2019D-Day - First Day Cover

The 6th June 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the largest combined naval, air and land operation in the history of warfare. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched a combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France. Codenamed Operation 'Overlord', the Allied landings on the Normandy beaches marked the start of a long and costly campaign to liberate north-west Europe from German occupation. Early on 6 June, Allied airborne forces parachuted into drop zones across northern France. Ground troops then landed across five assault beaches - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. By the end of the day, the Allies had established a foothold along the coast and could begin their advance into France.

Royal Mail is marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and its indelible impact on the outcome of WW2 with this set of stamps and products.

1st Class
Men of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, are briefed by their Commanding Officer, Lt Col R Dawson, just before embarking for Normandy.

1st Class
HMS Warspite, part of Bombardment Force ‘D’, shelling German gun batteries in support of the landings on Sword on 6 June 1944.

£1.35
Paratroopers of the British 6th Airborne Division synchronising watches prior to take off at about 23:00 on 5 June 1944.

£1.35
Commandos of HQ 4th Special Service Brigade leaving their landing craft and wading ashore on Juno.

£1.60
An American A-20 Havoc light bomber with D-Day ‘invasion stripes’ provides air supportfollowing the D-Day landings.

£1.60
Troops from the East Yorkshire Regiment take cover as an enemy shell explodes nearby on 19 July 1944.