Aviation Specials Magazine D-Day: 80th Anniversary Back Issue

This year we remember the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. It is 80 years since American, British, Canadian, and Free French forces stormed ashore on the French coast to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

The surviving veterans of that dramatic day are all in their 90s or have recently turned 100. A handful of determined veterans will make the journey to Normandy for commemorative events to mark the anniversary. It might well be the last time many of them will be present on the landing beaches and plans are afoot to give them a well-deserved hero’s welcome.

In D-Day we profile the invasion force, looking at the troops and commanders who stormed ashore on June 6, 1944, as well as the air and naval forces that made the invasion possible. We also look at the German defenders who were waiting on the beaches in vain hope of stopping the invasion.

The tanks, ships and aircraft that won D-Day for the Allies are examined, as well as those of the defenders. We also look at where each of the Allied divisions landed on D-Day and the role played by their key units in this decisive battle. We hope you enjoy D-Day and that it is a fitting tribute to those heroes who made victory possible 80 years ago.