FIELD NOTES / SECOND WORLD WAR

World War 2 1939–1945 — D-Day, Normandy, Great Escape & Campaigns

From the political road to war to D-Day, airborne operations, captivity and the people behind the campaign.

World War 2 1939–1945 — D-Day, Normandy, Great Escape & Campaigns Field Notes
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World War 2 — 1939 to 1945

The Second World War began in Europe in September 1939 and ended globally in 1945. This research hub moves from the political road to war into the global campaign, D-Day and Normandy, airborne operations, POW captivity and the Great Escape, propaganda and VE Day.

New to the subject? Start with Facts of World War 2: 20 Key Facts About 1939–1945, then move into the full Second World War campaign guide. For Normandy, go directly to the D-Day 6 June 1944 Five Beaches field guide.

World War 2: quick-answer route

  • 20 key facts of World War 2 — 1939, Battle of Britain, North Africa, Eastern Front, Holocaust, D-Day, VE Day and Japan's surrender.
  • When was D-Day? 6 June 1944.
  • What were the five D-Day beaches? Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
  • Where is the D-Day beaches map? The Five Beaches field guide opens with a map of all five beaches and the airborne flanks.
  • Where can I read about D-Day casualties? The same guide contains a dedicated casualty section and explains why totals vary between institutions and definitions.

Road to war and global campaign

  1. Facts of World War 2: 20 key facts
  2. The Political Road to the Second World War
  3. World War 2 1939–1945: Complete Campaign Guide

D-Day and Normandy

Commanders

Captivity and the Great Escape

Home front, victory and memory

Explore the Gallus World War 2 collection →

Go further back in military history

For the battles and armies before the modern age, continue on our companion brand Iron Regiment — from Rome and 1066 through the English Civil War, Trafalgar and Waterloo. Read its Regimental Record →.