D-Day Flag | 1940s, one of the first flags flown during Operation Neptune and the earliest known flag from D-Day to ever surface for sale.

The Earliest Known American Flag Flown on D-Day (As seen in The Telegraph)

Flown on USS-YMS-381, one of the first vessels to enter the assault channels at Utah Beach on D-Day, this battle-worn, 48-star U.S. flag is a rare and significant piece of military history. Its provenance sets it apart: it is the earliest known American flag from D-Day to ever surface, and uniquely, it is the only flag flown from a minesweeper vessel to ever surface for sale. This makes it an artifact unlike any other, with historical weight far beyond its fabric.

The flag comes with customs documentation that traces its origin directly to the Normandy beaches, where Captain William Beckham sent it home in September 1944. This direct link to the events of June 6, 1944—when the flag was among the first to be seen by German forces—is confirmed through careful research and verification. As one of the first flags to fly on the French coast during the D-Day landings, it was part of the early waves of vessels involved in Operation Neptune, the maritime portion of the broader Operation Overlord.

In addition to its extraordinary provenance, this flag is in remarkable condition for its age and use. With metal grommets and a 30-inch masthead, the flag bears the faintly visible stamp “US Ensign,” further confirming its military authenticity. It was mailed back to a recipient in Tarrytown, NY, in September 1944, accompanied by its original signed U.S. Customs Declaration slip and address label—all of which have been preserved, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and official documentation tied to this artifact.

This flag is the only known flag to surface from D-Day to have verifiable evidence supporting its direct use during the D-Day landings, making it a truly unique piece. As such, it carries a rare combination of historical importance, authenticity, and condition. Offered for £350,000, it is a remarkable opportunity to acquire one of the most significant flags to have ever flown on the Normandy beaches, a lasting symbol of courage and strategy at the heart of D-Day.