What event does the term 'D-Day' refer to in British history?

D-Day is a term deeply embedded in British history, specifically referring to the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944. During World War II, Nazi Germany had occupied much of Europe, and the Allies, including Britain, the United States, and Canada, planned a massive operation to liberate the continent. This operation, known as Operation Overlord, commenced on June 6, 1944, with the landing of troops on the beaches of Normandy, France. The "D" in D-Day simply stands for "Day," used as a placeholder for the actual date of an operation. While the Battle of Trafalgar was a significant naval victory for Britain in 1805 against Napoleon, it predates the World Wars. Similarly, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan and the end of the war in Europe in 1945 were crucial events, but they occurred after D-Day and are separate historical milestones. D-Day marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, making it a pivotal moment in British and world history.