Sitting in the archive room and turning the pages of the visitors’ book for 1944, I thought about the sense of anticipation, of fear and hope that must have lain within those who knew and those who guessed about Operation Overlord. The desperation to see the war over and done with.
In reality there were a number of D-Days during the years of World War Two: North Africa, Sicily and Italy, for example, but today the acronym is most strongly associated with Britain and the date June 6th 1944. It stands for Day- Day: effectively used as a military countdown shorthand and one that was extended by 24 hours from June 5th when D Day was supposed to take place to the 6th because the weather in England on that day was simply so appalling.
The D-day forces included sailors, soldiers, and airmen from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and others. Whether you look at June 6th as the beginning of the end or the culmination of a finely planned campaign of action, it was nevertheless a finely balanced moment in time not to mention a point of great vulnerability as the Allied forces sat in the landing craft before scrambling up the beaches.
Whilst surprise is a valuable weapon in war, there was no way it was possible to hide the coming attack from German intelligence. To try to obfuscate the truth, the allies ran “fake news” operations to confuse the Germans on when and where the landings would take place. As a child I remember my father telling stories about my Grandfather, a Major General in the Royal Engineers, working on fake camps and battalions and I remember Granny saying she had rented a cottage down in Devon which I assume was to be near her husband as the “stretch of coastline closely resembled the Normandy beaches and was the perfect practice ground to perfect beach invasions”.
My grandfather worked with General Patton who visited the cottage and once even kindly played soldiers with my father (we still have the toy soldiers set) and showed him his silver revolver.
Elvira de la Fuente – Agent Bronx
In order to keep out the allies, Hitler had created an Atlantic Wall – a series of ‘impenetrable’ defences stretching 1,670 miles from Norway to Spain. Just before and on the morning of the 6 June, the Allied forces bombed Calais to give the illusion they were readying for an attack at the shortest crossing point from England to France before they launched the real landings in Normandy in Northern France, chosen simply because there was no port and, as one of the furthest crossing points from the southern coast of England, it would also be considered one of the least likely.
In all, the D-Day invasion was the largest naval, air and land operation in history. Within a few days some 326,000 troops, 50,000 vehicles and 100,000 tons of equipment landed in France. They constructed two artificial harbours to solve the port problem and transported 7,000 tonnes of vehicles and goods over to them each day.
General Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969) had been appointed commander of Operation Overlord with some extraordinary and possibly rather challenging allied Generals responsible for the different parts which made up the whole under his command. To foster the alliance and promote camaraderie, he gave a short speech to all the troops involved including a last minute talk to the paratroopers of the US 101st Airborne Division as they prepared to take off from their base at Greenham Common, some eight miles from Highclere.
The records at Highclere at the time simply state: ‘The chief excitement here today has been the launching of the Invasion and we are very keyed up to know how it is likely to progress.”
Evacuee children at Highclere
Now, eighty years later, we are once again preparing to remember and say thank you to the men who took part in those momentous landings. I suspect, like so many before them, that they were hoping that their children and grandchildren might therefore be able to enjoy a more peaceful world.
There were many threads to life at Highclere before and during D-Day and we are looking forward to our October History Festival which will tell some of these stories, from the double agent Elvira de la Fuente, the Norwegian Royal family, the evacuee children, the Canadian troops camped here, the USA troops at Greenham Common and the planes that crashed on the Estate and sadly did not make it home.
We still live in the hope of a safer and happier world.
Instagram
Can’t believe that D-Day was 80 years ago. Looking forward to the event on October. Are tickets for sale? Also, where do you buy your outfits? They look stunning.
Hello Charlotte
The tickets are on sale on the website. https://highclerecastleshop.co.uk/categories/highclere-festival-weekend
Best wishes
Lady Carnarvon
Lady Carnarvon that time was so full of anticipation yet anxious. Any slip or talk could have affected the outcome of the war. I am on a tour visiting the area and as historically interesting it will also be very sobering. Thanks as always for your in site into a topic
“We still live in the hope of a safer and happier world.” As do we.
Good Morning, It is so NICE to be back on Lady Carnarvon’s webpage. I was going, do to illness for over a year. it is so nice to be back in England! Peace, John L. Roberts, Tonawanda, N.Y. U.S.A.
Good afternoon John
I do hope you are recovering well.
All best wishes
Lady Carnarvon.
Thank you for your kind words and WRM wishes1
John
Thank you
My father was with an Army hospital unit stationed at the Longleath estate.
My career Navy father-in-law was driving one of the landing boats during the invasion. He spoke fondly of the British people and their kindness, including an unidentified Lord, who paid the bill for him and some friends to stay at Claridge’s,
I have been in London on Remembrance Day and it touched me that there was a section of the Remembrance Garden for American service members.
