Operation Overlord, which was the codename for the Allied invasion of Normandy, was the biggest-ever amphibious-related assault in history. It also served as an unforgettable turning point in World War II. Specifically, on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), over 156,000 American, British, and Canadian troops ended up storming the beaches of Nazi-occupied France that had been under intense enemy fire. The bravery and numerous series of sacrifices by those who fought on D-Day stand as a defining moment throughout military history. We’ll take a look at some of the rare military photos that were captured during Operation Overlord.
1. Boarding for Operation Overlord in Weymouth Harbour with three barrage balloons on the ground and one in the air.
The colorized shots from Operation Overlord (aka D-Day) really hit different.
2. A British gunner flirts with a local French girl, in Normandy, 1944, Operation Overlord.
He seized the moment.
3. Aerial view of Omaha beach during the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June, 1944.
The aerial view really adds a new layer of drama to the moment.
4. Operation Overlord commences, the largest sea-borne invasion in history.
The amount of adrenaline that must’ve been coursing through their veins before hopping out of those boats is unimaginable.
5. Some of the first American Troops in Higgins boats approaching Omaha Beach near Normandy, France.
And to think about how cold the water was too.
6. D-Day, 6th June. Omaha Beach, About 7 am in the morning, 1944.
They’re locked in.
7. BBC War Correspondent Robin Duff makes a recording during the D-Day landings, in 1944.
Those wartime recordings were truly on a level of their own.
8. British troops in landing craft heading for Sword Beach.
The stressful buildup on that ride must’ve been something else.
9. D-Day, Omaha Beach, American Liberty ships were deliberately scuttled to provide a makeshift breakwater during the early days of the invasion.
The tactics were incredibly complex during that time.
10. Operation Overlord, the allies begin the assault on western Europe, June 1944.
There was a whole lot going on that day.
11. American and French commandos with French partisans in Britanny during operation Overlord, June 1944.
What an intimidating crew.
12. President Eisenhower speaking with paratroopers the day before Operation Overlord (June 5, 1944)
He was doing his best to get them fired up.
13. WWII 82nd Airborne Division
What a couple of pals.
14. This group of GIs in Normandy have just been awarded either the Bronze Star or the Silver Star for their actions on D-Day.
What an impressive crew of total studs.
15. Allied troops prepare to leave their landing craft near Cherbourg on D-Day, Normandy, 1944
They’re clearly ready to roll.
16. Martial arts demonstration for US nurses in England prior to the invasion of occupied Europe in 1944
Nothing like some martial arts on the beach to rev up people’s spirits.
17. American paratroopers just before they took off for the initial assault on D-Day, 6 June, 1944
Looking generally fearless.
18. Field nurses of the 13th Field Hospital, first to arrive in Normandy to tend the wounded, take time for lunch, Omaha Beach, 1944
Those field nurses were true heroes during that time.
19. U.S warships during the D-day landings on June 6, 1944
Things were tense out there.
20. American troops observe as LCVP Landing craft approaches Omaha Beach, Normandy
The approach shots from Operation Overlord can really amp up the nervousness.
