In preparation for the D-Day Allied invasion of Normandy, 6 June 1944 large numbers of troops, vehicles and equipment were marshalled in the south of England. USA army camp B7 ‘Brockenhurst B’ had a capacity of 1100 men and 159 vehicles and was located in fields to the south of Mill Lane.As invasion plans progressed and as a security measure the tented camps were sealed, and troops were not allowed to leave. From the end of May 1944 troops began to make their way to the south coast and load onto ships and landing craft that would transport them to the Normandy beaches.