Story 10: 1ST APRIL 1944

We’re counting down to the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and bringing you the stories of the people who served, and who died, on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy.

But D-Day and the Normandy campaign were a top-secret plan for long before the invasion began.

1st April 1944, was a date in history which played a key role in ensuring D-Day stayed classified.

Historian, author, broadcaster & Chair of the Chalke Valley History Festival, James Holland explains the extraordinary wartime restrictions enforced to keep D-Day secret.

Image  credit: Wilky Wilkinson

James’ latest book: Normandy ’44 is published on 16 May by Bantam Press.

22,442 people from over 30 countries gave their lives whilst serving with British units on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy.

The Normandy Memorial Trust is building the British Normandy Memorial to commemorate their heroism and sacrifice.