Pictures & video: International troops storm the beaches of North Devon on the anniversary of D-Day

British and French troops joined forces to storm the beaches of North Devon as they honed amphibious warfare tactics during two weeks of drills on both side of the English Channel.

The training – codenamed Exercise Catamaran – is currently taking place for the first time in seven years.

It is part of the wider French-led Exercise Polaris which has seen multiple ships and aircraft from France, Italy, Spain and the UK carry out training exercises on the North Devon coast over the past week.

Above and below: Troops carry out a training assault on Braunton Burrows, echoing the training that took place there more than eight decades ago before D-Day. Credit: Royal Navy

The exercise is in two phases, here in North Devon and in the Bay of Biscay and will test the ability of allied nations to operate effectively together in a war-time scenario.

There is an added poignancy as the chosen area of operations, Braunton Burrows, was used extensively to train troops in the run up to the Allied invasion of Europe, 81 years ago today on June 6, 1944.

It was known as the Assault Training Center and tens of thousands of troops from America, Canada, the UK and other nations went through the intense training programme.

Above and below: The RFA Lyme Bay served as the launch pad for the UK Royal Marines taking part in Exercise Catamaran.

A combined Royal Navy and French Marine Nationale task group of 11 warships, aircraft and some 3,000 troops have been operating under the control of the joint French and British Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, which is designed for use in a wide range of crises – including the amphibious operations that have been on show during Catamaran.

Support ships RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus have been acting as the launch pad for Royal Marines operations as members of 40 and 47 Commando carried out seaborne and helicopter commando raids onto the beaches and dunes at the Burrows.

French and Spanish troops have also been conducting amphibious landings as the allies increase their ability to operate effectively together, with the fleet offshore comprised of French, Spanish, Italian and British ships.

Major General Rich Cantrill, the Royal Navy’s Commander Operations who is responsible for commanding and orchestrating operations around the globe, said: “We’re delighted to participate in this ambitious French-led amphibious exercise and host its initial phase off the Devon coast.

“Amphibious operations are highly complex and so require regular practice. And we must stand united as allies, echoing our history from WWII and maintaining our ability to project power from sea to land.

“As warfare evolves, as we’ve seen with Ukraine, we have to adapt, and the Royal Navy is significantly transforming its Commando Force and the way it delivers operations in the littoral.”

Above: A briefing on board ship. Credit: Royal Navy

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard added: “The enduring alliance between the UK and France underscores our shared commitment to addressing evolving security threats.

“Keeping our joint amphibious force ready and trained through exercises such as this is crucial for protecting not just the UK’s security but also that of our NATO allies.”

Following an impressive showing of military might and manoeuvres off the North Devon coast, the secodn phase of the exercise from tomorrow (Saturday, June 7) until June 15 will see training carried out in the Bay of Biscay.

Royal Marines will be operating from French Navy ships and ‘air assaults’ will be launched from Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset onto the French coastline.

Meanwhile, 845 and 847 Naval Air Squadrons of the Commando Helicopter Force will be flying the assault sorties over France and will be involved throughout Catamaran, with flying operations from RFA Argus.

Exercise Catamaran is the amphibious element of the wider French-led Polaris 25 exercise, which sees allied nations working on warfighting skills together. Some 20 ships, 40 aircraft and 3,000 personnel are involved in the training in the Channel and Atlantic.