Find out more about D-Day and the role IWM's historic sites played in Operation Overlord and the Battle for Normandy in our D-Day75 video series featuring IWM curators John Delaney and Craig Murray.
D-Day explained
On 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord and began the fight to liberate north-west Europe from German occupation.
IWM curator John Delaney explores how the Allies prepared for D-Day - and the significance of the events of the 6 June 1944.
HMS Belfast and D-Day
HMS Belfast played an important role on D-Day.
Watch IWM curator John Delaney explore the significance of what the ship and her crew did that day - and hear the voices of the men who were on board and witnessed the events first hand.
Watch: HMS Belfast and D-Day.
Duke Boswell and D-Day
Paratrooper Duke Boswell had an important job to do on D-Day. Hear Duke recount his memories of 6 June 1944 and learn more about his mission and learn more about the story of the American paratrooper and his D-Day mission.
Operation Deadstick: The Airborne Assault on Pegasus Bridge
The battle for the bridges crossing the Caen Canal and the Orne River were the first objectives of the British airborne forces in the early hours of D-Day.
Codenamed Operation Deadstick, the aim of the mission was to secure exit routes for Allied forces from the beaches, and to prevent a German counter-attack.
Watch: Operation Deadstick: The Airborne Assault on Pegasus Bridge.
Churchill and D-Day
After years of planning and preparation, Winston Churchill wanted to see D-Day unfold with his own eyes.
D-Day Remembered: 78th Fighter Group at Duxford
On 10 June 1944, the 78th Fighter Group flew three strafing and dive bombing missions from Duxford against targets in France.
Allied forces had landed on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June and were attempting to push further inland – support from the air would help them and prevent German reinforcements from reaching the frontlines.
Watch: D-Day Remembered: 78th Fighter Group at Duxford.
Visit where D-Day history was made
-
©IWMHMS Belfast
Explore all nine decks of HMS Belfast to discover what life was like on board for the crew at war and at sea.
-
© IWM DuxfordIWM Duxford
IWM Duxford is a historic airfield and museum telling the stories of those who lived, fought and died in war from WW1 to 1969. Visit air shows, events and displays.
-
© IWM, Churchill War RoomsChurchill War Rooms
Explore the underground headquarters that between 1939 - 1945 acted as the top-secret nerve centre from where Churchill and his inner circle determined the course of the Second World War.
