The invasion of occupied France on D-Day, June 6, 1944, required massive air dominance and fire support to protect the invading fleet and the troops on the Normandy beaches. Along with RAF and USAAF forces, the RCAF provided tactical fighter cover and bomber support. The RCAF deployed 15 Spitfire fighter squadrons, 4 Typhoon tank buster squadrons and 14 Bomber squadrons. They prevented the Germans from launching effective counter attacks against the invading Allied Forces. Seven RCAF aircraft were lost and 43 aviators were killed.