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Mark D-Day 75

Mark D-Day 75

Commemorate the iconic invasion with a host of documentaries and more

Find out even more about one of the Second World War’s most significant events with these documentaries, specials and more…

D-Day round-up

It’s been 75 years since Allied soldiers landed in huge numbers on the coast of Normandy, turning the tide of the Second World War by reclaiming Nazi-occupied France. To mark D-Day, learn even more about the historic seaborne invasion (which remains the largest in history) by catching a host of captivating shows.

 

There are fascinating documentaries on HISTORY, National Geographic specials in Catch Up TV, plus movies that bring to life one of World War Two’s defining moments. Want even more to watch? To mark the 75th anniversary of the Second World War, enjoy incredible shows every Friday night on HISTORY with their World War True season.

 

Here, we round up the best of the action commemorating D-Day on the box…

 

D-Day 75: A Tribute To Heroes

Wednesday 5 June, 9.15am, BBC One HD (CH 101/108). Also available for 30 days in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer

Kicking off two days of rememberance on BBC One, join Huw Edwards and a host of special guests on Southsea Common in Portsmouth, as they pay tribute to those at the heart of D-Day. This celebration of heroism includes personal recollections, studio discussion, musical performances and a fly-past of 25 historic and modern aircraft.

 

Did you know? The SAS conducted fake parachute landings using dummies to confuse German troops.

 

The Last Rescue

Thursday 6 June, 9pm, Movies4Men (CH 426)

Seen Saving Private Ryan a million times already? Then catch this alternative – and action-packed – take on D-Day. With the dust still settling after the invasion, a group of American soldiers and Army Corps nurses find themselves trapped behind enemy lines. In an attempt to escape their precarious situation, they take a German officer hostage. But will it be enough to help them find safety? 

 

Did you know? In the run up to D-Day the BBC ran a competition asking for photos of French beaches. The competition wasn’t real – it was a way to gather intelligence.

 

Memories Of D-Day

Memories Of D-Day

Friday 7 June, 8pm, HISTORY® HD (CH 270). Also available for 30 days in Catch Up > Channels > HISTORY

Using archive photographs from four British soldiers who fought in Normandy, this remarkable documentary puts you at the heart of Operation Overlord. Peter Norris, Harry Oakes, John Aldred and Peter Handford were among the men who put their lives on the line to reclaim occupied territory 75 years ago. Discover some of what they saw in this UK premiere.

 

Did you know? It’s understood only about 15% of paratroopers landed in the right place during the operation.

 

The Plane That Led D-Day

The Plane That Led D-Day

Friday 7 June, 9pm, HISTORY® HD (CH 270). Also available for 30 days in Catch Up > Channels > HISTORY

When a C-47 paratrooper aircraft took off from England on the night of 5 June 1944 it was to send Allied troops to Normandy for the fight of their lives. Fast forward to 2015 and this historic plane, nicknamed That’s All, Brother, was miraculously discovered in a scrapyard. New on HISTORY, this three-part series tells its story, including how the aircraft was restored to its former glory.

 

Did you know? The German Air Force was outnumbered 30:1 during D-Day.

 

Drain The Oceans: Secrets Of D-Day

Find it in Catch Up > Channels > National Geographic

Did you know there are over one hundred sunken D-Day vessels lying off the coast of Normandy? Using the latest sonar technology, this one-off special follows the attempts to locate these fascinating ships and learn more about the largest amphibious invasion in history.

 

Did you know? Over 7,000 ships took part in the operation.

 

Eyewitness: D-Day

Find it in Catch Up > Channels > National Geographic

Discover even more about D-Day by tuning into this documentary that takes an up close and personal look at the iconic D-Day operation. Focusing on five men who made a difference on the day, archive footage, dramatic sequences and written testimony help paint a vivid picture of how things turned in the Allied forces’ favour.

 

Did you know? Britain used fake agents to deliberately feed Germany misinformation in the lead up to D-Day.

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TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.

HD: HD TV set, VHD Box. TiVo box or Virgin TV V6 connected with HDMI cables required for HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.

Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to the 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.

Image credits: Memories Of D-Day © A&E Television Networks 1996-2019. All rights reserved. 

The Plane That Led D-Day © 2019 AETN