Honouring the Heroes of D-Day: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord

On 6 June 2024, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Operation Overlord, a monumental endeavour in which tens of thousands of brave soldiers crossed the Channel, establishing a critical foothold on the French coast to initiate the liberation of Europe. As dawn broke on that historic morning the thousands of Allied warships moving towards the coast of Northern France marked the start of D-Day. The largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare, over 150,000 troops landed on five beaches in Normandy, their courage and determination paving the way for the Allied advance, altering the course of World War II.

The success of Operation Overlord was bolstered by the Allied air forces, under the joint command of Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory and Sir Arthur Tedder, both distinguished Magdalene alumni.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, KCB, DSO (11 July 1892 – 14 November 1944), was a key senior RAF commander during the Second World War. He commanded No. 12 Fighter Group and played a controversial role in the Battle of Britain. In 1942 he became Commander-in-Chief of Fighter Command and was selected in 1943 to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Air Force, making him the air commander during the Allied Invasion of Normandy. Tragically, he died in November 1944 in an aircraft crash in the French Alps.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, GCB (11 July 1890 – 3 June 1967), was a senior RAF commander whose career spanned from the First World War to post-World War II. During the Second World War, as Air Officer Commanding RAF Middle East Command, Tedder directed air operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa, including the evacuation of Crete and Operation Crusader.

In January 1944 when planning D-Day and Operation Overlord, Tedder was appointed Deputy Supreme Commander under General Eisenhower. He played a crucial role in planning and executing the Allied invasion of Sicily, Italy, and ultimately France. In the final year of the war, he was sent to the Soviet Union to seek assistance as the Western Front came under pressure during the Battle of the Bulge. He signed the unconditional surrender of the Germans on behalf of General Eisenhower in May 1945 and was subsequently promoted to Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

The leadership of Tedder and Leigh-Mallory exemplified the blend of intellectual rigour and practical acumen, contributing immeasurably to Operation Overlord. Their combined efforts in orchestrating air support, logistics, and airborne operations were instrumental in the success of D-Day.

We pay homage to all the brave Allied forces, their actions on those beaches exemplify the unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. At Magdalene we honour their sacrifice and heroism, reflecting on their legacy through remembrance and a deep appreciation of the freedoms they fought to secure.