Franz Gockel, soldier, German 352nd Division ©
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Read this introduction to Franz Gockel's story, then listen to him describe his experiences, using the links at the foot of this page.

Franz Gockel was 18 years old on D-Day. He was stationed at resistance post 62, on the beach of Coleville-sur-mer, in the area codenamed Omaha Beach by the landing forces.

He recalls that Germany's most celebrated field marshal, Erwin Rommel, had said in a visit to the troops, that Normandy's beaches were ideal for an invasion. German defence positions were thus strengthened in preparation for an eventual Allied operation.

In the morning of 6 June, Gockel and his comrades saw 'a huge collection of ships, which stretched across the whole horizon'. When the battle started, he says, these ships created a 'wall of fire' to give cover to the huge numbers of Allied troops that took part of the landing.

Gockel was shot at the hand in the afternoon. 'You are really lucky', said one of his comrades. 'This is you shot home.'

	'Survival' Play audio Read transcript

	'Shot home' Play audio Read transcript

	'A surprise' Play audio Read transcript
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