On June 6, 1944, the Allies landed some 160,000 amphibious and airborne troops in Normandy. Opposing the Normandy Invasion were some 50,000 German troops of greatly varying quality. The 716th Static Infantry Division was composed of Germans who were too old for regular military service and conscripts from German-occupied countries. Its equipment was a hodgepodge of weapons collected from Germany’s conquests, and it had no combat experience prior to D-Day. This force was able to mount limited effective resistance to the British and Canadian landings at Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches. In contrast, the Americans landing at Omaha Beach faced ...(100 of 214 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!