What part did Singer play in the success of D-Day?

During WWII, when order L-98 was issued by the government in June of 1942, all production of family sewing machines came to a halt. This order deemed production of items like sewing machines as unnecessary or non-essential. As a result, Singer shifted very quickly into making much-needed parts and supplies to help America win the war. The enormous and well-equipped Singer factories across the globe were able to rise to the call, not only in production but research as well! Below are a few accounts from Singer archives of how they, directly and indirectly, contributed to the success of D-Day, 77 years ago.

M1. Carbine:

The .30 Caliber M1 Carbine was a lightweight rifle effective even at ranges of 300 yards. Singer's Bridgeport, CT factory was contracted to supply about 52,000 receivers for these carbines.

Below is a photo of an Army Ranger loading his M1 on Pointe Du Hoc providing support for Omaha beach. Could his M1 have a Singer receiver?

Hawker Hurrican MK Propeller Blades:

Singer's factory in St John's Quebec had a kiln which enabled them to supply the Canadian and British forces with necessary wood items like ammunition boxes, but also propeller blades. Below is a photo of the different stages of the manufacturing process of the propeller blade in the St. John's factory.

Singer supplied 6,000 blades for the Hawker Hurricane fighters of the RAF. Many Hurricane fighters participated in the battle of Normandy.

Singer machines used to make parachutes.

One of the key factors to the success of the June 6th attacks was the placement of paratroopers in and behind enemy lines. Singer's industrial machines were used to make parachutes in factories all over the US.

As we go about this day, let us keep in thought those who sacrificed and even gave the sacrifice of their lives for the sake of freedom!