The D Day Landings and the Battle for Normandy are hugely symbolic for Britain and other countries that fought against oppression in the Second World War. The courage and bravery of the men who carried out the most complex amphibious operation in the history of conflict is rightly commemorated each year. However, it certainly was not the turning point of the war and nor was it any more “intense” than some of the battles in North Africa and Italy, such as El Alamein and Monte Cassino, so why has this anniversary become such a political event, rivalling Remembrance Sunday and Trooping the Colour for those who “must be seen” to attend it? Three important reasons come immediately to mind.
First, Geography; the battlefields in North Africa, Italy and Asia are difficult to reach and tend to be inaccessible because buildings have been constructed and vistas have changed, whereas the Normandy beaches are relatively unaltered and easy to reach.
Second, the nature of the task; its complexity meant that although the numbers of men who actually fought on D Day and the casualties suffered were less than other battles, many families back home felt they were involved. This is due to the plethora of supporting operations, such as deception, and the training camps and logistics tail that touched dozens of counties from the industrial north to the assembly areas in the south.
Third, the event provides a political opportunity to reiterate the resolve of Allies against authoritarian regimes and this sings to the need to support Ukraine against Russia. However, the political rhetoric we heard last week is not going to deter Putin in his current war because historical commemorations and ceremonial parades are not hard military capabilities. The only language that will alter Putin’s behaviour is the language of the Cold War. What we need are fully recruited regiments, equipped with the latest armoured vehicles that are maintained at scale, with a short notice to move. All military capabilities need to be tested through operational rehearsals, such as the old REFORGER exercises that were run by NATO. Only then will Putin take us seriously and our forbearers’ sacrifices will be honoured.
Omaha Beach
Rupert Wieloch 