Overall there were around 3,000 Aussies involved in the landings, a large proportion of whom were aircrew. Small biscuits in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of Allied servicemen involved, but it is good to know there was an Aussie presence at this key moment in history.
The Royal Australian Navy historical pamphlet series Semaphore has this week published a small piece detailing key Aussies who were part of OPERATION NEPTUNE. You can d/l it for free here:
https://www.navy.gov.au/spc/publications/semaphore
There is more information regarding Australian servicemen at D-Day here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_contribution_to_the_Battle_of_Normandy
Of course, erudite readers will know that today is the 70th Anniversary of the planned D-Day landings, the actual operation being delayed by high winds and heavy seas until 6 June.
And very grateful we all are for their contribution and sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Paul and Michael.
ReplyDeleteMuch obliged I am indeed for all who risked and spent their lives to save us from the sombreness which overcame our country eighty years ago.
May their memory live on now and forever!
All the best
Stefan
Great stuff....my grandfather was in the big red one and told me stories of that day....wow....some messed up stuff!
ReplyDeleteThe longest day.
ReplyDeleteLest we forget.
Always willing to kick in more then their fair share. Always by your side when the shit hits the fan. Nothing but respect for Aussie service members. Thanks for sharing Paul
ReplyDelete