It is about doing things together
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for a sobering story of a day of remembrance not to be forgotten. So much suffering by the men of so many countries who kept our world safe and secure for our many freedoms. Thank you too for the part played by Highclere in giving home to children away from war-torn London and other places. One question: Who are the three Generals in the picture?
Martha G
Generals Roosevelt Jr, Allen, and Patton in 1944
We were on the beaches of Normandy last year. It was amazing to see and we were in awe at the sight. We also visited the graves of the soldiers. I only hope people today never forget!
Lets keep telling their stories
My father was part of the USA Navy and three of his brothers. My mother’s brother was in the Army and captured by the German’s and put in Bradenburg. He was rescued by the Army and came home. I salute all those in every land that helped end that war. God bless them all.
Linda Kaempf
Cape May, NJ USA
I recall hearing many stories about this day, and World War Two in general, from both of my grandfathers who served. We owe so much to all those brave souls who took part in this day. I cannot believe it has already been 80 years! Looking forward to the event in October.
Lauren Cestone
Albany, New York
So am I looking forward to October..
I certainly do look forward to your posts. They are always very informative and interesting. Thank you.
Thank you for reading them and commenting – taking part in them
I always enjoy your emails, Lady Carnarvon. Thank you. It is my hope to one day cross the pond to visit Highclere. ❤️
I continue to be in awe of Lady Carnarvon and all she does to keep Highclere the wonderful place that it is today. Such a wonderful part of history should be preserved and treasured and the Lady of the house has not only managed to do that, she is also gracious enough to share it with all of us. Thank you for all you do!
I was born June 4,1944 in Kentucky, USA, and will be 80 years old tomorrow. My mother always made it a point to tell me how close I was to being born on D-Day. I have always been so interested in history. Since I retired I have read so many books about the Second World War. The hard won battles as well as all the undercover work done before success could have been achieved need to be understood in today’s time as well. I had family members who served in Europe as well as the Pacific battles. We never took for granted what all the brave men and women did to secure our freedom. Now we just wish everyone would remember and help us to keep our democracies and freedoms. Thank you adding your home and family memories to this time period. Elizabeth Combs Harris
never give up
Impressive Historic details there all these years later at Highclere.
For those who were needed to escape their homes, given that nasty war going on, and were able to make it to Highclere and live and survive there (children & adults) were so fortunate to make it there, except for the plane crash pilots, but what an honor to those pilots Highclere (You and Lord Carnarvon and others) have discovered them and built tribute statues there.
So well written thank you for sharing and I am so excited for this event in October!
Jennifer Pappadimatos
New Jersey, USA
So am I looking forward to it!
Lovely the pictures of DDday did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and l am fan of Downton Abbey and highcelere castle
Thank you LADY CARNARVON. Hopefully everyone should remember what your forfathers did for our future.
fondly Jenny
Until we saw David Haig’s marvellous play PRESSURE with Kevin Doyle in Toronto we didn’t realize how important the weather was for that day. A fascinating story.
We owe so much to the courage of previous generations. So sad that many in today’s generation do not understand how high a cost was paid for their ability to live so freely today. A visit to Normandy is still an awesome experience. All the small white crosses in the American Cemetery represent only a tiny fraction of the lives that paid so dearly for our freedom.
I look at the crosses and it is beyond words
Thank you for reminding us that freedom is not “free” and that great and ultimate sacrifices were made to end World War II. To quote Winston Churchill from his 20 August 1940 speech, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” My grandfather was part of the D-Day invasion and had his nineteenth birthday during the Battle of the Bulge. We were fortunate he came back to marry to my grandmother two years later. Remembering and thanking all those who served.
Best wishes from San Jose, California.
Gina May
Patton swung into action for the battle of the Bulge.. what a march
Dear Lady Carnarvon, A lovely remembrance of D-Day. I had an uncle, Joseph Maliko, who was a US Army glider paratrooper on D-Day. My mother told me a story about taking her younger brother Joseph to see the first talking picture, “The Jazz Singer.” When they got home, Joseph was so excited about the movie that he danced like Al Jolson on their kitchen table. He was caught by his mother dancing on the table. My mother said the punishment Joe received that day made the Army paratrooper school seem like a cake walk. After the war, Joseph stayed in the US Army and retired at the rank of Major. RIP Joseph Maliko (1922-1978)
Dear Professor Springer — I also had an uncle who was a US Army glider paratrooper. His name was Leonard Gumley. He survived D-Day and lived to be 99 years old… still going strong right up to the end of his life. I wonder if your uncle and my uncle knew one another.
