By some estimates, over 4, of the Allied forces lost their lives from the D-Day invasion. Thousands more were recorded as wounded or missing. D-Day was a day that cost many lives on all sides of the conflict, changing not only the future of countries, but of families as well.
Because of that, there is much to be learned from those who experienced its victories and its horrors firsthand. Do you have D-Day veterans in your family? Record a memory or upload a photo to help preserve their legacy.
FamilySearch Blog. About FamilySearch. Battles took place at five separate locations along the mile coast, with thousands of fatalities on both sides. Despite the enormous human cost, D-Day was ultimately an Allied victory and marked the start of Operation Overlord, which drove the Nazis from northwest Europe in June Within a year of the landings, Adolf Hitler was dead and Germany had surrendered to the Allied forces, ending the Western theatre of the war.
Limited planning for an invasion of Europe began soon after the evacuation of Dunkirk in , but detailed preparations for Operation Overlord were not submitted until , by Lieutenant-General Frederick Morgan. The Allied forces also undertook a targeted deception campaign known as Operation Bodyguard, in a bid to convince the Nazis that the Allies would launch an invasion through Pas de Calais or possibly even Norway, rather than Normandy.
Taking the thinly stretched Nazi defences by surprise, some , Allied troops sailed across the Channel from ports on the south coast of England and stormed the beaches of Normandy at five separate points, code-named Utah, Juno, Sword, Omaha and Gold.
A total of 7, ships were involved in the attack, including 3, troop carriers, escort vessels and minesweepers. Nevertheless, the Allies immediately came under heavy fire, and the work of the beach-clearing teams was both difficult and dangerous, the Daily Express adds. The Allies are estimated to have suffered at least 10, casualties that day, with more than 4, confirmed dead, but by evening, five vital access points for Allied military operations into Europe had been established.
By June , an operation was under way to liberate the Italian Peninsula, but establishing a foothold in Normandy was essential for a full-scale invasion. Following their defeat on the beaches, the Nazi forces in Western Europe were so depleted that the Allies were able to advance, capturing Paris by 25 August, and Brussels by 3 September. By late April , the Allies had advanced deep into German territory and liberated Munich, one of the key Nazi strongholds.
Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.
The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory.
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. Connect With Us facebook instagram pinterest twitter youtube. Close Modal. Related Articles.
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