---
title: "England before d-day"
description: "Color images about the preparation for D-Day in England"
url: "https://www.normandy1944.info/photographs/england-before-d-day"
date: "2026-07-26T03:56:30+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  Preparing for Operation Overlord (D-Day)

Planning for the operation began in 1943. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, codenamed Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, and the operation had to be delayed 24 hours; a further postponement would have meant a delay of at least two weeks, as the invasion planners had requirements for the phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days each month were deemed suitable. Adolf Hitler placed German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in command of German forces and of developing fortifications along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion.

![](https://www.normandy1944.info/media/yootheme/cache/5f/us-navy-badge-5ff56d35.png?src=images/patches/us-navy-badge.png&thumbnail=250,213,&hash=61757dfd)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/p013179.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/p013179.jpg)

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 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/C704.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/C704.jpg)

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 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor167-P-47FighterAceFrancisSGabbyGabreski.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor167-P-47FighterAceFrancisSGabbyGabreski.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor159-StaffSergeantPoseWithA-K20-AerialReconnaissanceCamera.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor159-StaffSergeantPoseWithA-K20-AerialReconnaissanceCamera.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor161-CaptainInstructsAircrewOnDetailsOfFormationFlying.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor161-CaptainInstructsAircrewOnDetailsOfFormationFlying.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor164-CanonShellsBeingCarriedToA_P-51Mustang.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor164-CanonShellsBeingCarriedToA_P-51Mustang.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor165-050CaliberMachineGunShells.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor165-050CaliberMachineGunShells.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor156-RehersalForTheInvasionOfFrance-Spring1944.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor156-RehersalForTheInvasionOfFrance-Spring1944.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor154-55thFighterGroupAtAnOpenAirConcertInEngland.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor154-55thFighterGroupAtAnOpenAirConcertInEngland.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor152-SpecialSuitsWornByInfantryForChemicalWarfare.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor152-SpecialSuitsWornByInfantryForChemicalWarfare.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor134-TroopsGoAshoreOnABeachSouthOfSalerno.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor134-TroopsGoAshoreOnABeachSouthOfSalerno.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor151-RecruitsLookAtAWorldMap.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor151-RecruitsLookAtAWorldMap.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor133-MenOfThe2ndContingentBrazilianExpeditionaryForceWatchABoxingMatch.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor133-MenOfThe2ndContingentBrazilianExpeditionaryForceWatchABoxingMatch.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor132-FoodLineAtAFieldKitchenAtMacDillField-1943.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor132-FoodLineAtAFieldKitchenAtMacDillField-1943.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor128-GeneralJacobDeversCongradulatesRobertMorgan.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor128-GeneralJacobDeversCongradulatesRobertMorgan.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor130-ShellsAreLoadedIntoABoforsAntiAircraftGun.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor130-ShellsAreLoadedIntoABoforsAntiAircraftGun.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor131-397thBomberGroupMemberTakesANap.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor131-397thBomberGroupMemberTakesANap.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor125-B-17ComesInToLandHavingFiredWoundedFlares.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor125-B-17ComesInToLandHavingFiredWoundedFlares.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor123-P-40LOperatingwiththe59thFighterSquadron.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor123-P-40LOperatingwiththe59thFighterSquadron.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor126-ArmyChemicalCorpsMemberStacks100lbAircraftBombs.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor126-ArmyChemicalCorpsMemberStacks100lbAircraftBombs.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor121-RomanCatholicPadreBlessesB-17CrewBeforeTakeOff.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor121-RomanCatholicPadreBlessesB-17CrewBeforeTakeOff.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor122-BriefingOfP-47PilotsOfThe56thFighterGroup.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor122-BriefingOfP-47PilotsOfThe56thFighterGroup.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor120-FirstPilotsToFlyB-26MaraudersWith322ndBomberGroup.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor120-FirstPilotsToFlyB-26MaraudersWith322ndBomberGroup.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor119-TopBrassOfTheUSMilitaryVist4thFighterGroupsBaseInDebden.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor119-TopBrassOfTheUSMilitaryVist4thFighterGroupsBaseInDebden.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor117-PilotFromTheUS490thBombGroupTalksToLocalResident.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor117-PilotFromTheUS490thBombGroupTalksToLocalResident.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor118-BarrageBalloonInPlymouthEngland.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor118-BarrageBalloonInPlymouthEngland.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor114-SouvenirPhotoOfUSServicemanTakenInLondon.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor114-SouvenirPhotoOfUSServicemanTakenInLondon.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor116-BritishWomanOfTheLandArmyGathersHey.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor116-BritishWomanOfTheLandArmyGathersHey.jpg)

 [ ![](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor115-LtJamesGaylorTalkingToMasterOfUniversityCollege.jpg) ](https://www.normandy1944.info/images/photos/color/before_dday/S4-WWII-InColor115-LtJamesGaylorTalkingToMasterOfUniversityCollege.jpg)

---

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## Schema

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