What is the history of Juno Beach?

Juno Beach was the D-Day landing area given to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division on 6 June 1944. It was strongly defended. The first attacks brought terrible losses, yet the Canadians still moved farther inland on that same day than any other Allied unit.

To make progress, they had to seize coastal places such as Courseulles-sur-Mer and Bernières-sur-Mer. German troops had built defences there with concrete pillboxes, thick sea barriers, and anti-tank obstacles. The first landing groups met heavy fire right away. Still, the right tanks and tough foot soldiers helped them get through the Atlantic Wall. By evening, the Canadians had taken a key bridgehead. This solid start became part of why the invasion is often remembered for its best tactical results.