Northumbrian Gunner: Op Ducy

In order to exploit beyond the Normandy Beachhead it was essential that port facilities were available for bulky cargo, vehicles and supplies in order to sustain operations.

In August 1942 a raid on Dieppe had failed, and it became obvious that trying to take heavily defended ports was not viable. For the Normandy operation it was therefore decided to create a port made up of pre-fabricated components.

The port would consist of concrete caissons sunk offshore to create the port infrastructure, connected to the shore by floating runways. Old ships would be sunk as block ships to provide breakwaters. Two harbours would be constructed , one off Omaha Beach and one off Gold Beach.

Mulberry Harbour Concept

The harbours were constructed in multiple locations around the United Kingdom and towed across the channel into position. On 9th June 1944 (D plus 3), both harbours were in position.