Overview
 
Beginning at 06:25 hours on 6th June 1944, the Allied forces launched an invasion aimed at liberating Europe from the Nazis. It started on a 40-mile stretch of beaches in northwest France and ended the following May in Berlin, with Germany’s unconditional surrender.


The Normandy landings were a spectacular co-ordinated display of military effort from the ground, sea, and air forces of the Allies. Codenamed ‘Operation Overlord’, it was one of the most crucial battles of WWII.


The Navy orchestrated a barrage support for the Army’s amphibious assault, while Allied paratroops were dropped deep into enemy territory to attack the Axis force from the rear.


Nearly 6,500 vessels landed over 130,000 Allied troops on five beaches, forming a bridgehead in Normandy. Over 12,000 aircraft supported the landings, including 1000 sorties to drop the paratroops.


On 25th August 1944 - after 11 weeks of fighting and 600,000 casualties - the Allies liberated Paris. The Germans were forced to retreat – a withdrawal that didn’t stop until the Nazis reached Berlin.