Operation Overlord was the codename for the liberation of Europe which began on D-Day 6 June 1944. The operation was not a single day but continued until Allied forces crossed the River Seine on 19 August. Although there is a great deal of information about the landings in Normandy because of the secrecy surrounding the build up of forces at the time, even today it is not generally recognised that Southampton was the 'springboard' for Operation Overlord and the headquarters for the crossing of the English Channel. Today the role of the port is commemorated by a single plaque on Dock Gate 8 which reads, 'In proud and glorious memory of the men and women of the forces of the United Nations who sailed from the port during the great war against aggression to secure the freedom of mankind'. This podcast website is dedicated to their memory.SHOW LESS