D-Day photo gallery

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

 

Crown copyright MOD

Operation TONGA. Short Stirling Mark IVs of Nos. 196 and 299 Squadrons RAF, lining the runway at Keevil, Wiltshire, on the evening of 5 June, before emplaning paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group for the invasion of Normandy.
Operation TONGA. Short Stirling Mark IVs of Nos. 196 and 299 Squadrons RAF, lining the runway at Keevil, Wiltshire, on the evening of 5 June, before emplaning paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group for the invasion of Normandy.

1 of 22

Operation MALLARD: Aircraft prepared for the reinforcement of the British airborne assault, assembled at Tarrant Rushton, Hampshire, on the afternoon of 6 June 1944. On the runway are General Aircraft Hamilcar heavy-lift gliders, preceded by two Airspeed Horsa troop-carrying gliders, while parked on each side of them are Handley Page Halifax glider-tugs of Nos 298 and 644 Squadrons.
Operation MALLARD: Aircraft prepared for the reinforcement of the British airborne assault, assembled at Tarrant Rushton, Hampshire, on the afternoon of 6 June 1944. On the runway are General Aircraft Hamilcar heavy-lift gliders, preceded by two Airspeed Horsa troop-carrying gliders, while parked on each side of them are Handley Page Halifax glider-tugs of Nos 298 and 644 Squadrons.

2 of 22

Group Captain AG Malan (second from left), Commanding Officer of 145 (Free French) Wing discusses the operational situation on the morning of 'D-Day' with some of his pilots at Merston, Sussex. On the left stands Free French pilot, Lieutenant Raoul Duval; second from the right is the Wing Leader, Wing Commander WV Crawford-Compton; third right is Commandant C Martell, Commanding Officer of 341 (Free French) Squadron.
Group Captain AG Malan (second from left), Commanding Officer of 145 (Free French) Wing discusses the operational situation on the morning of 'D-Day' with some of his pilots at Merston, Sussex. On the left stands Free French pilot, Lieutenant Raoul Duval; second from the right is the Wing Leader, Wing Commander WV Crawford-Compton; third right is Commandant C Martell, Commanding Officer of 341 (Free French) Squadron.

3 of 22

The Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Winston Churchill, signs the 'visitors' book at AEAF Headquarters during his visit there with the King. Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory is on the right.
The Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Winston Churchill, signs the 'visitors' book at AEAF Headquarters during his visit there with the King. Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory is on the right.

4 of 22

A final briefing erly in the morning of 6 June 1944 for Douglas Boston crews of 137 Wing at Hartford Bridge, Hampshire, before they depart on smoke-laying sorties off the French coast to shield the Allied invasion fleet from enemy shore defences.
A final briefing erly in the morning of 6 June 1944 for Douglas Boston crews of 137 Wing at Hartford Bridge, Hampshire, before they depart on smoke-laying sorties off the French coast to shield the Allied invasion fleet from enemy shore defences.

5 of 22

Operation MALLARD: Short Stirling IVs towing Airspeed Horsa troop-carrying gliders toward the French coast, shortly after 9pm on 6 June 1944. On board the Horsas were infantry of the 6th Airlanding Brigade, reinforcing the 6th Airborne Division in Normandy.
Operation MALLARD: Short Stirling IVs towing Airspeed Horsa troop-carrying gliders toward the French coast, shortly after 9pm on 6 June 1944. On board the Horsas were infantry of the 6th Airlanding Brigade, reinforcing the 6th Airborne Division in Normandy.

6 of 22

Airmen of 107 Beach Flight, queue up for a meal at their cookhouse on a Normandy beach, 22 June 1944. They are (left to right): Leading Aircraftsman L Sexton of Chester, Corporal F Kirby of Edgbaston, Birmingham, Sergeant D Howells of Worthing, Corporal J Holland of St Helens, Flight-Sergeant JE Gould of Liverpool and Leading Aircraftsman G Harvey of Brighton. Serving the food is the cook, Leading Aircraftsman W Spackman of Walthamstow, London.
Airmen of 107 Beach Flight, queue up for a meal at their cookhouse on a Normandy beach, 22 June 1944. They are (left to right): Leading Aircraftsman L Sexton of Chester, Corporal F Kirby of Edgbaston, Birmingham, Sergeant D Howells of Worthing, Corporal J Holland of St Helens, Flight-Sergeant JE Gould of Liverpool and Leading Aircraftsman G Harvey of Brighton. Serving the food is the cook, Leading Aircraftsman W Spackman of Walthamstow, London.

