The D-Day invasion, code named Operation Overlord, was the largest seaborne invasion in history.
Almost 5,000 landing and assault craft, accompanied by 289 escort vessels and 277 minesweepers, from Canada, the US, Britain, and Australia took part in the operation. The Allies suffered a total of 226,386 casualties, but it proved a decisive moment in the war.
Suddenly, the Nazis were fighting a two-front war in Europe, leading to a division in their forces across multiple flanks. But the cost of D-Day, in both human lives and devastation of the surrounding regions of France, was immense.
The following photos from Getty photographer Peter Macdiarmid show an amazing juxtaposition of images from the affected areas of modern France with photos of the invasion from 72 years ago overlaid on top.
SEE ALSO: Here's a Nazi propaganda video saying the D-Day invasion failed
A view of Juno Beach on May 8, 2014 in Bernieres sur Mer, France. A Canadian soldier stands at the head of a group of German prisoners of war, including two officers, on Juno Beach at Bernières-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, June 6, 1944.
A view of the old village fountain on May 7, 2014 in Sainte Marie du Mont, France. A group of American soldiers stand at the village fountain, June 12, 1944.
A view of the roadway on May 7, 2014 in Saint Lo, France. United States Army trucks and jeeps are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo.
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