Although the port of London had suffered during the Blitz, it played an important part in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The port served as a construction site for the landing craft that put Allied troops ashore in Africa and Europe, and for components for the Mulberry Harbours used at Normandy.
Even the humble Thames barge was pressed into service to support the invasion fleets, while the river itself was filled with a dummy fleet to confuse German intelligence.
Landing craft moving ashore during the attack on Elba. © NMM