D-Day in Color, Photographs from the Normandy Invasion

Original color photographs of the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II.

From British and American soldiers preparing for the invasion in England to German prisoners being marched through the streets after France’s liberation, these images are some of the only color photographs taken during the war.

British Navy Landing Crafts (LCA-1377) carry United States Army Rangers to a ship near Weymouth in Southern England on June 1, 1944. British soldiers can be seen in the conning station. For safety measures, U.S. Rangers remained consigned on board English ships for five days prior to the invasion of Normandy, France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

U.S. troops on the Esplanade at Weymouth, Dorset, on their way to ships bound for Omaha Beach for the D-Day landings in Normandy in June of 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Operation Overlord Normandy, A United States Army ambulance jeep is entering a Landing Craft Transport (LCT) in a port in Southern England. June 1944. The ship and will depart for Normandy, France. United Kingdom. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Landing Ship Tank (LST-357) loading an ambulance at Portland Harbour, Dorset, before the D-Day landings, 5th June 1944. It will soon depart to participate in the cross channel invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army have boarded the Landing Craft Transport (LCT) named ëChannel Feverí ) in Southern England. 5th June 1944. They are ready for the landing in France. The 1st Division was one of the two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day suffering high casualties. Dorset, United Kingdom. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

United States Rangers from E Company, 5th Ranger Battalion, on board a landing craft assault vessel (LCA) in Weymouth harbor, Dorset, on June 4, 1944. The ship is bound for the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Clockwise, from far left: First Sergeant Sandy Martin, who was killed during the landing, Technician Fifth Grade Joseph Markovich, Corporal John Loshiavo and Private First Class Frank E. Lockwood. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand rifle and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Trucks of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army are loaded into a Landing Ship Tank (LST) in Dorset, United Kingdom, on June 5th, 1944. The LST forms part of Group 30 of the LST Flotilla. The 1st Division was one of the two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day suffering high casualties. It secured Formigny and Caumont in the beachhead. D-Day is still one of the world's most gut-wrenching and consequential battles, as the Allied landing in Normandy led to the liberation of France which marked the turning point in the Western theater of World War II. (AFP PHOTO/Getty Images)

The 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army (The 'Big Red One') in Dorset, United Kingdom on June 5, 1944 before departing for Omaha Beach. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

A U.S. Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) filled with invasion troops approaches the French coast from the sea in June of 1944. The GIs wear life vests in preparation for the landing. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord, Vessels are waiting for the start of D-Day operations in an English port of embarkation. 4th June 1944. USS LST-314 (center) departed English waters as part of the second wave on 6th June. 9th June, it was torpedoed by a German E-boat and sank off the coast of Normandy. Great Britain. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Boats full of United States troops waiting to leave Weymouth, Southern England, to take part in Operation Overlord in Normandy, June 1944. This location was used as a launching place for Allied troops participating in the invasion of Nazi-occupied France on D-Day, 6th June 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Some of the first American soldiers to attack the German defenses in Higgins Boats (LCVPs) approach Omaha Beach near Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. Plastic covers protect the soldier's weapons against from the water. (Photo by Robert F. Sargent, U.S. Coast Guard/Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Planes from the 344th Bomb Group, which led the IX Bomber Command formations on D-Day on June 6, 2014. Operations started in March 1944 with attacks on targets in German-occupied France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. After the beginning of the Normandy invasion, the Group was active at Cotentin Peninsula, Caen, Saint-Lo and the Falaise Gap. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Private Clyde Peacock, 1st Military Police (MP) Platoon of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army in June 1944 in Dorset, United Kingdom. The 1st Division was one of the two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day suffering high casualties. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Troops from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day, June 6, 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their lives in the battles for the beachhead. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

A general view of the scene on D-Day, WWII, at Normandy Beach, France on June 6, 1944. (Photo by Camerique/Getty Images)

An Allied plane crash burns during the fighting in Normandy, France in June of 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Allied ships, boats and barrage balloons off Omaha Beach after the successful D-Day invasion, near Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France on June 9, 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

German Prisoners of War are kept behind barbed wire on Omaha Beach on June 10, 1944. Landing Ship, Tanks can be seen on the beach and barrage balloons in the air for protection. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

From left, Chief of the Imperial General Staff Field Marshal Sir Alan Brooke, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and commander of the 21st Army Group, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery in Normandy on June 12, 1944, six days after the D-Day landings during Operation Overlord Normandy in World War II. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Two American soldiers watch U. S. Army jeeps driving through the ruins in Saint-Lo in August of 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord Normandy in June. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

eeps and other U. S. Army vehicles drive through the ruins of Saint-Lo in August of 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord Normandy in June. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

