On the 6th June 1944 Allied Troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to establish a foothold in France, this was the turning point of the Second World War in the West. D-Day was a remarkable achievement, involving nearly 7,000 naval vessels and over 150,000 Allied troops, it was the start of the destruction of the German war machine and the liberation of Europe.
We will bring this story to life – what were the plans for the invasion that made up Operation Overlord, the largest ever amphibious assault in military history which saw Allied troops landing on five beaches along the coastline. Learn about the new technologies that were developed to make the attack possible. Understand why the deception and propaganda war that took place in advance of the attack were so important to the landing’s eventual success. Hear about the heroism of the Airborne troops, who landed behind enemy lines at night, many hours before the coastal landings. The D-Day Landings and The Battle for Normandy saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War as the Allies fought their way inland.
Hitler’s defences on the Atlantic Wall are among the best preserved and even though the beaches are now peaceful wherever you go you will find museums, cemeteries and memorials offering poignant reminders of this epic period in history, each with its own tale to tell.
Also available supporting elements of wider Humanities (geography, English, social sciences and citizenship)
Key Subject Knowledge
- Historical interpretations
- The Second World War and D-Day landings
- The development of warfare and technology during the 20th century
- Propaganda and warfare
Adaptations for GCSE & A Level Course
- Medieval History
- Britain and The Second World War
- Film and History
- French cultural life