Firearms Used in D-Day: What Allied Troops Carried on June 6, 1944.
On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history—D-Day. As American, British, and Canadian troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, they relied on a variety of firearms tailored for different combat situations. From rifles and submachine guns to pistols and machine guns, these weapons played a crucial role in the success of the invasion.
Liberty Gun Trader takes a closer look at the key firearms carried by Allied soldiers on D-Day, highlighting their impact on the battlefield and their lasting influence on military history.
1. Rifles
M1 Garand (United States)
- Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
- Capacity: 8-round en-bloc clip
- Rate of Fire: Semi-automatic (~40-50 rounds per minute)
- Effective Range: ~500 yards
The M1 Garand was the primary battle rifle of the U.S. Army and Marines. It gave American soldiers a significant advantage over German troops armed with bolt-action rifles, as it allowed for faster follow-up shots. Dubbed by General George S. Patton as “the greatest battle implement ever devised”, the M1 Garand was widely used during the Normandy landings.
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I (United Kingdom and Canada)
- Caliber: .303 British
- Capacity: 10-round detachable magazine (bolt-action)
- Rate of Fire: ~20-30 rounds per minute (skilled shooter)
- Effective Range: ~600 yards
The Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I was the standard rifle of British and Canadian forces. Known for its smooth bolt-action and high magazine capacity, it allowed soldiers to fire rapidly compared to other bolt-action rifles of the time. British and Canadian troops used this rifle extensively in the assault on Juno, Sword, and Gold beaches.
2. Submachine Guns
Thompson Submachine Gun (United States & Commonwealth Forces)
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 20-30 round box magazines
- Rate of Fire: ~600-900 rounds per minute
- Effective Range: ~50-100 yards
The Thompson SMG was favored by paratroopers, Rangers, and commando units due to its high firepower in close-quarters combat. Though heavy and expensive, its stopping power made it lethal in trench and urban warfare scenarios during the D-Day invasion.
M3 “Grease Gun” (United States)
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 30-round detachable magazine
- Rate of Fire: ~450 rounds per minute
- Effective Range: ~50-100 yards
The M3 Grease Gun was a more affordable and simplified alternative to the Thompson. Used by some U.S. troops on D-Day, it was compact, easy to produce, and ideal for mechanized units and paratroopers.
Sten Gun (United Kingdom & Canada)
- Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
- Capacity: 32-round magazine
- Rate of Fire: ~500-600 rounds per minute
- Effective Range: ~100 yards
British and Canadian forces widely used the Sten Gun, a cheap and easily mass-produced submachine gun. Although it had reliability issues, it was favored for its light weight and adaptability, especially among airborne and commando units during the invasion.
3. Pistols
Colt M1911 (United States)
- Caliber: .45 ACP
- Capacity: 7-round magazine
- Effective Range: ~50 yards
The M1911 was the standard sidearm for American officers, paratroopers, and certain support troops. Its powerful .45 ACP cartridge made it highly effective in close-quarters situations.
Webley Mk VI (United Kingdom)
- Caliber: .455 Webley (later .38/200 in Mk IV models)
- Capacity: 6-round cylinder
- Effective Range: ~50 yards
The Webley revolver was the standard sidearm for British officers and some Commonwealth forces. Known for its durability, it was widely used throughout the war, including during the Normandy landings.
4. Machine Guns
Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) (United States)
- Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
- Capacity: 20-round magazine
- Rate of Fire: 500-650 rounds per minute
- Effective Range: ~600 yards
The BAR functioned as a light machine gun, providing suppressive fire for U.S. troops advancing on the beaches. Though heavy for a single soldier, it was an essential squad-level support weapon.
Bren Gun (United Kingdom & Canada)
- Caliber: .303 British
- Capacity: 30-round magazine
- Rate of Fire: 500-600 rounds per minute
- Effective Range: ~600 yards
The Bren Gun was the British equivalent of the BAR, used by infantry squads for fire support. Its accuracy and reliability made it a key weapon in suppressing German defenders during the landings.
M1919 Browning Machine Gun (United States)
- Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
- Capacity: Belt-fed
- Rate of Fire: ~400-600 rounds per minute
- Effective Range: ~1,000 yards
This medium machine gun was mounted on vehicles and sometimes used by infantry. It provided crucial fire support for American forces during the assault on Omaha and Utah beaches.
5. Shotguns and Special Weapons
Winchester Model 1897 & Model 1912 (United States)
- Caliber: 12-gauge
- Capacity: 5+1 rounds (pump-action)
Shotguns were occasionally used by American troops, particularly in clearing trenches and bunkers. Their close-range effectiveness made them valuable in the intense fighting near Normandy’s hedgerows.
Conclusion
The success of the D-Day invasion was due in part to the diverse and powerful firearms carried by Allied troops. The M1 Garand and Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I provided precision and firepower at range, while submachine guns like the Thompson, Sten, and M3 Grease Gun excelled in close-quarters combat. Machine guns such as the BAR, Bren, and M1919 offered suppressive fire, ensuring the advance against German defenses.
Each of these weapons played a critical role in securing the beaches of Normandy, allowing the Allies to gain a foothold in Europe and eventually turn the tide of World War II.
