Operation Overlord, launched on June 6, 1944, commonly known as D-Day, was the largest amphibious invasion in history. It involved the coordinated efforts of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. The operation aimed to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control and marked a turning point in World War II. The scale of the invasion was staggering: over 156,000 troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, supported by nearly 7,000 naval vessels and 11,000 aircraft (Ambrose, 1994). The logistical effort required to execute such an operation was immense, with over 1.5 million American soldiers stationed in the UK prior to the invasion (Keegan, 1982).
The success of Operation Overlord was not merely a result of military might but also of the unprecedented level of cooperation among Allied nations. The United States provided the bulk of the manpower and resources, while the UK contributed significant naval and air support. Canada played a crucial role, with 14,000 Canadian troops landing on Juno Beach, one of the five invasion sectors (Zuehlke, 2004). Additionally, forces from Australia, New Zealand, France, Poland, and other nations participated in the operation, underscoring the global nature of the effort.
The invasion was meticulously planned and executed, with Allied leaders such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, and others working closely to ensure its success. The operation required not only military coordination but also diplomatic collaboration, as the Allies had to navigate complex political relationships and maintain a unified front against the Axis powers.
Read more in the book, The Global Peace Alliance