The Normandy landings of 6 June 1944, termed D-Day, saw Allied forces begin a major offensive against the Germans. Over 8,000 RAF personnel took part in the D-Day operations with more than 5,000 aircraft involved in the air assaults. Learn more about the RAF's involvement in D-Day.
Before any troops even set foot on the beaches on 6 June 1944, Bomber Command had already lost almost 300 aircraft and 2,000 men (1,500 killed) attacking invasion targets. Wing Commander John Bell MBE tells us about the significant contribution made by the RAF and Bomber Command in D-Day and why this must never be forgotten.
As D-Day, 6 June 1944 dawned, those who were to play a pivotal part in its success were landing on the beaches of Normandy. Back in the UK, hundreds of personnel were supporting Operation Overlord including radar operator Rose Davies, who was just starting her shift.
Navigator John 'Jack' Lott had just celebrated his 25th birthday weeks before D-Day, sadly this was the last birthday he would ever celebrate.
Spearheading the attack on Normandy was just the start of Geoff Packham's extraordinary experience as the end of the war approached.
© 2020 Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and in Scotland (SC038109)
Terms and conditions Privacy Accessibility Cookies Contact us Feedback
Website design by Headscape
In 2018, we helped more than 53,000 current and former members of the RAF and their families and there are twice as many who need our help.
Helpline: 0300 102 1919
