On the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, we've taken a look back at how the events of D-Day were reported in the Telegraph.
SEVERAL prominent figures were quoted in news reports in the hours which followed the D-Day landings.
In his Order of the Day, General Dwight D Eisenhower told his trooped they were embarking upon ‘the great crusade towards which we have striven these many months’.
He said: “The eyes of the world are upon you.
“The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you.
“In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe and security for ourselves in the free world.
“Your task will not be an easy one.
“Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
READ MORE: How the Telegraph reported the Normandy landings on D-Day
“The tide has turned. The free men of the world are marching together to victory.
“I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle.
“We will accept nothing less than full victory.
“Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
Broadcasting to Europe, General Eisenhower said ‘all patriotic men and women’ would play a part in ‘the achievement in final victory’.
The previous night, reports from Italy said the Fifth Army – who had crossed the River Tiber in force – were continuing their pursuit of the retreating Germans north of Rome.
German-controlled Paris radio reported that the German forces had abandoned the entire bank of the rover from its mouth to the capital, including the port of Ostia.
Brigadier-General Home, of the Allied Military Government, said that a preliminary inspection indicated the city had been left in ‘excellent condition’.
Pop Pius XII appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at 6pm on June 5 to address thousands of people.
He said: “Thanks be to God that Rome has been saved the horrors of war by both belligerents.
“We should show our gratitude by good works and charity, and cease from hatred and rancour.”
General Mark W Clark, Commander of the Fifth Army, described Rome as a ‘stepping stone’ in forcing a complete surrender from the Germans.
It was also reported that the King George VI, following the landings in Normandy, would broadcast from Buckingham Palace at 9pm.
Churchill: 'All proceeding to plan'
The Telegraph’s 5pm edition on D-Day featured comments from Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who had told the House of Commons that everything was ‘proceeding to plan’.
It was reported that he was greeted with ‘tremendous enthusiasm’ when he stated that a thousands of ships and Allied aircraft were taking part.
Announcing the landings on the continent, Churchill said: “An immense armada upwards of 4,000 ships, with several thousand smaller craft, have crossed the Channel.
“Massed airborne landings have been successfully effected behind the enemy’s lines.
“The landings on the beaches are proceeding at various points at the present time.
“The fire of the shore batteries has been largely quelled.
“The obstacles which were constructed in the sea have not proved so difficult as was apprehended.
“The Anglo-American Allies are sustained by about 11,000 first-line aircraft, which can be drawn upon as may be needed for the purposes of the battle.
“There are already hopes that actual tactical surprise has been attained, and we hope to furnish the enemy with a succession of surprises during the course of the fighting.
“The battle which is now beginning will grow constantly in scale and in intensity for many weeks to come, and I shall not attempt to speculate upon its course.”
West Fife MP Willie Gallacher was quoted as saying: “This is one of the most solemn moments in the life of this Parliament, and it is certainly not a time for trying to make speeches.
“I would like to express my own feelings, and I think the feelings of every member of this House, that our hearts and our thoughts are with those lads and the mothers who are at home.”
The report noted that there was a ‘murmur of sympathetic cheering’ following Mr Gallacher’s comments.
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