“First invasion pix” these are eleven known photographs taken during the first few days of D-Day by Canadian army photographer Sgt. David Reynolds of No. 3 Public Relations Group. He parachuted on 6th June 1944 with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.
These photographs have been put in order of their reference numbers, the two photographs with the Glider Pilots on Sword beach are probably the last ones taken by Reynolds just before he crossed the Channel.
None of these photographs have been digitised by Library and Archives Canada and have been collated for the first time from wherever they could be found which is why they are in various forms. Reynolds survived the war but very little is known about what he did after the war.
33829 Canadian troops outside house somewhere in Normandy, France, ca. 8th June 1944
33830 Canadian soldier talking to member of the Maquis, France, 8th June, 1944
33831 Unidentified paratroopers troops along-side road somewhere in Normandy, France, ca. 8 June 1944
33832 Member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Flight Officer Robinson (RCAF) and British Glider pilot resting at a assembly point in Normandy 6 June 1944
33910 Canadian troops outside house somewhere [Le Mesnil] in Normandy, France, ca. 8 June 1944
33912 British Glider Pilots protected by the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion are evacuated back to England 6 June 1944. N.B. Thompson sub machine gun & German Mauser rifle.
33913 Personnel of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion June 1944 [These are Glider Pilots on Sword Beach]
33914 Unidentified member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion with unidentified R.A.F. pilot June 1944 [N.B. unidentified member is S/Sgt. Bone, Glider Pilot Regiment]
33915 Group of German prisoners June 1944
33916 Group of German prisoners June 1944
33917 Paratrooper on guard at the outskirts of wooded area 6 June 1944.
Sgt. David Reynolds
Still from footage of Reynolds after receiving his jump wings England c. 1943
Canada Jumps Canadian Army Newsreel No. 19
Ciné and still photographers of No.3 Public Relations Group. (L-R): Sgt. E.R. Bonter, Lt. C.C. McDougall, Sgt. L.E. Weekes, Lt. F.L. Dubervill, Sgts. C.E. Roos, W.G. Grant, D.A. Reynolds 11th May 1944