7 of 22

Members of 107 Beach Flight find time for a game of cards on a beach in Normandy, 22 June 1944. From left to right: Leading Aircraftsman G Harvey, Flight Sergeant JE Gould, Sergeant D Howells, LAC L Sexton and Corporals F Kirby and J Holland.
Members of 107 Beach Flight find time for a game of cards on a beach in Normandy, 22 June 1944. From left to right: Leading Aircraftsman G Harvey, Flight Sergeant JE Gould, Sergeant D Howells, LAC L Sexton and Corporals F Kirby and J Holland.

8 of 22

RAF Police of No 1 Beach Squadon in Normandy using a captured German dug-out as their headquarters, 24 June 1944. Although the area was regularly shelled by the Germans, being only 1.5 miles from the frontline. Standing is Corporal Norman Thorman from Manchester and Corporal Dan Deighton of Gateshead is using the field telephone.
RAF Police of No 1 Beach Squadon in Normandy using a captured German dug-out as their headquarters, 24 June 1944. Although the area was regularly shelled by the Germans, being only 1.5 miles from the frontline. Standing is Corporal Norman Thorman from Manchester and Corporal Dan Deighton of Gateshead is using the field telephone.

9 of 22

Leading Aircraftman George Langley, a servicing commando from Tewkesbury takes a break while armourers fit a 500lb bomb beneath the wing of a Mustang III of 122 Squadron at B7/Martragny, Normandy, on 25 June 1944.
Leading Aircraftman George Langley, a servicing commando from Tewkesbury takes a break while armourers fit a 500lb bomb beneath the wing of a Mustang III of 122 Squadron at B7/Martragny, Normandy, on 25 June 1944.

10 of 22

Pilots of 416 (City of Oshawa) Squadron RCAF await their next briefing at B2/Bazenville, 28 June 1944. One of the pilots is holding the squadron's mascot, "Type".
Pilots of 416 (City of Oshawa) Squadron RCAF await their next briefing at B2/Bazenville, 28 June 1944. One of the pilots is holding the squadron's mascot, "Type".

11 of 22

Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief 2nd Tactical Air Force (left), and Air Vice Marshal Harry Broadhurst, Air Officer Commanding 83 Group (centre), confer with Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, Deputy Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Forces, at B2/Bazenville during the latter's visit on 29 June 1944.
Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief 2nd Tactical Air Force (left), and Air Vice Marshal Harry Broadhurst, Air Officer Commanding 83 Group (centre), confer with Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, Deputy Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Forces, at B2/Bazenville during the latter's visit on 29 June 1944.

12 of 22

Sergeant H Stillwell unloads mail bags from the underwing tanks of a Hawker Hurricane IIC of 1697 (Air Despatch Delivery Service) Flight at Northolt, Middlesex, B2/Bazenville after a flight from B2/Bazenville in Normandy on 29 June 1944. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant WV Melbourne, looks on.
Sergeant H Stillwell unloads mail bags from the underwing tanks of a Hawker Hurricane IIC of 1697 (Air Despatch Delivery Service) Flight at Northolt, Middlesex, B2/Bazenville after a flight from B2/Bazenville in Normandy on 29 June 1944. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant WV Melbourne, looks on.

13 of 22

Douglas Dakota IIIs of 46 Group at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, loading casualties for evacuation from B2/Bazenville to the United Kingdom, 17 June 1944. Identifiable aircraft include KG432/H of 512 Squadron (centre), and KG320/B1 of 575 Squadron RAF (extreme right).
Douglas Dakota IIIs of 46 Group at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, loading casualties for evacuation from B2/Bazenville to the United Kingdom, 17 June 1944. Identifiable aircraft include KG432/H of 512 Squadron (centre), and KG320/B1 of 575 Squadron RAF (extreme right).

14 of 22

Paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group wait nervously in the dark at Keevil airfield in Wiltshire on 5 June 1944 before emplaning their respective aircraft to take part in operation TONGA, the opening phase of the invasion of Europe.
Paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group wait nervously in the dark at Keevil airfield in Wiltshire on 5 June 1944 before emplaning their respective aircraft to take part in operation TONGA, the opening phase of the invasion of Europe.

