encampments will reopen at 9:00 AM on Saturday.

An airman, lost after jumping from his crippled plane, is pursued by German soldiers outside the town of Foucarville. Fortunately, the crash was witnessed by members of local French Resistance cells and a party has been sent to rescue the airman. Prior to the invasion of Normandy, French Resistance members rescued hundreds of downed Allied airmen. After a brisk fire fight, the airman and his rescuers escape into the nearby woods. The rescue and firefight occur at twilight on June 5, 1944.

The German soldiers take up their positions as sentinels outside Foucarville. Time passes and soon it is after 3 AM on June 6, 1944.

In the fields outside of the town, Allied airborne soldiers land and begin to seek out their fellow soldiers using children’s’ “cricket” noise makers. Soldiers of the 101st Airborne link up under the command of Captain Cleveland Fitzgerald and organize an attack on their objective, the town of Foucarville. This town is a major crossroad beyond Utah Beach and its capture is critical to the success of the landings. The subsequent action is the first engagement of the invasion of Normandy….

Through the night all over the northern coast of France, groups of Airborne soldiers link up and proceed upon their objectives—to cut off major intersections and hold cross roads leading from the beaches so that the landing troops could mobilize inland. Some soldiers don't locate their companies until next day as, during the drop, they are scattered across the drop zone and into adjacent areas. The Airborne portion of the campaign also spread confusion to mislead the German command. The widespread attack, and the use of paradummies (Ruperts) made the initial Allied attack from the air seemed larger and made the Germans think they were being attacked across a wide front. German Command had difficulty mobilizing successful counter attacks because of this mistaken understanding of the breath of the attack.

Description: Opening Ceremonies of D-Day Conneaut 2013- 1st formation of Allied Forces and the raising of the US flag.

Description: All encampments and displays are open to the public. Please visit the different encampments and exhibits. Our reenactors are eager to meet and talk with you..

Description: By D-Day, the Germans had over 50 divisions in Normandy waiting for the inevitable Allied invasion. Join us at the start of D-Day Conneaut - Day 2 in "Occupied France" for the Axis troop formation and review.

Description: For nearly 4 years the German invaders have occupied France. In June of 1940, Charles de Gaulle, from the safety of London, called upon the people of France to fight against the German invaders. The French resistance was crucial to the Allies, though recognizance and sabotage. Join our local French resistance group as they secretly meet in their camp to discuss their operations and review Allied requests and plan their next attack.

Description: During WWII The US Army reported having some 239 kinds of jobs for women. One of the WAC's (Women's Army Corps) was a Meteorology Weather Observer. Come learn about the contributions these women made to the war efforts.

Description: Children 13 and under (accompanied by parent) come together and recreate and reenact the battle for Omaha beach. While this takes place, vets, parents and reenactors are there to guide the children and answer question. It is a wonderful learning experience. Visiting the sand box (volleyball sandpit) behind the Beach Battalion Bunker.

Description: It is June 1944. All the months of planning and preparations have come to this. Join us for a guided tour of our Allied pre-invasion encampment in a famers field in England. Your VIP military escort will take you through the typical life and conditions of an Allied encampment. Typical uniforms, barracks, weapons, supplies, equipment and daily training and responsibilities will be discussed and showcased.

 

Description: WWII veterans interact with the children at our Children Play Area by telling stories and answering questions about the war and their service. Bring your children to a fabulous opportunity for them to meet some real heroes.

 

Description: In November 1943, Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, began his inspection tours of the "Atlantic Wall". On direct orders of Adolf Hitler in Directive 51, the western front was to become a priority for the allocation of resources for the strengthening of the much over-hyped "Atlantic Wall". Join our guided tour of our mobile troop encampment, hidden in the trees of occupied France as they prepare for the impending invasion. Your German guide will take you through the life of a mobile field unit. Typical uniforms, barracks, weapons, supplies, equipment, and daily activities - including a working mobile field kitchen - will be discussed and showcased.

 

Description: Prior to the invasion of the beaches of Normandy, extensive reconnaissance was done of the terrain. Detailed "sand table" miniature models (sand tables) were produced with as much detail as possible for the troops. Men were encouraged to study these maps in earnest so that they could easily get and keep their bearing once on shore without having to pull out a map in the heat of the battle.

Description: Before departing England for the invasion, troops were issued a new uniform and weapon. Come learn about what was so special about these uniforms and the equipment they carried into battle.

 

Description: Women served in many roles during WWII. Members of the WAC Intelligence Network worked to identify and assess bomb damage and were key to understanding what was going on on the front lines. Join us for a discussion on their contributions to the war efforts.

 

Description: Listen as our announcers begin the story of the battle for La Fiere Bridge, one of the few bridges capable of supporting heavy equipment moving inland from the Allied forces landing on the beaches.

