Operation Neptune 1944

The naval plan behind the Normandy landings that aided the success of the Allied invasion of France.

The story of Operation Neptune 1944 was, of course, more than just a tale of planning, building and logistics. It had action aplenty and the emotive tales of bravery, ingenuity and determination by the crews of the ships involved brought credit to the naval traditions of the Allied nations.

Battleships, cruisers and destroyers bombarded enemy positions; midget submarines pointed the way to the beaches; minesweepers worked secretly by night to clear lanes. Landing craft of all sizes braved enemy fire and mines to deposit their loads on the beaches, and naval beach parties endured shellfire and machine guns to bring order to the shores. Royal Navy commandos and US naval engineers dealt with beach obstacles against rising tides in the face of withering enemy fire. Losses during Neptune and the days after the assault were quite heavy.

In this detailed, illustrated account, Ken Ford unpacks the operation that had more casualties amongst its vessels than any other naval enterprise in World War II.