15 of 22

Low level photograph showing German soldiers attempting to build defences on a beach in Normandy running for cover as the reece aircraft streaks past at low level, catching them unprepared.
Low level photograph showing German soldiers attempting to build defences on a beach in Normandy running for cover as the reece aircraft streaks past at low level, catching them unprepared.

16 of 22

Ground crew refuel and re-arm one of the first Supermarine Spitfires to land in France, a Mark IX of 441 Squadron RCAF, at the advanced landing ground at B3/Ste-Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy, on the afternoon of 10 June 1944.
Ground crew refuel and re-arm one of the first Supermarine Spitfires to land in France, a Mark IX of 441 Squadron RCAF, at the advanced landing ground at B3/Ste-Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy, on the afternoon of 10 June 1944.

17 of 22

Leading Aircraftsmen G Harvey (left) and L Sexton, centre, with Flight Sergeant JE Gould, of 107 Beach Flight carrying jerricans of petrol along a beach in Normandy, 22 June 1944.
Leading Aircraftsmen G Harvey (left) and L Sexton, centre, with Flight Sergeant JE Gould, of 107 Beach Flight carrying jerricans of petrol along a beach in Normandy, 22 June 1944.

18 of 22

North American Mitchell IIs of 226 Squadron based at Hartford Bridge, Hampshire, dropping 500lb MC bombs over the Foret de Gambosq, south of Caen, Normandy, in the evening of 12 June 1944. This operation was the biggest daylight raid mounted by 2 Group since D-Day, in which 90 aircraft bombed the 21st Panzer Division which was dispersed in the forest.
North American Mitchell IIs of 226 Squadron based at Hartford Bridge, Hampshire, dropping 500lb MC bombs over the Foret de Gambosq, south of Caen, Normandy, in the evening of 12 June 1944. This operation was the biggest daylight raid mounted by 2 Group since D-Day, in which 90 aircraft bombed the 21st Panzer Division which was dispersed in the forest.

19 of 22

RAF Spitfires in France
RAF Spitfires in France

20 of 22

Corporal Lydia Alford, a WAAF nursing orderly, tending to wounded British soldiers at B2/Bazenville airfield in Normandy, 13 June 1944. This was the first day casualty flights had carried WAAF orderlies.
Corporal Lydia Alford, a WAAF nursing orderly, tending to wounded British soldiers at B2/Bazenville airfield in Normandy, 13 June 1944. This was the first day casualty flights had carried WAAF orderlies.

21 of 22

Aircrew and WAAF nursing orderlies help to load a battle casualty on a stretcher into a Douglas Dakota III of 233 Squadron at B2/Bazenville, Normandy. The RAF's first 'casevac' flights to France were mounted by Dakotas of 46 Group on 13 June 1944, and the WAAF nursing orderlies pictured were the first women to be employed on these duties.
Aircrew and WAAF nursing orderlies help to load a battle casualty on a stretcher into a Douglas Dakota III of 233 Squadron at B2/Bazenville, Normandy. The RAF's first 'casevac' flights to France were mounted by Dakotas of 46 Group on 13 June 1944, and the WAAF nursing orderlies pictured were the first women to be employed on these duties.

22 of 22

The first three nursing orderies of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force to fly to France are greeted on their arrival in Normandy by Leading Aircraftman P McGreech, a servicing commando on, 13 June 1944. From left to right, the WAAFs are: Corporal Lydia Alford and Leading Aircraftwomen Myra Roberts and Edna Birbeck.
The first three nursing orderies of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force to fly to France are greeted on their arrival in Normandy by Leading Aircraftman P McGreech, a servicing commando on, 13 June 1944. From left to right, the WAAFs are: Corporal Lydia Alford and Leading Aircraftwomen Myra Roberts and Edna Birbeck.

1 of 17

Mustangs taking off from B2/Bazenville for a sortie over Normandy, 14 June 1944.
Mustangs taking off from B2/Bazenville for a sortie over Normandy, 14 June 1944.

2 of 17

A Hawker Typhoon IB of 184 Squadron, MN529/BR-N, piloted by Flying Officer Ian Handyside, kicks up the dirt as it accelerates for take-off from the forward airstrip at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, on 14 June 1944. The dust played havoc with the Typhoon's already unreliable Sabre engines and it would only take a few days for large portions of aircraft to be grounded due to unserviceability.
A Hawker Typhoon IB of 184 Squadron, MN529/BR-N, piloted by Flying Officer Ian Handyside, kicks up the dirt as it accelerates for take-off from the forward airstrip at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, on 14 June 1944. The dust played havoc with the Typhoon's already unreliable Sabre engines and it would only take a few days for large portions of aircraft to be grounded due to unserviceability.

