The bicycle commandos
Identify and comment on some of the words the author uses in this chapter to "create images" with readers. For example the "mysterious wailing of a set of bagpipes" creates a somber, mournful image for me. While, "slashing at the surf with their spades," does give a sense of the utter confusion and horror the soldiers faced.
Please comment on these passages and add more of your own. Pay attention to the specific words the author uses and how they help create mental images as you read.
I learned about many things, but I really liked:
ReplyDelete-The part about the 5 beaches, Utah, Omaha< Juno, Sword, and Gold.
-I liked learning about the Many ways that the allied fleet(the American and British fleets) transported their troops and tanks, like the LCT (Landing craft tank)
-I learned that, During WWII, The Nazis had taken control of most of Europe.
I Learned ab out the 5 beaches, the LCT (landing craft tank) and about the strong defenses at the edge of Europe
ReplyDeleteMisinformation moved the defense away from where the allied fleet would attack.
ReplyDeletenot sure. I've looked through the book and seen that certain chapters have italics, some do not. I wonder if that signals something
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at how Rommel treated Lane. It was like they were old friends, not enemies. odd
ReplyDeleteNo questions
ReplyDeleteThe map was very helpful. I found myself turning back to it many times.
ReplyDeleteFor Howard, I don't know. But I remember that Howard picked his men personally.
ReplyDeleteWell, I can easily make an image of the PIAT (Projector Infantry Anti-tank), because I have a weapons guide that has it. I could see the Paratroopers exiting the plane and fighting the German forces. I personally liked the part when Sergeant Thornton fired the PIAT at the German Panzer.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that the British paratroops crashed their gliders on purpose.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised that Hollis received a VC. he charged at the MG-42s alone, which bordered on suicide. then he went back to the farmhouse to rescue his men.
ReplyDeleteI never really thought about D-Day.
ReplyDeleteIf it's true that Hitler made the Europe Mainland a Fortress, How did Britain survive?
ReplyDeleteBritian was seperated from the mainland by the English Channel and that's probably what saved them from Hitler. They did however suffer greatly from repeated air attacks.
ReplyDeleteIn this story, I believe the comment about making the mainland like a fortress refers to the defensive structures and troops they had in place to guard against an Allied invasion. The stories of D-Day are the stories of the incredibly difficult task of breaking through those defenses. As we are learning from this book that came with a great cost as tens of thousands of lives were lost in the D-Day invasion. (Good question!)
I liked that the troops actually climbed up cliffs. That was dangerous. Many Troops died.
ReplyDeletei can't believe that 90 men survived.
ReplyDeleteAbout my question, I thought the german forces had taken over Europe.
ReplyDeleteMENTAL IMAGES #1; Precious Metal On Gold Beach: I could imagine Hollis charging at the MG-42s alone, Making it to them, and defeating the British soldiers.
ReplyDeleteIMAGES #2; Cliff climbers: This chapter is one of my favorite chapters. I liked the parts when the Rangers climbed the cliff. I could see them using the ropes to try and climb up during the rain.
ReplyDeleteNot sure...
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3: Not sure. Maybe to emphasize the fact that not every thing on D-Day went right. Lots off people died.
ReplyDeleteThe french version, les des sont sur le tapis, was a signal that the allied forces were going to attack!
ReplyDeleteThe French Resistance was a group of french who secretly helped the Allied Forces. Exactly what they did is a mystery, but there is no doubt that they were an important part of D-Day.
ReplyDeleteThe first D-Day landing was at 12:16
ReplyDeleteI also think this chapter was a very powerful moment. I can't believe that the troops survived.
ReplyDeleteThe allies were foolish. They probably didn't check their sources, or they would've known that the defenders weren't the 716th, but the 356th. They also should of been more careful with the way they fired their shells, then the holes wouldn't be in the ground.
ReplyDeleteI think "foolish" is not an accurate way to describe the Allies. Yes, mistakes were made, and it's true that in some cases their intelligence iformation wasn't good, but given the complexities of war I wouldn't describe the Allies' efforts as foolish.
ReplyDelete...bailing water and expecting to sink gave me a feeling of tenseness and fear.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think that the Panzer Mk VI's were called Tigers?
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think the Shermans that were fitted with Anti-tank guns called Fireflies??
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that Whittman refused to except the Knights cross unless Woll, his gunner, received one, too. What do you think about this.
ReplyDeleteI think refusing the award unless his gunner received it as well tells a lot about his leadership skills. The best managers, coaches, and leaders I've ever been around all knew that their players and employees were a big part of why they were successful. The best gave credit to others when things went well and took the heat when things didn't go well.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, but suspect it might have something to do with their ability to kill and intimidate. It wasn't because they were fast like a tiger, because as you know they were heavy and slow.
ReplyDeleteThe retrofit of the "fireflys" was to give the tanks the ability to destroy other tanks from long range.
ReplyDelete