Interallied Parachuting 2009 – D-Day 65th anniversary

Summary: On Sunday, 7 June 2009, an impressive parachute drop involving more than 700 American, French and German military parachutists took place at a location known as La Fière, near Sainte-Mère-Eglise. Weather conditions were not ideal, with low cloud cover and strong winds: some parachutists even landed in the middle of the crowd that had gathered to watch the show, while others were unable to jump. Two French soldiers were slightly injured during the jump and one American soldier was evacuated by emergency services with more serious injuries.

American C-130 Hercules aircraft, French C-160 Transall aircraft and one German aircraft took part in the parachute drops. The French soldiers belonged to the 8th Marine Parachute Regiment (8e RPIMa). The American soldiers involved belonged to the 101st Airborne Division and the Rangers. A first jump from a Douglas C-47 by skydiving enthusiasts and professionals (most of them wearing period uniforms) preceded the mass parachute drop.

On 7 June, I had the opportunity to board one of the military aircraft that took part in this airborne operation. Here are some photos taken in flight and from the ground.