D-Day to Saint Lô

Starting at Omaha Beach, we follow the story and routes of the 29th Infantry Division to their most important objective in the first phase of Operation Overlord: the crossroads town of Saint Lô. Throughout the day you will learn about the various units of the 29th Division, their roles, objectives, battles and achievements — from the beaches to the Capital of Ruins.

29th Infantry Division memorial mosaic

Major Thomas D. Howie memorial

Pont Jourdan at Saint-Clair-sur-l'Elle

29th Infantry Division monument

Omaha Beach — Bedford Boys memorial

Guests on the D-Day to Saint Lô tour

Locations We Will Visit

We visit the part of the beach depicted in the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan — where the heaviest casualties among the men of the Blue and Gray (29th Division) were suffered. We also visit the location where Brigadier-General Norman "Dutch" Cota's leadership was instrumental in breaking through the German defences.

The final resting place for 9,389 US servicemen and women. Additionally, 1,557 names are engraved on the Wall of the Missing. Time to reflect and pay our respects.

A few days after its liberation, a provisional US cemetery was created here. Many troops of the 29th Infantry Division were buried here in the months that followed. Since 1954 it has been a German cemetery.

A surprise tactical move by the 115th Infantry Regiment secured a vital break in the German lines, allowing the 29th to expand their beachhead.

The first major hurdle in linking up with the 101st Airborne Division near Carentan, this town was taken by the 175th Infantry Regiment and 747th Tank Battalion.

An hour's break for lunch (not included in the tour price).

We travel through the infamous Normandy bocage that made the fighting so difficult. Hear about the problems the hedgerows created and the solutions that eventually led to the US breakout.

The 2nd Battalion of the 115th Regiment was caught here in an ambush — an event that would have a major effect on the Regiment for days to come.

Crossing the river Elle was a vital step in the advance towards Saint Lô. See the difficult terrain the soldiers of the 115th and 116th regiments had to cross, and hear how the battles for the bridges across the river were so costly. For in-depth details, watch Mike's WW2TV documentary "29th Division — Crossing the River Elle."

At Hill 108 we focus on the 175th Infantry Regiment's heroic stand — a position that became known as Purple Heart Hill.

Site of a counter-attack by German Paratroopers against the 115th Regiment.

The door to Saint Lô is forced open as the 116th Regiment is ordered to assault the town from the east via the high grounds of Martinville Ridge.

A Task Force was formed to smash through the German defence and secure this strategic crossroads town once and for all on 18 July 1944. We follow their route and visit the town that became known as the Capital of Ruins.