10 D-Day Facts

Whether you’re learning about D-Day in school, or you’re interested in finding out some lesser known facts about the Battle of Normandy – here are 10 interesting and unique facts which will expand your knowledge on one of the greatest battles in military history.

It’s also important to note that the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings is taking place this year on June 6th, 2024. Making it even more important to understand the significance of D-Day’s impact on WW2 and modern history.

1. Bad weather delayed D-Day

D-Day was supposed to take place on June 5th, 1944, however; the invasion had to be postponed by 24 hours due to poor weather conditions over the English Channel.

Due to the unsuitable weather conditions and poor visibility, the invasion could have been postponed for a further two weeks. This could have had a detrimental effect and increased the risk of the German military finding out about the Allied invasion on Normandy. Fortunately, due to a temporary break in the weather conditions, the decision was made to proceed on June 6th, 1944. 

2. There was a D-Day rehearsal

On April 28th, 1944, hundreds of U.S. military personnel took part in a rehearsal of D-Day, which was codenamed ‘Exercise Tiger’.

The rehearsal took place in South Devon, due to its similar terrain to the beaches of Normandy. Exercise Tiger was a live fire drill, which is when live ammunition is used to recreate a realistic military scenario.

Unbeknownst to the Allies at the time, German torpedo boats attacked, which was not only deadly, but also caused confusion amongst the troops, resulting in friendly fire (accidental death or injury by shooting your own side).

3. Decoding Enigma messages and Bletchley Park’s involvement were pivotal

In the lead up to D-Day, Bletchley Park’s Codebreakers had been collecting intelligence on the Germans. As a result, they were able to decode vital information such as the movement of German troops, any military threats at sea and the German military’s reaction to the invasion.

One decoded message included:

Everywhere along East coast up to the edge of your area parachute landings and bombing attacks. In some places landing boats. Situation still confused.

Decoded Enigma message

4. Paratroopers faced large casualties 

Allied paratroopers suffered heavy losses. As a result of heavy artillery fire, thousands died by being shot out of the sky. Some paratroopers were even weighed down too much by their equipment and drowned after landing in flooded marshlands.

Many paratroopers also missed their landing spots – in some cases, more than a mile away from their designated designation. A majority of the time, this was as a result of strong winds.

If paratroopers landed in the wrong locations, they were very likely to be intercepted and shot by enemy fire or captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp.

Douglas (Dougie) Baines was part of the British Parachute Regiment, and was dropped in the wrong landing area. He landed in the dried out, but boggy River Diver. A local farmer was able to rescue Dougie and his comrades. Sadly the farmer was later captured and shot for helping the British. Dougie was eventually captured by Nazis, but managed to make a remarkable escape and joined the French Resistance.

Read Douglas Baines remarkable story

 

5. The French Resistance and British Special Operations Executive played an important part

In preparation for the Normandy landings, the French Resistance and British Special Operations Executive (SOE) provided vital intelligence to the Allies. They also helped weaken the German’s defences across northern France through sabotage, such as intercepting military transport routes.

Throughout WW2, the French Resistance and SOE played a pivotal role during the Nazi occupation of France by gathering intelligence and helping Allied forces escape France before being captured.

6. Barrage balloons helped protect the Allies

Barrage balloons, more commonly known as ‘Blimps’, played a significant role in the protection of the Allies. They were attached to many of the Allied ships and landing craft while crossing the English Channel from southern England into Normandy.

The oncoming barrage balloons served as aerial defence against German planes, which had to navigate carefully to avoid collisions. Bombs were attached to the balloon lines, so if the Luftwaffe (WW2 German Air Force) struck a line, it would detonate.

7. Total amount of deaths on D-Day

Estimates on how many soldiers died on D-Day have varied over the years. However, recent figures by the US National D-Day Memorial Foundation estimate up to 5,000 Allied and up to 9,000 German troops died on D-Day.

8. Injuries during and after D-Day were often horrific 

With the amount of crossfire, landmines and bombs being dropped during D-Day, perhaps it’s no surprise injuries were rife and often life-changing.

In some cases, soldiers’ limbs were blown off by shrapnel and shell fragments, or they suffered deep wounds from bullets and artillery.

Injured soldiers were sent to Regimental Aid Posts (RAP), which were front-line medical stations, where soldiers received basic treatment, such as dressing wounds. These were often set up in buildings close to combat, which were often at risk of being shelled.  

Due to medical advancements during WW2, medical personnel were often able to perform life saving blood transfusions to wounded soldiers. There was also increasingly more knowledge about how to safely and effectively perform amputations, alongside preventing the risk of infections.

A majority of soldiers saw horrifying scenes throughout the course of WW2. As a result, some military personnel suffered PTSD symptoms.

9. There are only a tiny number of D-Day veterans alive today

As of 2023, across the world, there are estimated to be a few thousand D-Day veterans still alive today. There are estimated to be only a small number of British D-Day veterans alive in 2024, potentially less than 100, according to the latest numbers of British D-Day veterans heading to Normandy this year.

Watch Roy Hayward’s D-Day story:

10. D-Day and the Battle of Normandy turned the tides for the Allies during WW2

D-Day and the Battle of Normandy was a significant defeat for the German Army. The Battle of Normandy caused major complications for the German military strategy.

Due to heavy losses, the German military had to pull divisions from Russia into France, in an effort to win back lost territory.

The Allied invasion led to the later liberation of France, which enabled the Allies to start their offensive campaign eastwards towards Germany. The Allies eventually reached western Germany in March, 1945, citing the end of WW2 on September 2nd, 1945.

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Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, are an Armed Forces charity dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight.

Around the 80th anniversary of D-Day, make sure to strike up conversations with friends and family about the topic. You never know what stories they may have to tell about family members who fought during WW2 or the Battle of Normandy. 

You may even want to get involved with fundraising for war veterans around the time of the 80th anniversary. With your help, we can make a positive impact on the lives of wounded veterans.

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All historic images from D-Day are © Crown copyright under the terms of the OGL (Open Government License).