Eighty years ago today, Allied forces took to the beaches of Normandy during Operation Neptune, also known as D-Day. It was a pivotal moment in history that has since been discussed for many years in classes and at World War II remembrance celebrations. Films such as “The Longest Day” and “Saving Private Ryan” have vividly recreated the haunting and harrowing battle that took the lives of 4,401 Allies, including 2,501 Americans, all in this single day.
D-Day was also the start of what became known as the Battle of Normandy, or Operation Overlord. While we know the outcome of the operation and of the war itself, there was a lot that happened behind the scenes that we may not know. And in some cases, there were operations that were planned to take place but ended up being cancelled. Historian and author James Daly sheds some light on those cancelled operations in his new book, “Proposed Airborne Assaults during Operation Overlord: Cancelled Allied Plans in Normandy and Brittany.” The book is currently available for purchase in many overseas markets and will be available in the U.S. beginning July 30.
Daly’s interest in World War II history sparked from his grandfather’s service in the first British Airborne during the Battle of Arnhem, he said. Although he didn’t get to hear stories directly from his grandfather, he has always been curious to learn more about his service and that of those who also served.
“I think it’s one of those things that, when you’re an 11-year-old boy and hearing about Granddad jumping out of a plane during the war, it sounds like an adventure. And I’ve always wanted to find out more, because he didn’t talk about it to hardly anyone; it was a real adventure piecing together over the years where he was, what happened to him and doing all the research and the archives.”
Daly said he knew that he wanted to write something about Arnhem, but he also wanted to cover territory that hadn’t been discussed as much previously. And that was a challenge, as D-Day has been covered by numerous historians and authors in years past.
“What’s great about these operations is they form a missing link between D-Day and Arnhem, because they’re often seen as being separate battles. But, actually, there is a thread between them. And I enjoyed filling in the gap.”
You can listen to the full conversation in the podcast above.
To learn more about James, be sure to visit his official Linktree page.
You can order a copy of the book here.
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James Daly | The Cancelled Operations After D-Day