3 of 17

The inevitable card game between sorties for pilots of 414 Squadron RCAF at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, on 16 June 1944. Left to right:- Flight Lieutenant J Seaman of New Brunswick; Flying Officer JA Roussell of Quebec; Flying Officer L May of Toronto and Flying Officer J Younge of Ontario.
The inevitable card game between sorties for pilots of 414 Squadron RCAF at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, on 16 June 1944. Left to right:- Flight Lieutenant J Seaman of New Brunswick; Flying Officer JA Roussell of Quebec; Flying Officer L May of Toronto and Flying Officer J Younge of Ontario.

4 of 17

Hawker Typhoon pilots of 181 Squadron leave the briefing tent at B2/Bazenville, for a midday sortie over the Normandy battlefield on 17 June 1944.
Hawker Typhoon pilots of 181 Squadron leave the briefing tent at B2/Bazenville, for a midday sortie over the Normandy battlefield on 17 June 1944.

5 of 17

A Supermarine Spitfire IX - fitted with a 45-gallon slipper fuel tank - raises the dust as it taxies past a Hawker Typhoon Ib of 181 Squadron at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, on 17 June 1944. On the port wing can be seen a member of the groundcrew operating as a 'spotter' for the pilot to avoid holes and obstacles at the temporary airstrip.
A Supermarine Spitfire IX - fitted with a 45-gallon slipper fuel tank - raises the dust as it taxies past a Hawker Typhoon Ib of 181 Squadron at B2/Bazenville, Normandy, on 17 June 1944. On the port wing can be seen a member of the groundcrew operating as a 'spotter' for the pilot to avoid holes and obstacles at the temporary airstrip.

6 of 17

Members of 410 Repair and Salvage Unit in Normandy replace the wing of a Supermarine Spitfire IX of 403 Squadron RCAF at B2/Bazenville on 19 June 1944.
Members of 410 Repair and Salvage Unit in Normandy replace the wing of a Supermarine Spitfire IX of 403 Squadron RCAF at B2/Bazenville on 19 June 1944.

7 of 17

Repairs to an RAF Spitfire on a landing strip in Normandy, 20 June 1944.
Repairs to an RAF Spitfire on a landing strip in Normandy, 20 June 1944.

8 of 17

Airmen working at an RAF Salvage and Repair Unit in Normandy, 20 June 1944. Left to right: Leading Aircraftman LE Mireau from Saskatoon in Canada, Corporal KR Rowberry from Birmingham and Leading Aircraftman LB Steele from Glasgow.
Airmen working at an RAF Salvage and Repair Unit in Normandy, 20 June 1944. Left to right: Leading Aircraftman LE Mireau from Saskatoon in Canada, Corporal KR Rowberry from Birmingham and Leading Aircraftman LB Steele from Glasgow.

9 of 17

Ernest Hemingway, famous American author and journalist turned war correspondent to the Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF), talking to Wing Commander LA Lynn DSO DFC, of Witbank, S. Africa, the Dunsfold Wing Leader. before a sortie against a "Noball" target in the Pas de Calais during the afternoon of 20 June 1944. Although only 28 at the time, Lynn already had 85 operations to his name.
Ernest Hemingway, famous American author and journalist turned war correspondent to the Allied Expeditionary Air Force (AEAF), talking to Wing Commander LA Lynn DSO DFC, of Witbank, S. Africa, the Dunsfold Wing Leader. before a sortie against a "Noball" target in the Pas de Calais during the afternoon of 20 June 1944. Although only 28 at the time, Lynn already had 85 operations to his name.

10 of 17

Members of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group have their equipment checked for the last time before boarding waiting aircraft and gliders at Keevil, Wiltshire, for the flight to Normandy and the start of Operastion TONGA on 5 June 1944.
Members of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group have their equipment checked for the last time before boarding waiting aircraft and gliders at Keevil, Wiltshire, for the flight to Normandy and the start of Operastion TONGA on 5 June 1944.

