As many are aware, we recently attended the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought on D-Day. Our parachute displays with our US counterparts serve as a tribute to the paratroopers who descended into Normandy under heavy fire to secure key positions and disrupt enemy defences. Their presence at the anniversary was not only a commemoration of the historic bravery exhibited by Allied forces but also a testament to the ongoing commitment of today’s paratroopers to uphold the values and traditions of their predecessors. Through our displays, we aimed to educate and inspire the public, ensuring that the heroism and sacrifices of the D-Day veterans are remembered and revered by future generations.

Here is what relevance the Arromanches has to us and D-Day.

Arromanches, codenamed Gold Beach during the D-Day landings, played a pivotal role in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. This beach was assigned to the British 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division. The primary objective at Arromanches was to establish a secure beachhead and facilitate the construction of a Mulberry harbour, an artificial port essential for the continuous supply of Allied forces.

The British forces landed at around 07:25 AM, facing heavy German resistance. The beach was defended by elements of the German 716th Infantry Division. Despite obstacles and fierce enemy fire, the British troops managed to break through the coastal defences, thanks to well-coordinated use of specialized armoured vehicles, such as the “Hobart’s Funnies.”

Utah Beach, the westernmost landing site, was part of the American sector during the D-Day invasion. The landings were carried out by the U.S. 4th Infantry Division, with support from airborne units. Before the landing, naval and air bombardments targeted German defences to soften resistance.

The first wave of infantry landed at around 06:30 AM, slightly off course due to strong currents. This deviation turned out to be advantageous as it allowed them to avoid the heaviest concentrations of German defences.

Airborne forces played a pivotal role in the success of D-Day, showcasing their importance in modern military strategy. On June 6, 1944, paratroopers from the UK and the USA were among the first to engage in the Normandy invasion, demonstrating exceptional bravery and skill. Their primary objectives were to secure key positions behind enemy lines, disrupt German defences, and facilitate the main amphibious landings on the beaches.

Today, the connection between airborne forces and Mont Saint-Michel serves as a reminder of the critical role these units played in the liberation of France. Their actions in the surrounding areas exemplify the bravery and strategic importance of airborne operations in World War II. Mont Saint-Michel is not just a significant historical monument, but also as a testament to the courage and effectiveness of airborne forces in pivotal moments of history.