Wounded British soldier returns from Normandy

British Soldier (Infantryman)

Most British soldiers in the Second World War were conscripts receiving approximately six weeks basic training and a wage of two shillings (10p) a day.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the Allies landed in Normandy, Northern France. This cross-Channel invasion, known as 'Operation Overlord', followed months of preparations. American, British, Canadian and other naval and air forces landed over 150,000 men and tons of vehicles, equipment and food. Although many soldiers were killed and injured (nearly 10,000 died on the first day), D-Day was largely a success. The Allies were able to go on to defeat Nazi Germany the next year.