Codenames of World War 2
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Operation Popular

This was the British programme of photo-reconnaissance sorties by RAF aircraft to secure overall coverage of the coast of German-occupied France (1943/May 1944).

Flown mainly at low level, these operations helped Allied planners to develop a clear picture of the French coast with a view to selection of landing sites for the ‘Overlord’ landings and also for the creation of deception plans.

Basic overview

Start date: 30 November 1942
End date: 30 April 1944

Scope: Medium
Nature: Air, Intelligence/reconnaissance
Status: Implemented

Theatre

France
North-West Europe

Nations involved

Protagonists
UK
Antagonists
Germany

Related operations

Parent operation
Overlord
Child operationsNone

© 2020 Christopher Chant

Last update: 16/01/21