D-Day Air Operations

The naval and airborne assault on Operation Overlord is known as Operation Neptune. This part of the site presents Neptune’s preparations and airborne operations: D-Day parachute drops of allied troops at the ends of the landing zones, as well as shelling of the main targets.

Takeoff of a C-47 towing an Horsa glider. Photo: US National Archives
These paratroopers from the Demolition Platoon RHQ, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (nicknamed "Filthy thirteen"), adopt the war paintings and the Iroquois Cup. Photo: US National Archives

Presentation of the objectives and components of the American airborne and airborne assault on the night of June 5 to 6, 1944 as part of Operation Neptune.

The paratroopers of the 22nd Independent Parachute Company follow the instruction. Photo: IWM

Presentation of the objectives and components of the airborne and airborne assault of the Commonwealth Armed Forces during the night of June 5 to 6, 1944, as part of Operation Neptune.

Objectives, organization and conduct of bombing missions by the Allied Air Forces as part of Operation Neptune along the French coast.

Allied operation to mislead the German forces by the release of dummies canvas in the night of June 5 to 6, 1944.

Allied operation to lure the German armed forces by deploying metal strips deceiving enemy radar in the night of June 5 to 6, 1944.

25 avril 1944 : bombardement des défenses côtières et de la base de lancement de fusées V1 dans le secteur de Dieppe par le 9th Bomber Command de la 9th Air Force. Photo : US National Archives

Allied air operation to hide the Allied naval force during the crossing of the channel by setting up a smoke screen.

Report of the various air operations carried out by 9th US Troop Carrier Command during Operation Neptune.

Stirling planes on the RAF Keevil base on June 5, 1944. Photo: IWM

Location of various Allied air bases in England and squadrons present during Operation Overlord.

The German Air Forces (Luftwaffe) June 6, 1944 and actions taken against the Allied offensive in Normandy.

Two B-26 Marauder bombers from the 9th Air Force fly over the Allied Armada in June 1944. Photo: US National Archives

Chronological list of transport units and fighting troops deployed by air on June 6, 1944 between England and Normandy.

Team 1, Pathfinders of the 505th PIR (serial 12). Photo: US National Archives

Presentation of the composition of the squadrons carrying paratroopers and aerotransported troops June 6 and 7, 1944.

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