Lecture | D-Day and its Aftermath: Normandy 6 June to 25 July 1944

D-Day was the greatest amphibious operation in history. In this talk, Professor Gary Sheffield will pick up the story as the landing craft approach the beaches on 6 June 1944, and will discuss the key points of the US, Canadian and British landings. Then he will cover the development of the land campaign in June and July – the build up of logistic support, fighting in the bocage, the attritional battles around Caen such as Operations EPSOM and GOODWOOD, arguments in both Allied and German high commands, and the critical role of airpower. By 25 July, everything was in place for the launch of Operation COBRA, US First Army’s breakthrough, which was the beginning of the end in Normandy’.

Gary Sheffield MA PhD FRHistS FRSA FSAHR is Visiting Professor in the Defence Studies Department of King’s College London, based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College. He has published widely on military history, especially on the two world wars, and is completing a book entitled ‘Civilian Armies: The Experience of British and Dominion Soldiers 1914-1945’.

6.30pm Drinks Reception (Drink included in ticket price), 7.00pm Lecture Commences

£11 non members | £9 Friends