An aerial photograph of Camp Griffiss in Bushy Park during the Second World War

Operation Bushy Park: Plotting D-Day in a Royal Park

During the Second World War, Bushy Park was home to a sprawling military base. This is where General Dwight D. Eisenhower came to work on a top-secret plan called ‘Operation Overlord’.  

On 6 June 1944, after months of preparation, the plan was ready – 156,000 Allied troops invaded Normandy, some landing on the beaches and others arriving by air. Now known as D-Day, this event ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany.  

And so much of it was planned right here...

Welcome to our series Operation Bushy Park. From here, you'll be able to navigate to the six blogs in this series, which cover everything you need to know about Bushy Park's wartime past - from the arrival of the Americans and their interactions with local residents, to General Eisenhower's planning for the D-Day landings organised in Bushy Park.

What are you waiting for? Let's explore Bushy Park's D-Day connection!

  • Brick buildings in Camp Griffiss, Bushy Park

    Setting up Camp Griffiss Bushy Park

    When you visit Bushy Park today, nothing remains of the vast, bustling army and air force camp that used to be such a prominent feature of the park.

  • Leisure time at Camp Griffiss

    Life in Camp Griffiss I Bushy Park History

    The men and women of Camp Griffiss worked hard – but they played hard too! The camp had much to offer when it came to leisure time.

  • ATS officers based in Camp Griffiss

    The People of Camp Griffiss

    Who were the people that lived and worked in camp? Let’s explore the stories of just some of the people who called Bushy Park home in the 1940s.

  • The D-Day landings in Normandy, 6 June 1944

    Planning D-Day

    Discover the significance of D-Day and its ties to Bushy Park. Learn about Operation Overlord and Neptune's planning.

  • General Eisenhower at his desk

    General Eisenhower in Bushy Park

    Explore the pivotal role of General Eisenhower and his staff at the heart of Bushy Park in 1944, shaping history during the Second World War..

  • Ceremony for the installation of the USAAF commemorative tablet, 1945

    Bushy Park after the war

    Discover the legacy of Bushy Park's wartime occupation, as we explore the Camp Griffiss Bushy Park site in the past, present - and future.

And there's more...

Listen to our specially-created podcast to discover more about Bushy Park's vital role in the outcome of the Second World War. Hear directly from experts at the D-Day Story museum and the Imperial War Museum, as well as from park staff and a few special guests, to learn more about how D-Day was plotted in the park.

Related Articles

  • A black and white group image of Second World War United States airmen. Trees and huts in Bushy Park can be seen behind.
    Read

    Bushy Park's own 'Masters of the Air'

    When you’re taking a walk through Bushy Park it can be hard to imagine that the park has a fascinating military past.

    History & heritage | Second World War
  • Joe Louis photographed in 1936
    Read

    Joe Louis at Bushy Park

    Joe Louis is remembered as one of the first black sportsmen to transcend the colour barrier, and in WW2 he made a special appearance at Bushy Park.

    History & heritage | Historical figures | Second World War
  • Troops at Kensington Gardens, where they practised digging trenches during the First World War
    Listen

    Hidden Stories of The Royal Parks: Parks at War

    In this episode David Ivison, historical researcher for The Royal Parks Guild, explains how the Royal Parks were used during the two world wars.

    History & heritage | First World War | Second World War