Liberation of Europe

Operation OVERLORD, 6 June 1944, was the codename given to the Allied landings in northwest Europe.

In preparation for the assault RAF fighters and bombers attacked German forces and destroyed key targets. Photo-reconnaissance crews provided intelligence on German positions and communication lines, whilst data from meteorological aircraft helped determine the day of invasion.

On D-Day itself over a thousand heavy bombers pounded Normandy beach defences, whilst others flew diversionary sorties. Transport aircraft dropped paratroops and towed gliders carrying men to obstruct German reinforcements. Coastal Command kept enemy ships and submarines at bay whilst fighters protected the fleet and beaches. Cover was so heavy that only two enemy aircraft managed to attack the beaches on D-Day.