11 of 17

Paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group wait nervously in the dark at Keevil airfierld in Wiltshire on 5 June 1944 before emplaning their respective aircraft to take part in Operation TONGA, the opening phase of the invasion of Europe.
Paratroops of the 5th Parachute Brigade Group wait nervously in the dark at Keevil airfierld in Wiltshire on 5 June 1944 before emplaning their respective aircraft to take part in Operation TONGA, the opening phase of the invasion of Europe.

12 of 17

Operation TONGA: Faces blackened as part of their camouflage, Field Ambulance Paratroops on board their aircraft at Keevil airfield, Wiltshire, on 5 June 1944 ready to take part in the opening phase of the Normandy campaign, Operation TONGA.
Operation TONGA: Faces blackened as part of their camouflage, Field Ambulance Paratroops on board their aircraft at Keevil airfield, Wiltshire, on 5 June 1944 ready to take part in the opening phase of the Normandy campaign, Operation TONGA.

13 of 17

Flight Sergeant Morris Rose of 3 Squadron points out the essential characteristics of the V-1 flying bomb to other Tempest pilots at Newchurch, 23 June 1944. The Scottish pilot downed his first 'doodlebug' on 16 June, and by the end of July had claimed a total of 11 destroyed.
Flight Sergeant Morris Rose of 3 Squadron points out the essential characteristics of the V-1 flying bomb to other Tempest pilots at Newchurch, 23 June 1944. The Scottish pilot downed his first 'doodlebug' on 16 June, and by the end of July had claimed a total of 11 destroyed.

14 of 17

Marshal of the Royal Air Force Charles Portal, Chief of the Air Staff, inspects the scene where a flying bomb was brought down in Southern England during a tour of balloon defences on 24 June 1944. He is accompanied by Air Vice Marshal WCC Gell (Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Balloon Command), Air Commodore PL Lincoln and Group Captain JP Hitchings.
Marshal of the Royal Air Force Charles Portal, Chief of the Air Staff, inspects the scene where a flying bomb was brought down in Southern England during a tour of balloon defences on 24 June 1944. He is accompanied by Air Vice Marshal WCC Gell (Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Balloon Command), Air Commodore PL Lincoln and Group Captain JP Hitchings.

15 of 17

Servcing commandos refuel and re-arm one of the first Supermarine Spitfires to land in France, a Mark IX of 441 Squadron RCAF, at the advanced landing ground at B3/Sainte Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy, on the afternoon of 10 June 1944.
Servcing commandos refuel and re-arm one of the first Supermarine Spitfires to land in France, a Mark IX of 441 Squadron RCAF, at the advanced landing ground at B3/Sainte Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy, on the afternoon of 10 June 1944.

16 of 17

Supermarine Spitfires IXs of 144 (Canadian) Wing, the first RAF Wing to fly into France post-D-Day, at readiness on the advanced landing ground at B3/Ste-Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy, 10 June 1944. The second aircraft from the left is coded "2I-N" of 443 Squadron RCAF.
Supermarine Spitfires IXs of 144 (Canadian) Wing, the first RAF Wing to fly into France post-D-Day, at readiness on the advanced landing ground at B3/Ste-Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy, 10 June 1944. The second aircraft from the left is coded "2I-N" of 443 Squadron RCAF.

17 of 17

Members of an RAF Regiment anti-aircraft gun crew in their tent at an airfield in Normandy, 22 June 1944. From top to bottom: Leading Aircraftsman Davis, Sergeant Thornbert and LACs C Budgeon, Samson and Speake.
Members of an RAF Regiment anti-aircraft gun crew in their tent at an airfield in Normandy, 22 June 1944. From top to bottom: Leading Aircraftsman Davis, Sergeant Thornbert and LACs C Budgeon, Samson and Speake.

1 of 3

Discarded parachutes and Airspeed Horsa gliders lie scattered over 6th Airborne Division's landing Zone 'N' between Ranville and Amfreville in Normandy, 6 June 1944.
Discarded parachutes and Airspeed Horsa gliders lie scattered over 6th Airborne Division's landing Zone 'N' between Ranville and Amfreville in Normandy, 6 June 1944.

2 of 3

Two RAF servicing commandos take time to wash their laundry at an airfield in Normandy against a backdrop of barrage ballons, late June 1944.
Two RAF servicing commandos take time to wash their laundry at an airfield in Normandy against a backdrop of barrage ballons, late June 1944.

3 of 3