What was D-Day?

On 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord and began the fight to liberate north-west Europe from German occupation. 

Hear IWM curator John Delaney explain how this complex land, sea and air operation was planned - and the significance of the Allied success. 

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© IWM (A 25665) HMS Belfast leaving Scapa Flow for the Normandy beaches in June 1944. The cruiser is reported to have fired some of the first shots on D-Day.
© IWM (A 25665)
D-Day

Discover D-Day75

Visit where D-Day history happened and discover how HMS Belfast, IWM Duxford and Churchill War Rooms played a part in the largest combined naval, air and land operation in the history of warfare.

 

The Supreme Command of the Allied Expeditionary Force, 1944
© IWM (TR 1629)
Second World War

Why D-Day Was So Important to Allied Victory

The invasion of northern France in 1944 was the most significant victory of the Western Allies in the Second World War. The German Army suffered a catastrophe greater than that of Stalingrad, the defeat in North Africa or even the massive Soviet summer offensive of 1944.

Troops storm ashore from LCAs (Landing Craft Assault) during Exercise 'Fabius', a major invasion rehearsal on the British coast, 5 May 1944. Nearest landing craft is LCA 798.
© IWM (H 38244)
D-Day

These Incredible Photos Show The Allies Preparing for D-Day

See IWM's collection of photography detailing soldiers training for D-Day

Commandos of 47 (RM) Commando coming ashore on Jig Green beach, Gold area, 6 June 1944.
© IWM (B 5246)
D-Day

D-Day Explored

Watch our special D-Day75 video series featuring IWM curators exploring the story of D-Day.