Canadian Soldiers on D-Day
A narrative map of the Allied invasion
Scroll ▾June 5, 1944, early morning
Minesweepers depart Portland, U.K., for the Normandy coast. Their job is to clear the waters of German mines ahead of the ground invasion.
June 5, approximately 09:00
The first boats carrying Canadian infantrymen leave Portland. They will cross the English Channel, travelling more than 200 kilometres.
June 5, 23:31
The Royal Air Force Bomber Command unleashes a barrage of explosives on ten artillery batteries along the coast, including one at Longues-sur-Mer, hoping to destroy the massive German guns before Allied boats carrying the troops for the ground invasion arrive.
June 6, 00:50
The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion is dropped over the Dives river to destroy vital bridges, becoming the first Canadians to land in France on D-Day.
June 6, 07:30
Boats carrying infantrymen begin to reach five different beaches in German-occupied France, with Canadian soldiers landing at Juno Beach. The arrivals continue until 09:00.
June 6, nightfall
After a day of fighting their way inland, Canadians soldiers dig in for the night. Troops in the west reach Creully, and to the east, Anguerny.
