The History of D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the D-Day operation, known as Operation Overlord, was a key event in World War II. It brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the Allies in the largest combined military invasion ever seen.
Operation Overlord
The goal was to free Western Europe from Nazi control by landing five naval assault divisions on the beaches of Normandy, France. These beaches were called Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The invasion involved 7,000 ships and landing craft with over 195,000 naval personnel from eight Allied countries.
The Invasion
On D-Day, nearly 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies landed on the Normandy beaches. They faced strong resistance, resulting in 10,300 casualties. Despite the losses, the courage of these soldiers, sailors, and airmen ensured the invasion's success.
Aftermath and Victory
By June 30, the Allies had landed over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies on Normandy's shores. This relentless push, along with the Russian forces attacking from the east, led to the defeat of Nazi Germany. The war in Europe officially ended on May 7, 1945, when German General Alfred Jodl signed an
ditional surrender in Reims, France.
D-Day is a powerful reminder of the bravery and determination of the Allied forces, marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.
