OVERLORD’S FORGOTTEN HEROES

RAF Coastal Command’s contribution to the success of the D-Day landings is often overlooked. Graham Pitchfork highlights the importance of its role

 

A Short Sunderland Mk.III of 422 Squadron
ACA COLLECTION

The squadrons of RAF Coastal Command underwent perhaps their most intensive period of training in preparation for the Allied invasion of Europe. For these operations, codenamed Cork, the Command relied on types such as the Consolidated Liberator and Catalina, Short Sunderland, Handley Page Halifax and Vickers Wellington. De Havilland Mosquitos and Bristol Beaufighters were available to mount attacks on surface vessels and enemy coastal traffic and Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Fairey Swordfish, Albacores, and Grumman Avengers were on hand to protect convoys.

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