Normandy 81
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Last week, commemorations took place in France to mark 81 years since Operation OVERLORD, which saw the 6th Airborne Division in action for the first time.
In May 1943, the 6th Airborne Division had been formed ready for the invasion. The airborne element of this operation was to be known as Operation TONGA, and training took place over several months.
Bad weather postponed the invasion by 24 hours, but on the evening of 5th June 1944, emplaning began. Up to 1,500 aircraft flew 13,000 soldiers from the American 82nd and 101st Divisions, alongside 7,000 British paratroopers and air landing infantry and support units from the 6th Airborne Division, in gliders into the night skies towards Normandy.
The 6th Airborne Division was not withdrawn for re-constitution until the 27th August, having spent 82 days non-stop action in the line. Losses were sobering with 542 killed, 1,623 wounded and 725 missing.
Every year, serving soldiers and veterans come together to honour the men who were involved with this operation and remember those who did not return home.
You can read a full account of Operation OVERLORD, and also find some first hand accounts, on ParaData thanks to the team at the Airborne Assault Museum.
