Normandy Landings
The Normandy Landings: June 6, 1944

Assault landing. 1 of the first waves at Omaha. Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Source: U.S. National Archives, CG 2343.

Commandos of 48 (RM) Commando coming ashore from landing craft at St Aubin-sur-Mer on Juno Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5217.

2 British Navy frogmen paddle 1 of the canoes; they were the underwater experts who blasted a hole in the Nazi's Atlantic Wall to enable invasion crafts to reach the Normandy beaches on D-Day. Source: Imperial War Museums, # A 30325.

Lance Corporal Walter Ray, Royal Engineers, shares with other Beach Group personnel a bottle of rum he found floating in the sea, Gold area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5260.

Film still showing commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, aboard a LCI(S) landing craft on their approach to Queen Red beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # BU 1181.

Follow-up waves of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade disembarking with bicycles from landing craft onto 'Nan White' sector of Juno Beach at Bernieres-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # A 23938.

Canadian troops of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, 8th and 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade disembark from a landing craft onto Nan Red Beach, Juno area at about 8:00 a.m. while under fire from German troops. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # IWM FLM 2570.

Canadians guarding captured German troops. Berniers Sur Mer, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Library and Archives Canada.

U.S. Army Rangers awaited the invasion signal in a landing craft in an English port; note the bazooka and the M1 Garand rifles. (Early June 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-741.

U.S. Army weapons carrier moved through the surf toward Utah Beach, Normandy, after being launched from its landing craft. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 190438.

Dead American soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division on Omaha Beach in Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 189924.

Easy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." Source: Unknown.

U.S. Army soldiers recovering remains of comrades at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. Library of Congress, Photographer: Walter Rosenblum.

An American Soldier lies dead alongside an anti-landing craft obstruction on Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2397.

German prisoners of war in a barbed-wire enclosure on Utah Beach, Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320897.

Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade approach Queen Red beach, Sword area, c. 0840 hours. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5102.

British airborne troops admiring the graffiti chalked on the side of their Horsa Mk I glider. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # 4700-37 H 39178, Photographer: Malindine.

Two Canadian soldiers looking at a German model of defenses at Courseulles sur Mer. Juno Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: World War II Database.

Troops of the Canadian Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment approaching Juno Beach, Normandy, France aboard LCA landing craft. (June 6, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada, # PA-132651.

Canadian soldiers on Juno Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: World War II Database.

"Angels with dirty faces" --Airborne troops smile from their Horsa glider as they prepare to fly out as part of the second drop on Normandy on the night of D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, H 39182.

Medics attending to wounded in the lee of a Churchill AVRE from 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers, on Queen beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5095.

Royal Marine Commandos of the 4th Special Service Brigade make their way onto the 'Nan Red' sector of Juno Beach at St. Aubin-sur-Mer, on the morning of D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5218.

Troops of 3rd Infantry Division on Queen Red beach, Sword area, circa 0845 hours. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5114.

The crew on the bridge of the frigate HMS Holmes keep watch as gliders carrying 6th Airborne Division reinforcements to Normandy pass overhead on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # A 23925.

A French civilian greets British troops in La Brèche d'Hermanville. The 3 CMPs (Corps of Military Police) despatch riders are from No. 5 or 6 Beach Group, attached to 3rd Division. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5028.

Vertical aerial photograph of the landings on Mike beach, Juno area, to the west of Courselles-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # CL 41.

U.S. troops rescue men from a sunken landing craft on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320869.

Royal Engineers serving with the 50th Division Beach Group share cocoa with a French boy in the village of Ver-sur-Mer, Gold area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5254.

Group of U.S. soldiers from the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division bound for Utah Beach on LCI(L)-326 on D-Day afternoon. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2402.

A U.S. Coast Guard coxswain named "Jim" is at the helm of a landing craft vehicle carrying troops from the 4th Infantry Division toward Utah Beach on D-Day. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2349.

U.S. troops landing at Normandy on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 195567.

Troops in a landing craft approaching Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320901.

U.S. Army Rangers awaited the invasion signal in a landing craft in an English port; note the bazooka and the M1 Garand rifles. (Early June 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-739.

American soldiers landing on Utah Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: Regional Council of Lower Normandy, U.S. National Archives.

Wounded U.S. troops of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division, receive cigarettes and food after they stormed Omaha Beach. Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, SC 189910-S.

German prisoners awaiting transfer at the beaches of Normandy, France. A disabled Sherman Crab flail tank in background. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, #4700-29 B 5089, Photographer: J. Mapham.

Final Embarkation: 3 British soldiers of 51st Highland Division in a landing craft pass the time by reading a booklet on France which they were issued before embarkation. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5207.

Troops wading ashore. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5092.

A German shell splashed near a LST off Utah Beach, Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 190276, Photographer: Collier.

U.S. Army Rangers showing off the ladders they used to storm the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-45716.

Scene on Omaha Beach in Normandy. LCI(L)-553 in background and a LCVP from APA Samuel Chase in left center. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 189899.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Knapper and Chief Yeoman Cook of USS Texas examining damaged German pillbox at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France. Covered dead U.S. Army Ranger at right. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-235595.

Men of the British 2nd Army waiting to move off Queen White Beach of Sword Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # 4700-29 B 5091, Photographer: J. Mapham.

