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HMS Warspite: The First Battleship to Open Fire on D-Day
Click here to view the brand new 80th anniversary of D-Day coin range featured in this video.
As the dawn of June 6, 1944, broke over the Normandy coast, a monumental chapter in world history was being written. D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history, was about to commence. Included among the vast Allied fleet assembled for Operation Overlord, the HMS Warspite, an experienced British battleship. It was on this historic day that the Warspite became the first battleship to open fire, marking the beginning of a crucial chapter in the liberation of Europe.
The Pride of the Royal Navy: HMS Warspite
HMS Warspite, a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship, was launched in 1913, she had already earned her place in naval legend through her service in both World Wars. By the time of D-Day, Warspite had been in service for over three decades, witnessing the evolution of naval warfare from the dreadnought era to the age of aircraft carriers and submarines.
Warspite’s Role on D-Day
As part of the bombardment force during the Normandy invasion, Warspite had a crucial role. She was tasked with softening the German defenses along the coast to aid the landing of Allied troops on the beaches. Positioned off Sword Beach, one of the five designated landing areas, Warspite’s guns were ideally situated to provide critical support.
The First Shot
In the early hours of June 6, Warspite made history as the first battleship to open fire against German fortifications. This act signified more than just a military manoeuvre; it was a symbol of the Allied determination to reclaim Europe from the clutches of Nazi occupation.
Precision Bombardment
Equipped with eight 15-inch guns, Warspite was a formidable force. Her firepower was not just about brute force; it was precise. Warspite’s gunnery crew, seasoned by years of conflict, were experts at long-range bombardment. Their accuracy was critical in minimising collateral damage and ensuring the success of the landings. Despite being one of the oldest battleships in service, Warspite proved that she was still a force to be reckoned with.
Click here to view the other key elements featured on the D-Day 80th Anniversary coin design.
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The Sherman Firefly Tank: Unleashing Fury on D-Day and Beyond
Click here to view the brand new 80th anniversary of D-Day coin range featured in this video.
From the hedgerows of Normandy, France, to the hills of Italy, the Sherman Firefly stood out among Allied tanks as a fearsome adversary for the German forces during World War II. This modified version of the Sherman Tank played a crucial role in the historic D-Day invasion and beyond.
The Challenge:
The original M4 Sherman tank faced limitations with its basic 75 mm gun against formidable German tanks like the Panther and Tiger. The solution came in the form of the 17 Pounder, a powerful British gun capable of taking down any known German armour at the time. The challenge was to integrate this formidable weapon onto the Sherman Tank. Despite initial opposition from the Ministry of Supply, by October-November 1943, the concept gained momentum, receiving the highest priority from Winston Churchill in preparation for D-Day.
D-Day Deployment:
As the crucial day approached, the Sherman Firefly became a secret weapon in the Allied arsenal. Deployed just in time for D-Day, it filled the ranks of the 21st Army Group’s Armoured Brigades. Allied intelligence had not anticipated the presence of formidable German tanks, making the Sherman Firefly a critical asset in facing unexpected threats.
On the Battlefield:
The Sherman Firefly quickly gained a reputation as a game-changer. In the chaos of D-Day, the Sherman Firefly’s firepower proved decisive in repelling German attacks and securing vital beachheads.
The Sherman Firefly’s effectiveness became legendary, with notable instances like Lt. G. K. Henry’s five Panthers knocked out in rapid succession with only six rounds. Even the feared German tank ace Michael Wittman is believed to have fallen to a Canadian Sherman Firefly.
Legacy:
Over 1,900 Sherman Fireflies served in various Allied divisions, making significant contributions in Normandy, Italy, and beyond. Post-war, Sherman Fireflies found new homes in countries like Italy, Lebanon, Argentina, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Click here to view the other key elements featured on the D-Day 80th Anniversary coin design.
We strive for historical accuracy in our content. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know. Your feedback will help us maintain and improve the integrity and accuracy of our information.
UK’s 2024 Annual Coins Revealed
The new year means one thing in the collecting world, new coins!
Each year, collectors eagerly anticipate the arrival of The Royal Mint’s Annual Set.
Featuring five brand-new commemorative designs, the coins celebrate some of the biggest anniversaries and events of the year.
Last year, the coins were issued for the first-time featuring King Charles III and as expected, all premium specifications sold out in a matter of hours.
Then, a little later in the year, the UK’s new circulating coin designs were revealed – again selling out and instigating a whole new wave of collectors.
2023 truly was a monumental year for coinage, and 2024 is likely to follow suit. So, let’s take a look at the 2024 coin designs…
RNLI 50p
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, otherwise known as the RNLI, was founded over 200 years ago by Sir William Hillary. Ever since, crews and lifeguards have been working hard to save lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The coin’s reverse design features some of the most recognisable RNLI symbols, with the flag in the centre surrounded by a life ring and rope.
British Olympians and Paralympians 50p
This year, the 2024 Olympics will take place in Paris, France – exactly 100 years since the city last hosted the games. The Paralympics will also be held in France for the first time, making the games the biggest event ever held in France. 202 competitors from Great Britain will participate in 17 sports, in the hopes of clinching Gold.
The coin itself features a geometric design of an Olympian and Paralympian set against the Union Jack, with a small Eiffel Tower at the bottom.
Winston Churchill £2
The first £2 coin in this year’s set, honours 150 years since the birth of famous politician, Winston Churchill.
Having led Britain to victory during the Second World War, Churchill served as Prime Minster twice. However, the design of this £2 coin takes us back to a younger Churchill, depicting him as a young man during his time in the Cavalry arm.
National Gallery £2
The National Gallery also celebrates its 200th anniversary on a UK £2 coin. Founded in 1824, the gallery was initially opened with the ambition of making art accessible for everyone.
Soon after, a dedicated building was commissioned and built in Trafalgar Square in 1838 – the very building that now features on the new £2 coin.
Today, the gallery holds over 2,300 paintings from renowned artists like Monet, da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Buckingham Palace £5
The final commemorative coin in the set features one of the most recognisable buildings in the world – Buckingham Palace. The official residence of all British monarchs since Queen Victoria, the palace is now the headquarters of King Charles III.
The Definitives
Each Brilliant Uncirculated and Silver Set will also come specially paired with the 2024 Definitive Coins. From the 1p to the £2, these coins saw a complete re-design in 2023 and are now available in the Annual Coin Sets for the first time since 2022.
How to secure yours
The 2024 Annual Coins are available in a variety of different specifications. From the official Royal Mint Brilliant Uncirculated Pack to the Base Proof edition with exclusive Royal Mint medal, to the strictly limited Silver Proof and Piedfort Editions.
There really is something for everyone, so click here to view the range and secure yours >>