Description: It is early morning, June 6th, 1944. The French resistance have been alerted to the impending Allied invasion and have been instructed to disrupt German strong points, equipment and lines of communications where ever possible.

Description: Join us for our annual "Bridge Battle", featuring French Resistance, Allied Airborne, and Axis soldiers. 

The Battle for La Fiere Stone Bridge

Early on June 6, 1944, members of the French Resistance in Normandy are carrying out plans to disrupt German communications and movement prior to the Allied invasion. A team of Resistance fighters are busy cutting communication wires near a German outpost Cauquigny, a small inland village linked to St. Mere Eglise by the La Fiere Bridge and causeway. At the same time, a team of Resistance members are desperately searching for the aircrew of a downed C-47 that had dropped Airborne troops earlier that morning.

A member of the crew emerges from the woods and begins to make his way up a creek bed, trying to stay out of slight of German sentinels guarding the causeway leading between Cauquigny and St. Mere Eglise. As the French Resistance spots him, the German guards also notice the airman and begin to fire upon him. French partisans return fire from the woods and provide the airman covering fire to escape from the Germans.

The Germans, having lost their quarry, reinforce their position on the causeway. Fragmented and confused reports throughout the night and early morning indicate the region is under a broad attack. The guards and reinforcements are nervous but confident they can hold their position.

Soon, a party of Allied Airborne solders approach under the cover of the predawn and make their way toward the causeway and bridge. Their objective is to take the bridge and advance up the causeway to link up with General Gavin’s force after it has crossed the Mederet. The small company of Airborne attack the 50-man garrison at the bridge. Although the Airborne company forces the Germans off the bridge, it doesn’t have sufficient numbers to advance up the causeway and anxiously awaits reinforcements so that it can accomplish its objective….

Please plan on arriving a few minutes early to get a good viewing spot. Note: To ensure the safety of spectators and participants access to certain viewing areas will be limited once the show begins.

Description: WWII veterans return this year to recount their experiences and personal stories of their wartime service. We expect nearly 100 WWII vets this year! Come and see this incredible moving experience. Guaranteed to be something you'll never forget.

Description: The roles of the Commonwealth troops on D-Day are discussed by reenactors portraying Commonwealth soldiers.

Description: Late in 1943, in response to the build up of Allied troops in Great Brittan, Hitler issued Directive 51 which called for the strengthening of the defenses on the "Atlantic Wall". Come take a tour of our section of the wall and inspect the German fortifications.

Description: Everything, including the way the landing crafts were loaded, had an order and purpose. This demonstration covers how the landing crafts were loaded, specifically, the teams of men that went aboard and the equipment they carried into battle.

Description: Come participate in our guided tour of our mobile troop encampment, hidden in the trees of occupied France. Your German guide will take you through the life of a mobile field unit. Typical uniforms, barracks, weapons, supplies, equipment, and daily activities - including a working mobile field kitchen - will be discussed and showcased.

Description: Join us as our troops honor our Veterans in attendance with a military parade and formation.

Description: Allied troops form up for loading into the transports. Once assembled, Allied troops will perform a "Pass in Review" for our veterans on their way to the embarkation zone.

Description: A historical narrated account of the preparations for the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 and description of what will take place during our recreation of the landings.

Description: Join us once again for the recreated battle for the beaches of Normandy. Watch as hundreds of Allied Troops land to attack the German fortifications of the "Atlantic Wall". Allied soldiers supported by United States Army Air Force Fighters, fight their way through explosions, barb-wire, mine fields and machine gun fire on their quest to take the German fortifications.

Description: A postmortem with Allied commanders once the beachhead has been secured by the invasion force.

Description: All good things must come to an end. The D-Day in miniature display will come to a closes at 4:40 PM.

Description: All good things must come to an end. All D-Day encampments and displays will close to the public at 5:00 PM.

Description: Started in 1941, with a challenge by President Roosevelt for US Service Organizations including the Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Services, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board to provide a means of  emotional support for troops at home and abroad. USO shows typically included comedians, actress and actors and numerous famous musicians of the day.

Come join us in our final event of D-Day Conneaut -- our USO Salute and dance complete with a fabulous live "Big Band". You'll never know who you'll see. Space is limited this year. 1940s dress is strongly encouraged. Reenactors are free and there is a small admission fee for the public.

Description: Come join us in our final event of D-Day Conneaut -- our 1940's Canteen. This is a more family oriented version of our USO-style Dance at the American Legion. 1940's themed and complete with sounds of the times and dancing. Public and families are welcome. 1940's dress is welcomed but not required. Reenactors are free and there is a small admission fee for the public.