Two German officers in a group of prisoners who surrendered to the Canadians in Courseulles, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada, # PA-114493, Photographer: Ken Bell.

Troops of the Canadian Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment marching in Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada, # PA-116528.

Canadian infantrymen aboard a landing craft launched from HMCS Prince Henry, off Normandy beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Library and Archives Canada, Photographer: Dennis Sullivan.

Army medics administering blood plasma to a survivor of a sunken landing craft on Omaha Beach during D-Day. Source: Center of Military History, U.S. Army.

327th Infantry Regiment going ashore on Utah Beach during D-Day. (1944). Source: William Shoemaker Jr.

German Jagdpanther tank destroyer traveling across a field in France during the Allied invasion. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-721-0397-18.

A German Jagdpanther tank destroyer crewman atop the vehicle during the Allied invasion of France. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-721-0397-12.

U.S. assault troops of the 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division, assemble on a narrow strip at Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC-189935.

Smoking LCVP approaches Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2342.

LCVP landing craft put troops ashore on "Omaha" Beach on "D-Day." (6 June 1944). Source: National Archives, #26-G-2337.

Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade after landing on Queen Red beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5075.

A jeep and other vehicles and troops passing through La Breche as they move inland from Sword Beach, Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5036.

Troops come ashore on one of the Normandy invasion beaches, past the White Ensign of a naval beach party. (June 7, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, A 24012.

German POWs disembarking from LCI(L)-500 on 1 of the Gold area beaches. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5256.

A Commando officer of 1st Special Service Brigade (left) with 3rd Division signalers using man-pack radio sets during the move inland. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5065.

Troops wading ashore from an LCI(L) on Queen beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5092.

47 (RM) Commando coming ashore on Jig Green beach, Gold area. LCTs unloading priority vehicles of 231st Brigade, 50th Division, can be seen in background. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5245.

American Medical Officer, who landed with the 82nd Airborne Division in France, hands a lighted cigarette to a fellow officer who had an adverse landing. St. Mere Eglise, France. (June 12, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190289.

Waist deep in the surf, American reinforcements pour ashore from landing barges replacing earlier troops in the liberation waves and spreading inland through Normandy. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2412.

Nazi 88mm guns pound Utah Beach as American troops push into Normandy, France. (June 11, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190109.

Troops wade ashore from an LCVP on Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320902.

LCI(L)-553 landing troops on Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-421288.

"Rhino" ferry and tug approaches the Normandy shore. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2335.

LST approaches the Normandy coast on D-Day. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2358.

Troops give first aid to survivors of sunken landing craft on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320870.

Convoy of LCI(L)s en route to the Normandy invasion beaches. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-231247.

USS LCI(L)-217 en route to Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-252368.

USS LST-21 unloads British tanks and trucks off Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2370.

The Northampton-class heavy cruiser USS Augusta (CL-31) dominates the background of this photo while landing crafts from the Elizabeth C. Stanton pass in the foreground on the way to Omaha Beach carrying men from the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Division. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-45720.

A U.S. Coast Guard landing craft brings wounded U.S. soldiers out to a transport for evacuation from the combat zone. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2386.

American boat team from the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division loading onto a Higgins boat. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2338.

Coast Guard-manned LCI(L)-85 at about noon on D-Day after having sustained heavy damage that morning on Omaha Beach after a failed landing attempt at 8:30 a.m. at the cost of many wounded men. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-0610443.

Men of the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division transfer from LCI(L)-326 to a waiting Higgins Boat on the afternoon of D-Day. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2408.

An LCT (Mark 6) packed full of men about to make the run into Utah Beach on the afternoon of June 6, 1944. Some of these men are from the 1st Engineer Special Brigade. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2380.

Members of a landing party help injured soldiers to safety on Utah Beach during the Allied Invasion of Europe on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

Medics attend to wounded soldiers on Utah Beach in France during the Allied Invasion of Europe on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

German troops surrender to Soldiers during the Allied Invasion of Europe on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

Army Air Corps photographers documented D-Day beach traffic, as photographed from a Ninth Air Force bomber on June 6, 1944. Source: U.S. Air Force # 52406 A.C.

The British 2nd Army on 'Queen Red' Beach, the Sword Area at approximately 8:40 a.m. Brigade commander, Lord Lovat, can be seen striding through the water to the right of the column of men. The figure nearest the camera is bagpiper, Bill Millin. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5103.

Aerial photograph of Royal Navy ships massing off the Isle of Wight before setting off for the Normandy beaches. (June 6, 1944.) Source: Imperial War Museums, A 23720A.

British 2nd Army: B Company, North Shore Regiment, 8th Canadian Brigade, take cover by tank obstacles while advancing on German strongpoint WN27 in St Aubin-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944.) Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5228.

Commando troops coming ashore from a landing craft infantry. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5245.

French civilians show their identity cards to a British Royal Army Service Corps captain in Lion-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5042.

Invasion of American troops onto Utah Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

American landing party helping out on Omaha Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

Three rhino barges and a petrol barge on the coast. Source: Center of Military History.

Capture of German forces. Source: Center of Military History.

Supplies on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

The build-up of Omaha Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

A medic at Omaha Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

A group of paratroopers in Utah Beach, France. (June 8, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

American assault troops approaching Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320901.

Map indicating routes of allied flights over Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Charles Luther Blount.