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Fighting back: the port, the Thames and the liberation of Europe

Introduction
The need for landing craft
Retaking ‘Fortress Europe’
D-Day and beyond
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Introduction

Landing craft moving ashore during the attack on Elba.
View full size imageLanding craft moving ashore during the attack on Elba. © NMM

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.


 

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StoriesDocklands and the Blitz
London in the firing line
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StoriesDefending the East End
Dealing with the Blitz
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GalleriesGrowing up in the Blitz
Children in London during the Second World War
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Related Resources
Related Images 6 Images
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National Maritime Museum/Royal Observatory Greenwich New Opportunities Fund  
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