Following the Allied victory in Northern Africa, culminating in the successful invasion of Sicily in July 1943, it was decided that a cross-channel invasion was required in order to end the Nazi threat in Europe. Under the command of General Eisenhower, and after some deliberation, it was decided Normandy would be the chosen landing site and given the code name Operation Overlord – the Allied invasion of Europe.

Throughout the end of 1943 and the first half of 1944, the Allies began to mass together what was to become the largest landing force in history. 326,000 troops supported by 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 tons of equipment were moved to the South of England, disguised by a deception plan under the codename Operation Bodyguard.

By dawn on 6 June 1944, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads in an attempt to disrupt any Nazi counterattacks. At 6.30am the amphibious landings took place at six locations and were split between British, Canadian and American forces supported by other Allied nations. Although D-Day was a tactical success, it came at a great cost. On the first day, there were 10,000 Allied casualties with over 4,000 deaths and it was a week before the beachheads were fully secure. However by the end of August 1944 the Allies had reached the Seine River and Paris was liberated from the Germans, effectively concluding the Battle of Normandy.