What does the D in "D-Day" mean. The word the d is used for.?

Question

My friends son has this question for a homework project.

Answer 1

In English military parlance, D-Day is a term often used to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. While the initial D in D-day does not stand for anything, it often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will or has occurred.

By far, the best known D-Day is June 6, 1944 — the day on which the Battle of Normandy began — commencing the Western Allied effort to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II. However, many other invasions and operations had a designated D-Day, both before and after Operation Overlord. D-Day was originally planned for June 5, 1944 but bad weather and heavy seas delayed that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D_Day

Answer 2

Here are just two explanations:

In Stephen Ambrose's D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II, he writes, Time magazine reported on June 12 [1944] that "as far as the U.S. Army can determine, the first use of D for Day, H for Hour was in Field Order No. 8, of the First Army, A.E.F., issued on Sept. 20, 1918, which read, 'The First Army will attack at H-Hour on D-Day with the object of forcing the evacuation of the St. Mihiel salient.'" (p. 491) In other words, the D in D-Day merely stands for Day. This coded designation was used for the day of any important invasion or military operation. For military planners (and later historians), the days before and after a D-Day were indicated using plus and minus signs: D-4 meant four days before a D-Day, while D+7 meant seven days after a D-Day.

In Paul Dickson's War Slang, he quotes Robert Hendrickson's Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins. Many explanations have been given for the meaning of D-Day, June 6, 1944, the day the Allies invaded Normandy from England during World War II. The Army has said that it is "simply an alliteration, as in H-Hour." Others say the first D in the word also stands for "day," the term a code designation. The French maintain the D means "disembarkation," still others say "debarkation," and the more poetic insist D-Day is short for "day of decision." When someone wrote to General Eisenhower in 1964 asking for an explanation, his executive assistant Brigadier General Robert Schultz answered: "General Eisenhower asked me to respond to your letter. Be advised that any amphibious operation has a 'departed date'; therefore the shortened term 'D-Day' is used." (p.146)

Brigadier General Schultz reminds us that the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 was not the only D-Day of World War II. Every amphibious assault-those in the Pacific, in North Africa, and in Sicily and Italy-had its own D-Day. The National World War II Museum's opening exhibition explores the history and lessons of the Normandy invasion. In 2001 a special exhibition will highlight the D-Days of the Pacific Theater, North Africa, and the Italian Campaign.

Answer 3

Found the following through the link I have pasted. I always thought it was Doomsday. You learn something new everyday!!

'The terms D-day and H-hour are used for the day and hour on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. They designate the day and hour of the operation when the day and hour have not yet been determined, or where secrecy is essential. There is but one D-day and one H-hour for all units participating in a given operation.

When used in combination with figures, and plus or minus signs, these terms indicate the point of time preceding or following a specific action. Thus, H−3 means 3 hours before H-hour, and D+3 means 3 days after D-day. H+75 minutes means H-hour plus 1 hour and 15 minutes.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D_Day

Answer 4

I have read some rubbish but the answers given are in correct.
The plans for the invasion had been prepared and were delayed by the weather. The first day was A but put off by adverse weather. B was abandoned because of a scare associated with clues appearing in a national newspaper crossword. It was felt there had been a security leak. C was rejected while further investigations took place and the invasion launched on the 4th day 'D' day.

Answer 5

In English military parlance, D-Day is a term often used to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. While the initial D in D-day does not stand for anything, it often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will or has occurred.

In other words D-Day really stands for Day-Day!!

Answer 6

In military terms, "D" means Zero. So you can have "D" Day, or "D" Hour. Time leading up to the zero is "D" day/hour MINUS 1, 2 , 3 or whatever, and time after is "D" dayhour PLUS 1,2 or 3.

So, for the Normandy landings, the 5th of June 1944, would be "D" MINUS ONE and 7th of June 1944 would be "D" PLUS ONE. The 6th of June 1944, of course, being "D" Day.

Answer 7

The letter D in D-Day, stands for,Day. It's Day+Day.
The day on which an important operation is to begin or a change to take effect.

Answer 8

The invasion of Europe was a massive event.The invasion "Day" was important, and had to be right, so several possibilities were ear- marked, within a given period,...A day, B day, C day, D day etc., the rest is history.

Answer 9

Disembarkment

Answer 10

The "D" just emphasises the first letter in Day, its like saying the main day