70th Anniversary of D-Day Landings
June 6, 2014
Today is the 70th anniversary of the Second World War D-Day landings – the largest amphibious operation in the history of warfare.
Australia’s main contribution to the D-Day landings was in the air with up to 2,500 Australians flying in Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force Squadrons. Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army personnel also participated in the D-Day Landings.
On D-Day, 18 Australians made the ultimate sacrifice, including the Australian airmen killed on the night of 5–6 June. Today, we pay tribute to their service and sacrifice and promise to always reflect on their enduring contribution.
Seven Australian veterans of the D-Day landings and the Normandy Campaign will later today (Australian time) join the Prime Minister at a Commonwealth service in Bayeux Cathedral, Normandy, to remember lost mates and honour the truly remarkable feats of all those who served and died in the Campaign 70 years ago.
