A series of photographs depicting the events leading up to, during and after the Allied invasion of Normandy, France. The images of events, meetings, and preparations in chronological order show the steps taken to execute an operation of such a monumental scale. They show a raw, un-altered window into the state of the world in such a pivotal time.
Josef Stalin, President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill at Tehran, 1943, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
Here sits Josef Stalin, President Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill In Tehran, 1943. It was decided that a cross-channel invasion would be carried out on Hitler's Atlantic wall. Having this image in black and white gives it a vintage feel. There is a presence of dismay from these world leaders who have gathered to discuss an invasion.
Meeting of the Supreme Command, Allied Expeditionary Force in London, 1 February 1944, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
By the end of 1943, an Allied Expedition Command force was established. The command unit consisted of Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur W Tedder, Deputy Supreme Commander, Expeditionary Force; General Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Commander, Expeditionary Force; General Sir Bernard Montgomery, Commander in Chief, 21st Army Group. Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, Commander in Chief, US 1st Army; Admiral Sir Bertram H Ramsay, Allied Naval Commander in Chief, Expeditionary Force; Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Allied Air Commander in Chief, Expeditionary Force; and Lieutenant General Walter Bedell-Smith
This Illustration shows a southern English harbour town, that is being utilized as a base launching location for one portion of the Invasion force. The artist paints the camp of soldiers, their tanks and other equipment that is being loaded into the ships. The colour and proportion of this painting provides a warm temperature, and a wide open area. In the distance you see what appears to be planes, or balloons. Yet you can see the ships and objects in the foreground.
Tank Landing Craft in Southampton, 1944, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
In this photograph you see the fleet of landing crafts that were to be used in the invasion of Normandy. Crafts like these and ones that were much larger were developed specifically for the operation. All the crafts are in unison. All arranged the same way, in rows, then tied together. There are so many that the collection of vessels fades out as it comes out of focus. Leaving the need to know just how many were there and if other shipyards had more.
Aircraft prepared for the reinforcement of the British airborne assault on D-Day, assembled at Tarrant Rushton, Hampshire, 6 June 1944, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
Along with the Allied beach assault. There was also plans to have an air invasion to support the Landings on the beaches. Bombers, Paratroopers, and fighter pilots all played a part in the early hours leading in to the invasion and providing air support to those on the ground. In this picture there is a collection of airplanes on a runway, preparing to take off for a paratrooper mission. There is a lot to focus on in this picture. Providing a variety of subjects to to discover.
Affiche de propagande américaine émise pour inciter la population civile à poursuivre sa participation à l'effort de guerre économique en achetant des bons., 1944-06, From the collection of: The Memorial de Caen
Leading up to the invasion meant an increased demand in resources and man power. One of those routes was the integration of bonds. Specifically in this case, Invasion bonds. Civilians could purchase one of these and support the cause. Most of the advertisements were drawn up and showed young, American soldiers bracing the terror of war to protect his country. They sparked a sense of patriotism. Using bright colour and emphasis in the drawings caught people's attention.
Débarquement à Utah Beach, US Army, 1944-06-06, From the collection of: The Memorial de Caen
This is a photo of Utah Beach, from one of the tank lander crafts. Utah beach was one of the five beaches planned to be attacked during the invasion. Due to its geographical location, it provided a strategic location for the allies to transport equipment and supplies through. There is a lot of space within the picture.The quality of the picture may not be astounding, however the lack of clarity makes the image have more space than it really does.
Reconnaissance photograph of beach defences in Normandy, 1944, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
The German soldiers that guarded the Atlantic Wall had spent many months constructing blockades and barriers to deter Vehicles and infantry advancing up the beach head. Using tree trunks, wooden planks, steel beams and barbed wire. There are a variety of obstacles lain out across this beach. With the cliffs in the background you can see just how long and wide the beaches are.
Libération de Caumont l'Eventé, US Army, 1944-06-13, From the collection of: The Memorial de Caen
After making it through the beaches and ports. The Allied forces had to make it through the French countryside, bouncing from town to town pushing back the Germans. In this photo the battalion is at a stand still awaiting the next orders from command. The row of tanks definitely align and present the concept of repetition.
Libération de Carentan, 1944-06-12, From the collection of: The Memorial de Caen
Once making it through the country side, the troops began to find themselves in more city like areas. Getting closer and closer to Paris meant more structured buildings, tighter corners, and more resistance. As you look down the street you see how the perspective of the size of the car and troops in the foreground, change and get smaller as they near the end of the street.
Libération de Paris, US Army, 1944-08-25, From the collection of: The Memorial de Caen
After three months of fighting. Allied troops liberate Paris. Here, in Unison the allied troops march through the Champs-Élysées. In some areas around the photo's centre it is a tad blurry, due to the soldiers movement. These kinds of pictures really show the power and emotion of such an unforgettable time in our History.
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