As the sun rose over the Normandy coast at 5 a.m. on June 6, 1944, Allied force planners assigned Canada a key role to help free Europe from the German invasion by invading Juno Beach. This was known as the largest maritime invasion in history; a great achievement for a great nation. Allied forces depended on the success of the Canadian invasion to continue fighting in Europe and establish a protected zone for the landing of troops and supplies. Canada's strong contributions to Operation Overload compared to other Allies played a vital role in the success of the operation. Even though the Allies were victorious, due to ineffective commanders and poorly made decisions from executed commands and decisions, many more Allies were killed during the extended Operation Overload. Unlike any other Allied division, Canada achieved its objectives for the D-Day landings and accomplished much with a force of fourteen thousand soldiers and considering the large line of defense at Juno Beach, this was an achievement of which we could be proud. “Their courage, determination and self-sacrifice were the immediate reasons for success in these critical hours.” Compared to any other Allied force, the 3rd Canadian Division penetrated the furthest into France. Veterans Affairs Canada states that thanks to the persistent efforts of the 3rd Canadian Division, the city of Caen was finally in Allied hands. It was thanks to their perseverance and determination that Canada was able to invade occupied Europe and contribute to victory in the war. Without their persistent efforts, victory in the war would seem out of reach. The 3rd Division refused to retreat despite the trials of war,...... middle of paper ......f destiny. Toronto: Dundurn Group, 2004. Graves, Donald E., Christopher Johnson, and Ron Volstad. A Century of Service: The Story of the South Alberta Light Horse. Toronto: published for the South Alberta Light Horse Regiment Foundation by Robin Brass Studio, 2005.McAllister, James. “Canada at War.” Second World War. http://www.secondworldwar.co.uk/canada.html (accessed April 6, 2011). News, CBC. “D-Day: The Allied Invasion of Normandy.” Canada 1 (2009). http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2009/06/02/f-dday-history.html (accessed June 24, 2011). Reynoldson, Fiona. Key Battles of World War II. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2001. Rohmer, Richard. In general: the memoirs of Major General Richard Rohmer. Toronto: Dundurn Group, 2004. Rowland, Robin. "CBC News in depth: The big day." CBC.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/dday/ (accessed April 6, 2011).