80 years ago, on 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched the largest combined naval, air and land operation in the history of warfare. Codenamed Operation 'Overlord', the D-Day landings in Normandy marked the start of a long and costly campaign to liberate occupied Europe.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower penned his famous Order of the Day 6th June 1944 from Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force to the 156,000 troops saying;-
"Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope 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 a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. 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 beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."
You can hear the General broadcasting his message; "The tide has turned"
To Commemorate the 80th Anniversary, Conway Stewart have launched the D-Day 80th Anniversary Poppy Pen with General Eisenhower's famous quote engraved onto the barrel " The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!"
Made in High Density black acrylic which is chased with a with a unique diamond pattern and fitted with sterling silver rings with the wide cap band hallmarked to prove its quality and provenance. The top of the cap has the famous red Poppy (lest we forgot). This beautiful guilloche engraved and vitreous enamel poppy is made in sterling silver.
Limited Edition of 80 pens worldwide. Each pen has its edition number engraved on the barrel end.
Available as a fountain pen or a rollerball
Did you know that D-Day isn't exclusive to the Normandy landings? The term D-Day is a general military designation for the launch date of any major operation, with the D standing for day. It’s used when the exact date is either secret or undetermined. While Normandy is the most famous, there were many other crucial D-Days during the Second World War.