To continue our commemoration of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, we have compiled a selection of incredible photographs and powerful Osprey artwork which capture the events leading up to and during the fateful Operation Neptune.


artwork operation neptune


In this captivating artwork by Howard Gerrard from Ken Ford's Operation Neptune 1944: D-Day's Seaborne Armada (Campaign 268) American battleship USS Nevada is portrayed opening fire with its main armament against the German defences on Utah Beach just after dawn. The USS Nevada was part of Rear-Admiral Deyo's Bombardment Force A and was situated on the far right flank of the invasion.


british forces invasion d-day


A photograph from the Imperial War Museums collection, this image shows Commandos of 47 (RM) coming ashore from LCAs (Landing Craft Assault) on Jig Green beach, Gold area. LCT's (Landing Craft Tank) can be seen in the background uploading priority vehicles for 231st Brigade, 50th Division. The original image can be viewed here.


eisenhower


This stunning illustration by Steve Noon from Steven J. Zaloga's Eisenhower (Command 18) pictures an overview of Utah Beach with B-26B bombers of the 397th Bombardment Group conducting aerial missions overhead.


A convoy of Landing Craft Infantry (Large) sails across the English Channel


Taken from the US Coast Guard Collection in the US National Archives this photograph captures a convoy of LCIs (Landing Craft Infantry) sailing across the English Channel towards the Normandy Invasion beaches. Each of the landing craft is towing a barrage balloon for protection against low-flying German aircraft. The original image can be viewed here.


bernard montgomery


This poignant illustration by Graham Turner from Tim Moreman's Bernard Montgomery (Command 9) depicts officers and men of No. 4 Commando pouring out of an LCA (Landing Craft, Assault) on the extreme left of Queen Red Beach during the initial assault on Sword Beach.


into the jaws of death


"Into the Jaws of Death – U.S. Troops wading through water and Nazi gunfire"


Taken by Robert F. Sargent, Chief Photographer's Mate, this final, poignant image pictures troops of Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division disembarking from a LVCP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) from the US Coast Guard-manned USS Samuel Chase, onto the Fox Green section of Omaha Beach. The original image can be viewed here.