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Guardians of the Normandy Sky
Click here to view the brand new 80th anniversary of D-Day coin range featured in this video
The Supermarine Spitfire MK IX carved its name in history with its pivotal role during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. This aircraft was a marvel of British engineering, an advanced version of the famed Spitfire series, designed to match the German Focke-Wulf FW 190.
As the Allies undertook the monumental task of liberating Nazi-occupied Europe, the Spitfire MK IX soared above the beaches of Normandy, safeguarding the troops against enemy air attacks. Its iconic Merlin engine provided the power needed to dominate the skies at high altitudes, where dogfights with German fighters were a frequent challenge.
The Spitfire’s duties were not limited to aerial combat. The MK IX Spitfires were crucial in reconnaissance, capturing images of the battlefield that informed Allied strategy. They also strafed and bombed German defensive positions, disrupting enemy fortifications and support.
The presence of the Spitfire MK IX over the Normandy beaches was a reassurance to the Allied soldiers below and a testament to the aircraft’s enduring legacy. On D-Day, it was more than a fighter, it was a protector, an eye in the sky, and a symbol of hope.
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.
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.
The Sixpence: 5 Burning Questions Answered
Why is the Sixpence placed in Wedding Shoes and Christmas Puddings? Today we will explore some of the top questions surrounding the Sixpence coin, uncover the stories and traditions behind this tiny yet iconic coin.
1. What is a Sixpence Coin?
The Sixpence was once widely circulated in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Worth 2.5p, it remained in circulation until 1980. The coin’s design and composition have evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing faces of monarchs and the artistic trends of each era.
2. Why is the Sixpence Coin Associated with Weddings?
One of the most enduring traditions involving the Sixpence coin is its association with weddings. For many years, the father of the bride would slip a Sixpence into his daughter’s shoe before she walked down the aisle. The Sixpence stood for good luck, and to show that the father wished his daughter prosperity in her marriage.
3. What is the Meaning Behind the Rhyme “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe”?
This famous wedding rhyme includes a set of superstitions and customs believed to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day. The inclusion of a Sixpence in her shoe represents wealth and financial prosperity in the marriage.
4. What is the Sixpence Christmas Tradition?
Beyond weddings and everyday circulation, the Sixpence coin has found its way into another cherished tradition – Christmas puddings. Dating back to Victorian England, it became a popular custom to include a silver coin in the mixture when preparing the Christmas pudding. The thought behind this was not only to add a bit of festive surprise but also to give luck and prosperity to the person fortunate enough to find the coin in their serving of Christmas pudding.
5. Are Sixpence Coins Still in Circulation?
In the United Kingdom, Sixpence coins ceased to be legal tender in 1980. However, these coins are still cherished by collectors and are often found in antique markets and online auctions. The historical value and unique designs of these coins make them sought-after items for all collectors.
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