D-Day In The Air

D-Day, Operation Overlord, the allied invasion or simply Normandy … we all have our preferred term for what was one of the most pivotal points in the history of modern warfare. Events during the 75th anniversary of the landings will arguably mark the major milestone year attended by veterans in substantial numbers, so it’s more important than ever that we properly commemorate their efforts.

This publication offers seldom-covered subjects such as the Canadian 415 Squadron and its Fairey Albacores, which guarded against Kriegsmarine E-boats in the Channel. The importance of this task was brought into stark relief when, in April 1944, German fast attack vessels discovered allied landing ships off Devon’s Slapton Sands practising for the invasion. More than 700 US personnel died as a result. These Albacore missions exemplify the huge range of disparate aircraft types and roles in play throughout the D-Day period. And while much of our coverage concerns allied air assets, we also cast light on the fortunes of two Luftwaffe units during June 6 and shortly after.

From US Navy Spitfires spotting for naval guns, gliders delivering soldiers and Hawker Typhoons pinpointing German radar, to USAAF Ninth Air Force aircraft and airfields – and the legendary ‘Mighty Eighth’ – there’s vital content for old hands and those coming to the subject for the first time. It does all remind us of the enormous challenge it must have been to co-ordinate the staggering numbers of aircraft involved, and their support for naval and ground assets throughout Overlord. I’m in awe of what was achieved, and I hope you find much to enlighten among the stories here.