As D-Day Loomed, American Soldiers Romanced in Hyde Park

LONDON — In the lead up to D-Day, close to 2 million American troops had been stationed in the United Kingdom, and in May of 1944, Hyde Park was often dominated by American soldiers. Some played softball, some rowed on the Serpentine, but many simply spent time with their (usually newly acquired) British girlfriends.

In only a few weeks, thousands would face the carnage of Omaha Beach.

These photographs of American soldiers enjoying the pleasures of London’s Hyde Park were taken by LIFE staff photographer Ralph Morse and published in the May 29 edition of the magazine.