At this very moment 78 years ago, paratroopers from the British 6th Airborne Division and American 101st/82nd Airborne Divisions

At this very moment 78 years ago, paratroopers from the British 6th Airborne Division and American 101st/82nd Airborne Divisions crossed over the Contentin Peninsula and jumped in the darkness - punctuated by flak and tracer fire.

Their descent from the heavens marked the beginning of Operation Overlord, the western Allied invasion of occupied Europe and the beginning of the end for the Axis.

The paratroopers faced monumental challenges from the outset - most had been separated from their respective units, landing in area often miles from their intended drop zones.

battling the unforgiving Norman terrain (much of which had been flooded, drowning the heavily gear laden paratroopers in sometimes just 3 feet of water), and completely surrounded by the enemy.

By 7am, almost all of their objectives would be secured as the Allied landing forces began their assaults and began to push inland. More to follow tomorrow.

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