Q&A · 1:22:59-1:23:50

When the Normandy armies stopped relying on naval guns

Ramsay's staff reduced bombardment forces as artillery came ashore, while coastal flanks retained access to naval support.

Question

When were bombardment ships withdrawn from Normandy, and who organized their later employment?

Short answer

Ramsay's command staffs released ships as army artillery became sufficient and the front moved inland, while retaining naval support near the coastal flanks.

Notes

The withdrawal was organized through Admiral Ramsay's Channel and command staffs rather than happening at a single fixed date. Ships could leave once the army had enough artillery and the front had moved beyond practical naval-gun range. Units operating near the coastal ends of the lodgement could continue to call for fire, so support declined geographically as well as over time.