D-Day: What were the Normandy landings?
Normandy #Normandy
Historic D-Day happened 79 years ago today, on June 6, 1944.
It saw the Allied forces in World War Two triumph with one of the most famous military operations in history, kickstarting a changing of the tide across the countries fighting Nazi occupation.
The operations that secured it all are widely referred to as the Normandy landings.
But what were the Normandy landings, how many people died on D-Day, and how do we celebrate the anniversary of the memorable occasion today?
Here is everything you need to know.
What were the Normandy landings?
The Normandy landings were the landing and airborne operations that were carried out by the Allied forces on D-Day.
It saw British, American, and other Allied forces cross the English Channel to launch an offensive on the Nazi occupation in Normandy.
Boats and aircraft of various sizes were used to sweep the area ahead for mines, deliver armies, and more. In total, 6,330 ships and 10,440 aircraft were involved alongside 153,110 troops.
The forces divided across five beaches and, in less than a week, they were able to secure them, meaning the beaches could then be used to deliver more equipment, vehicles, and troops to the Allies going forward.
The operation was originally set to take place the day before, on June 5, but bad weather caused the forces to push it back.
Many refer to D-Day and the Normandy landings as the “beginning of the end” of the Second World War and the Nazi’s hold over Europe.
How many died on D-Day?
The estimates of how many passed away on D-Day vary. But, according to John Long, the director of education at the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, between 5,000 and 12,000 soldiers from the Allied Forces are thought to have died on D-Day.
As for German casualties, the number is predicted to be between 4,000 and 9,000, with the Allies capturing some 200,000 German prisoners of war.
Are there any events to commemorate the June 6 landings?
Understandably, the most elaborate D-Day celebrations that commemorate the occasion happen in Normandy, with ceremonies held across the region to pay tribute. It includes military displays, parades, and more.
This year, the French authorities marked the day at the British Normandy Memorial working alongside The Royal British Legion on Tuesday, June 6, at 10 am.
Veterans who fought during WWII are also a key part of the commemorations.
In the UK, senior politicians, members of the Royal Family, and hundreds of war veterans attend ceremonies in acknowledgement each year.
The Royal British Legion held a Service of Remembrance on Monday, June 5, at 6 pm, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux.
They will also hold their annual Commemorative Service at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux Cemetery at 12.30 pm on Tuesday, June 6. Members of the public are all welcome to attend the events in Bayeux.
There will also be commemorative events dotted around the country, such as Southwark’s D-Day Revival.
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