Operation Overlord, the name given to the invasion of Normandy, is most notable for the Allied forces landing on the beaches on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
It was a day that marked the beginning of the end for German forces that occupied much of Europe. Land elements had the most difficult task, fighting their way off the beaches, with the Canadians famously landing at Juno Beach. Naval forces transported them to the landings and remained to provide support with heavy gun fire against beach defences, a seemingly never-ending stream of materiel to support the battle, and casualty evacuation. Allied air forces also played a crucial role, protecting the convoys and shipping from enemy submarines and air attack, and critically, provided air support to the troops fighting their way off the beachhead.
442 Fighter Squadron, flying Spitfires at the time of the D-Day, were present to support the invasion. One of 37 RCAF squadrons involved in supporting the landings, their mission was to protect the troops on the beaches from air attack and destroy ground targets of opportunity.
The first Squadron aircraft arrived over the Normandy beaches at 6:30 in the morning and follow-on waves remained until 10:00 that evening providing protection from the skies.
Their presence virtually ensured that our soldiers below would not be threatened from above, as very few German aircraft dared to approach.
Within days of the invasion beginning, 442 Squadron was able to land on French soil at a hastily constructed airfield, amongst the first allied aircraft to operate in France since British forces were pushed off the continent in 1940.
Meanwhile, 407 Squadron, flying their Wellington bombers, were protecting shipping and convoys approaching England from surface and submarine attack during the build-up to the invasion.
On D-Day, the squadron launched two of its aircraft from its base at Chivenor, England. Only one came home safely. The squadron became so adept at finding and sinking enemy ships that they earned the moniker ‘the Demons’, a name they proudly maintain to this day.
As the Commander of 19 Wing, I am intensely proud of the heritage of these two RCAF squadrons, and can assure you that the dedication and professionalism of those who participated 75 years ago to retake the continent remains strong in the men and women who serve today. Collectively, we honour the sacrifices of those who preceded us through our actions every day, whether rescuing people in distress, defending our coastlines, or countering threats internationally.