Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters  - D-Day and the Normandy Landings

Over 100 Canadian warships and some 10,000 Canadian sailors supported D-Day, the 6 June 1944 landings in Normandy. Canadian ships and sailors helped protect the invasion fleet, cleared German minefields, and ferried Allied troops across the Channel.

Third Canadian Division Assault Troops

Tom Wood's painting depicts reserve battalions of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division embarking on Canadian landing craft.

Soldiers, one with a bicycle (right), board some of the 262nd Flotilla's Landing Craft Infantry (Large) (left) for what would prove to be an uncomfortable trip through rough seas to Normandy. Also visible are the twin ramps used to board and leave the landing craft and the forward Oerlikon gun (top left) intended for use against enemy aircraft and beach defences.

Third Canadian Division Assault Troops
Painted by Tom Wood in 1944
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4917