In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, troops of the Allied powers (including American, British, and Canadian forces) crossed the English Channel to land on the beaches of Normandy, France, and begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II.

With Adolf Hitler’s armies in control of most of mainland Europe, the Allies knew that a successful invasion of the continent was key to winning the war. Supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious military operation in history. Some 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops left England for the trip to France, and 822 aircraft filled with paratroopers headed for drop zones in Normandy. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion.

By dawn on this day in 1944, parachutists were already on the ground, with the land invasions beginning at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadian forces overcame light opposition to capture Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. The Americans captured Utah beach. But the task was much more difficult at Normandy’s Omaha beach, where 2,000 troops were lost. It was only through the tenacity and quick-wittedness of troops on the ground that the objective was finally achieved. By day’s end, 155,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. (source: History.com)

Your group can tour these historic sites and see firsthand the challenges that Allied troops faced in Normandy. Visit our website today to view a sample itinerary of the World War II Remembrance Tour then contact us to begin planning the adventure of a lifetime!