Geoff & Peter Skellon on What D-Day means and what it stands for.

D-Day refers to the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, during World War II. It was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. Here are some key points about D-Day:
Planning and Preparation: The operation, code-named Operation Overlord, required extensive planning and deception tactics, including Operation Bodyguard, which aimed to mislead the Germans about the invasion location and timing.
Landing Beaches: The invasion involved landing on five beaches, code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Each beach was assigned to different Allied forces: Americans at Utah and Omaha, British at Gold and Sword, and Canadians at Juno.
Forces Involved: Approximately 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches. They were supported by over 5,000 ships and landing craft, 50,000 vehicles, and 11,000 aircraft.
Initial Assault: The landings faced strong German defenses, particularly at Omaha Beach, where the American forces encountered fierce resistance and heavy casualties. Despite this, they managed to secure the beachheads by the end of the day.
Significance: D-Day was a turning point in World War II. It allowed the Allies to establish a foothold in Europe, leading to the liberation of France and eventually the defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945.
Casualties: The exact number of casualties on D-Day is difficult to determine, but estimates suggest that the Allies suffered around 10,000 casualties, including 4,414 confirmed dead. German casualties are estimated to be between 4,000 and 9,000.
D-Day is remembered for the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who participated in the operation and is commemorated annually with ceremonies and events, especially in the Normandy region of France.

[@samjayne40]

Very proud of of my dad and uncle , very moving poem 🙏