Invasion! D-Day & Operation Overlord in One Hundred Moments

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The invasion of Normandy marked a pivotal victory for the Allies during World War II. By 1944, over 2 million troops from more than 12 nations were stationed in Britain, primarily American, British, and Canadian forces, alongside contributions from Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, Greece, New Zealand, Norway, Rhodesia, and Poland. Codenamed "Overlord," the operation involved the largest invasion fleet in history, landing 156,000 troops on five beachheads on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Initially set for June 5, the invasion was delayed by bad weather, prompting German commander Erwin Rommel to return to Germany for his wife's birthday. In the lead-up, British factories ramped up production, sending approximately 9 million tonnes of supplies across the Atlantic. Notably, bagpiper Bill Millin played "Hieland Laddie" upon landing, bewildering German troops. The British infantryman earned GBP3 15s monthly, while Americans received GBP12. A naval bombardment from numerous ships commenced at dawn, and only 15% of paratroopers landed accurately. Innovative equipment included "swimming tanks," flame-throwing tanks, and collapsible motorbikes. The day saw 1,900 Allied bombers drop seven million pounds of bombs, with 10,521 combat aircraft conducting 15,000 sorties. This account reveals a wealth of details, biographies, fun facts, and illustrated infographics surrounding this monumental event in military history.