June 6, 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy by the Allied forces during World War II. Recently, both the UK and France have held a series of celebratory events to commemorate this important day, including gatherings of veterans, memorial services at cemeteries, and fireworks displays.
The Normandy landings, codenamed “Operation Neptune” and commonly referred to as D-Day, were a massive offensive launched by the Western Allies on the Western Front of Europe during World War II to reclaim territories occupied by Nazi Germany.
This largest amphibious invasion in history officially commenced on June 6, 1944. Allied forces composed of troops from the United States, Britain, and Canada deployed approximately 7,000 ships and landing craft, transporting nearly 160,000 soldiers and 10,000 vehicles to the northwest coast of France. At 6:30 am on D-Day, troops simultaneously landed on five beaches along the Normandy coast and launched a fierce assault on German positions. Both sides mobilized various forces including land, sea, and air units, engaging in a multifaceted battlefield that spanned land, sea, air, electronic, and psychological warfare.
The landing operation lasted a full day, by midnight, the Allies had established beachheads and bridgeheads in France, advancing further into the heart of Europe. Eleven months later, the Allies successfully captured Berlin, leading to the suicide of Nazi leader Hitler and the end of combat operations on the European front of World War II.
However, the Allies suffered significant casualties during the Normandy landings. According to data from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, approximately 4,440 Allied soldiers were killed on that day, with over 5,800 soldiers wounded or missing.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, we have compiled some precious historical images from the battle for everyone to remember and reflect upon.