D-Day - Arromanches

In order to exploit beyond the bridgeheads and to ultimately capture deep water ports, a mechanism was required to offload the thousands of men and vehicles, and tons of supplies necessary to sustain operations. Thus the Mulberries were created to provide temporary port facilities, until permanent ports had been secured.

The proposed harbours would consist of block ships and huge caissons floated into position creating breakwaters, piers and other structures to provide quays and roadways to create the port. The caissons were built in a number of locations and would be towed to Normandy by tugs and be operational by D+3. Two harbours would be constructed, Mulberry A at SAINT LAURENT, OMAHA BEACH and Mulberry B at ARROMANCHES on GOLD BEACH, the latter would later become known as Port Winston.

Arromanches - remains of Mulberry Harbour

6th June Museum Arromanches

6th June Museum - Mulberry Harbour model

6th June Museum - Mulberry Harbour model