German Prisoners of War are kept behind barbed wire in Normandy, France in June of 1944. More than 200,000 German soldiers were captured during the Battle of Normandy. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

A farmer and his son in front of their damaged house during the Allied invasion of France in July of 1944. Bombing of German positions caused damage throughout the area. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Signal Corps photographer Sergeant Fred Bornet films a town in Normandy, France in June of 1944. Fred 'Freddy' Bornet was born in Scheveningen, Holland. Fluent in French, English and German, he migrated to the United States in 1939 as a 24 year old primarily to escape Hitler. He then became a member of the 163rd Signal Corps Company. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

American troops with German prisoners of war on board a Landing Craft Transport (LCT) in June of 1944. The prisoners will be taken to a Liberty Ship in the English Channel during the Allied invasion of Normandy. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

U.S. Army Medics treating two GIs at a first aid post in southern England in 1944. The soldiers are among the troops due to embark for the invasion of Normandy. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

A truck from the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army is loaded into the Landing Ship Tank in Dorset, United Kingdom in June of 1944. The LST forms part of Group 30 of the LST Flotilla. The 1st Division was one of the two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day suffering high casualties. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

U. S. Army trucks and jeeps from the invasion against the German troops enter a town in Normandy, France in June of 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

German Prisoners of War captured during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June of 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

German Prisoners of War who have arrived on HM Landing Ship Tank (LST-165) at Gosport, Hampshire, in June of 1944. This is the first transport with prisoners from the Allied invasion of Normandy. They will be interrogated and distributed to various camps according to their classification. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

1,096 German Prisoners of War are marched through the town of Gosport, Hampshire, guarded by British soldiers, in June of 1944. The prisoners arrived on HM Landing Ship Tank (LST-165), the first transport with prisoners from the Allied invasion of Normandy. They will be interrogated and distributed to various camps according to their classification. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Two U. S. Army trucks and two American jeeps are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo in August of 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord Normandy in June. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Two children watch an American Army jeep driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo in August of 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord Normandy in June. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are on patrol near Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadians were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Rangers have boarded a Landing Craft Assault (LCA) in a port in Southern England. 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand rifle and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The ship and will depart for Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. United Kingdom (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, A United States truck is entering a Landing Craft Tank (LCT) in a port in Southern England. June 1944. The ship and will depart for Omaha Beach , Normandy, France. United Kingdom. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, A group of 15 injured soldiers is on the deck of a boat in June 1944. Six nurses are taking care of them. Coast of Normandy, France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers are checking their assignments in a tent near the port. June 1944. The sign at the entrance says: "Check Rosters Here." They will leave from here to participate in the invasion of Normandy, France. Weymouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord, Three American GIs are playing dart in a camp near their port of embarkation in the south of England. June 1944. The D-Day invasion fleet consisted of 5,000 ships carrying 170,000 assault troops. Great Britain. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, An American ambulance, a jeep and other vehicles are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord in June. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Three American soldiers from the 1st Engineer Special Brigade are looking at photos from home. June 1944. Landing Ships Tank (LST) and other vessels are on the beach at Omaha and barrage balloons are up in the air for protection. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Boarding ships in early June 1944 - Operation Overlord.  Embarking on the LST-134 a GMC truck with a type HO/HQ-17 shelter It would land units on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, A catholic nun and two young girls are standing in front of the ruins of the bombed Eglise Saint-Malo in Valognes, Brittany. July 1944. The town was badly damaged during the Allied drive on Cherbourg in June. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division have set up anti-aircraft guns on Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. German Luftwaffe war planes are still active in the area. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are trying to set up an anti-aircraft gun. June 1944. The emplacement is near Juno Beach. German Luftwaffe war planes are still active in the area. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Four Allied soldiers are looking at a map in the center of a town in Normandy. June 1944. Two French policemen are also looking. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division have set up a mortar on Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadians were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, A boy and a girl are standing in the market in Cherbourg, which has recently been liberated by the United States Army. July 1944. More than 10,000 German prisoners have been taken. 2,800 American soldiers died in the battle. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, A street in Cherbourg, which has recently been liberated by the United States Army. July 1944. Two American sailors and a GI are in the street. More than 10,000 German prisoners have been taken. 2,800 American soldiers died in the battle. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

Operation Overlord Normandy, A Canadian soldier is directing traffic in Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. The Canadians landed at Juno Beach which is nearby. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

U. S. Army trucks and jeeps are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo in July of 1944. A group of American soldiers walks along the street. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord Normandy in June. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images)

Operation Overlord Normandy, The church Notre Dame has been heavily damaged during the attacks on Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord in June. France. (Photo by Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images) 

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