On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, storming the beaches of Normandy in an operation that marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.
While the bravery of American, British, and Canadian forces is widely celebrated, the role of the ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) in the D-Day landings is often overlooked.
This blog aims to shed light on their contributions and remember the ANZACs’ courage and sacrifice during this pivotal moment in history.
The Road to Normandy
By 1944, Australian and New Zealand forces had already been heavily engaged in various theatres of World War II, from North Africa to the Pacific.
While the majority of ANZAC troops were deployed in the Pacific or stationed in the UK for air operations, a significant number of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, airmen, and sailors played crucial roles in the lead-up to and execution of the D-Day landings.
Historian and founder of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours said: “Around 3,300 Australians served in the D-Day landings, mostly in the Airforce, but also at sea and on land.”
Air Support: The RAAF and RNZAF
Australian and New Zealand airmen were integral to the success of the Normandy invasion. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) contributed numerous squadrons to the air campaign.
These airmen flew sorties to soften German defenses, provide air cover for the invading forces, and carry out reconnaissance missions. Their efforts were vital in securing air superiority, which was crucial for the success of the landings.
Notably, the RAAF’s No. 453 Squadron and the RNZAF’s No. 485 Squadron were active participants in the aerial operations over Normandy. They engaged in dogfights with the Luftwaffe, strafed enemy positions, and provided close air support to the troops on the ground.
The bravery and skill of these airmen helped ensure that the skies over Normandy remained dominated by Allied forces.
Naval Contributions: The Royal Australian Navy
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) also played a key role in Operation Overlord. Australian ships and sailors were involved in the massive naval armada that transported troops to the Normandy beaches and provided naval gunfire support.
The RAN’s destroyers, including HMAS Napier, HMAS Nepal, and HMAS Nizam, were part of the naval escort for the invasion fleet, protecting it from potential German naval and air attacks.
These destroyers also played a crucial role in bombarding German fortifications along the coast, clearing the way for the landing forces. The accuracy and intensity of their fire helped neutralize many of the strongpoints that could have inflicted heavy casualties on the invading troops.
On the Ground: ANZAC Soldiers
While the primary ground forces at D-Day were American, British, and Canadian, ANZAC soldiers were also present among the ranks. Many Australians and New Zealanders served in British units or in specialist roles.
These men fought bravely alongside their Allied comrades, facing intense German resistance and the many hazards of the beach landings.
Australian and New Zealand engineers were particularly important during the invasion. They were involved in the construction of Mulberry harbors—temporary portable harbors developed by the Allies to facilitate the rapid offloading of cargo onto the beaches.
Their expertise and hard work were critical in ensuring the success of the logistical operations that followed the initial assault.
Stories of the D-Day ANZACs
Historian Mat McLachlan shares some of the remarkable stories of the D-Day ANZACs:
Flight Lieutenant Henry Lacy Smith
Born in Sans Souci, a suburb of Sydney, Henry Lacy Smith flew a Spitfire with the first Australian squadron (No. 453) to go into action on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Tragically, his Spitfire was hit by anti-aircraft fire on June 11, 1944, while patrolling the beachheads, causing his aircraft to crash into a canal. Initially listed as “missing,” Smith remained unaccounted for 66 years until his Spitfire was discovered in November 2010.
His remains were subsequently buried with full military honors in Ranville Cemetery, France. Visitors on Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours’ Battle of Normandy River Cruise will have the opportunity to visit this cemetery.
Lieutenant-Commander George Dixon
From Tasmania, George Dixon commanded Landing Ship Tank 409 at Juno Beach on D-Day. A veteran of World War I, Dixon was among the original ANZACs to land at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, as part of the 12th Battalion Australian Infantry Forces, when he was just 15 years old.
Lieutenant-Commander Leon Goldsworthy
From Broken Hill, NSW, Leon Goldsworthy was one of the bravest Australians at Normandy. He served with a team of Royal Navy clearance divers who, in the weeks following the D-Day landings, worked tirelessly to clear mines from the booby-trapped harbour near the port of Cherbourg.
Lieutenant Kenneth Hudspeth
A teacher from Hobart, Tasmania, Kenneth Hudspeth commanded one of the first two ‘X’ class submarines (the X20) to cross the Channel for the landings.
Serving in the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR), his mission was to mark the access route for the Allied Armada and act as a navigation beacon.
Sub-Lieutenant Richard Pirrie
A talented sportsman from Hawthorn, Melbourne, Richard Pirrie had played AFL for the Hawthorn Football Club. On June 6, his 24th birthday, Pirrie commanded Landing Craft Support (M)47 in the first wave at Juno Beach, Normandy.
Tasked with piloting his craft close to shore so a naval artillery observer could direct gunfire onto German defenses, Pirrie’s craft struck a mine and was hit by a shell, killing him and two others.
Flight Sergeant Stanley Black
A 21-year-old from Melbourne, Stanley Black was part of a Lancaster bomber crew of No. 106 Squadron, Royal Air Force, on a mission to help secure the Allied beachhead.
After his Lancaster was shot down by enemy fire, Black parachuted to safety and joined a group of American paratroopers in the village of Graignes.
Despite being outnumbered, Black and the Americans held the village for 24 hours, preventing the German advance toward the Allied beachheads. When the Germans eventually captured Graignes on June 11, they executed the remaining paratroopers, Flight Sergeant Black, two local priests, and 40 villagers.
Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours D-Day River Cruise
To mark the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings, a group of Australian travelers will embark on Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours‘ inaugural D-Day River Cruise. Participants will walk the beaches of the Normandy D-Day landings and uncover the rich history of this pivotal event.
The cruises will be aboard the luxurious Amadeus Diamond, departing round trip from Paris on June 11, July 23, and September 24, 2025.
Remembering the ANZACs
The courage and dedication of the ANZACs during the D-Day landings exemplify the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation that characterized the Allied effort in World War II.
While their contributions may not be as well-known as those of their American, British, and Canadian counterparts, the ANZACs played a crucial role in the success of Operation Overlord.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, it is important to remember and honor the sacrifices made by all Allied forces, including the brave men of Australia and New Zealand. Their legacy continues to inspire us, reminding us of the power of unity and the enduring strength of the ANZAC spirit.
Lest we forget.
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