In Pictures: Canadian troops storm Juno Beach on D-Day
These photos trace the Canadian journey through D-Day – from final preparations in England to the chaos of landing on Juno Beach and the early aftermath of victory. Captured by wartime photographers in real time, each image tells a human story of courage, sacrifice and duty. Together, they offer an intimate and haunting portrait of one of the most pivotal moments of the Second World War – through the eyes of the Canadians who lived it.
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Final rehearsals for invasion As waves slap against the sides of the landing craft, Canadian troops prepare to launch from HMCS Prince Harry – an armed merchant cruiser – in final rehearsals for what would become the most ambitious amphibious assault in history. Canadian soldiers trained off England’s southern coast just weeks before D-Day. (National Archives of Canada/Frank L. Duberville )
A sea of resolve From above, the English Channel brims with Landing Craft Tanks (LCT) ready for the assault. Camouflaged and loaded with men and machines, this massive invasion fleet waits quietly in port. (National Archives of Canada/Frank L Duberville)
The moment arrives On the morning of June 6, Canadian Landing Craft Infantry (LCI – Large) storm the shores of Juno Beach – located in Bernières-sur-Mer, France. This was the beginning of Canada’s role in liberating Nazi-occupied France – an entry into battle marked by bravery, chaos and unshakable resolve. (National Archives of Canada)
First wave ashore Members of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade step into ‘Nan White’ Beach, disembarking from LCI(L) 125. Part of the 3rd Canadian Division, these troops forged a path inland through heavily fortified enemy defences. (National Archives of Canada/Gilbert Alexander Milne)
Bound for battle Aboard LCI(L) 306, members of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada head for landfall and brace themselves for the unknown. There steps would shape history. (National Archives of Canada/Gilbert Alexander Milne)
A look east from the sand Looking down ‘Nan White’ Beach, Canadian soldiers emerge from LCI(L) 299. Smoke hangs in the air as the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade moves forward, one foot at a time. (National Archives of Canada/Gilbert Alexandre Milne)
A wider assault unfolds Facing westward, this view captures a series of Canadian landing craft pushing ashore. Each vessel carried men committed not only to military objectives – but to the liberation of the continent. (National Archives of Canada/Gilbert Alexander Milne)
Into the fray Captured mid-landing, Canadian soldiers wade through the tide under a grey sky, alert to the hazards ashore. (National Archives of Canada)
The coast of combat The shore is littered with wreckage – shattered equipment and broken machinery, stark reminders of the steep price paid. (National Archives of Canada/Frank L. Dubervill)
Capturing the enemy German prisoners, stunned and subdued, are escorted to boarding points for England. Hours earlier, they had manned the very bunkers Canadian troops now occupied – a reversal of control on the first day of the Allied push inland. (National Archives of Canada/Ken Bell)
From oppressor to captive On the sands of Juno Beach, Canadian soldiers process captured German troops. These moments marked a shift in the tides of war when those enforcing Nazi occupation were now under Allied watch. (National Archives of Canada/Frank L. Dubervill)
A turning point Canadian troops are seen here near Bernières-sur-Mer, France on the Normandy coast. Their movements signaled an advance in territory and hope for millions under the Axis coalition. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/National Archives of Canada, Gilbert A. Milne)
The Allied machine lands American soldiers and supply trucks, heavily armed, sit inside a military plane as they soar over the English Channel en route to the scenes of war. Nearly 16,000 troops arrived that day – from Britian, Canada, U.S., and France – all united by a single mission to defeat tyranny. (AP Photo, File)