From Laura Barger in Glenview, IL
Among the 22’442 people who lost their lives serving under British command on D Day and during the battle of Normandy were two women, 27 year old Sister Mollie Evershed and 32 year old Sister Dorothy Field both of whom served with Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. Mollie was my uncle Reginald Avery Evershed’s daughter with his first wife and she was lost on 7th August 1944 when HMHS Amsterdam, ( an hospital ship ), which was hit by a mine off Juno Beach and sank within 8 minutes. Mollie and Dorothy saved the lives of 75 wounded men, some of whom had only just had limbs amputated by carrying them up to the deck.
Mollie herself was trapped below deck and was last seen trying to escape through a porthole. She was Mentioned in Despatches and received the Kings Commendation for brave conduct. My uncle received a letter from all the men that she had helped to save with their grateful thanks to his brave daughter. The hospital ship had been rescuing and transferring wounded men back to Southampton before the tragedy occurred and Mollie’s name is now commemorated on the Bayeaux Memorial.
Hi! I hope someday you will write a book or create a comprehensive documentary on YouTube about the war years at Highclere, starting with your first documentation and photos at the castle. I find it so fascinating, even moreso than Downton Abbey, which I dearly love. Have a beautiful summer, and thanks for sharing your home.
good you can share stories THANK YOU
Thank you for this touching and informative post, Lady Carnarvon! Sadly, so many of our younger generations have no idea what momentous importance this and the other D-Days you mentioned had for the freedoms of the entire world and their future lives. We must celebrate and remember this history so it is hopefully never repeated! God bless you!
Peni Stephens, Spirit Lake, Idaho, USA
We are getting further away from those who were there ..
Until we saw David Haig’s amazing play PRESSURE with Kevin Doyle in Toronto we had no idea how important the weather experts were to the success of the operations. Amazing stories.
We leave tomorrow for Belgium, France, Germany before meeting family in Prague. Very excited to join fellow WW2 buffs! Don’t know if the WW2 series, Band of Brothers was popular in UK but it certainly was here in the US. (Most of the actors were British.) We live about an hour from Camp Toccoa, where the 101st airborne troops trained. They are presently rebuilding the camp using the original materials. It is so heartwarming to see the revived interest in WW2.
Though we know you can’t have a war to end all wars, we pray that by remembering and studying, future generations will learn how to avoid devastating conflicts. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
We are on our way to France this week and plan to visit the Normandy beaches and remember all the brave men who fought and those who died there. I have wanted to go for many years and now is finally our chance.
Very moving D Day blog, Lady Carnarvon. I recognize Gens. Roosevelt and Patton but not the one in the middle. Who is he? Bradley?
thank you,
Joe Thornton
Birmingham, AL.
exactly
My father, Marvin Thacker, was at D-Day and the things he said he saw and endured would make your skin crawl! He died recently and could remember the war in great detail as if it had just happened.
Amen
My great uncle, who I never met, was mortally wounded in the D-Day invasion. He was an American soldier named Henry Thomas Voekel. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. We were supposed to go see Normandy when covid hit. Hopefully, we will get there someday soon. I appreciate your stories Lady Carnarvon!
I am sure you will ! There is actaully a very good Viking cruise which takes you there
My father, Sgt. Richard Lese, who served in the 1st Division for the U. S. Army, was among those who landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. In preparation for the D-Day invasion, his unit was stationed in Beaminster from which point, his unit participated in training exercises. He spoke very highly of the British people he met during his time in the U.K. He said that England felt like home & after two plus years of fighting overseas, he surely needed home. I’m so grateful to all those who served in the Allied Forces during WWII & to the British people whose warm welcome eased the homesick GI’s like my Dad.
Thank you for your comments
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your timely blog about D-Day.
My husband and I just returned from a trip that commemorated the 80th anniversary.
We went to the beaches, the Ardennes, Dachau, Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, and the American Cemetery where General Patton is buried.
What an experience of gratitude!
Your words today just confirmed the importance of June 6, 1944.
One of our guides was a small boy who lived in Bastogne and had German soldiers living in his home.
Thank you again for your historic words, as we remember the sacrifices so many made for freedom.
Extraordinary people – people just like us
Lady Carnarvon….as always, I relish your slices of historical insights! Thank you and Lord Carnarvon for being the champions of Highclere.
My late father was stationed at Snetterton-Heath and was a B-17 pilot. He flew two missions on D-Day and thankfully lived to tell the tale. What a horrible war. Thank goodness the tide turned in favor of the allies. God bless all those who served. Thank you for the remembrance, Lady Carnarvon. ❤️
thank you
The Village where I live there are fields that had Nissen Huts that lined the River Itchen where D-Day troops where billeted as well as officers that stayed and were housed in houses in the village and in the nearby Market town of Alresford, in fact weeks leading up to the 6th June there were 1,000 men and military equipment all over the South of England in waiting for D-Day. Over the years I have metal detected these fields around the village and found buttons, badges and other things what were lost by the soldiers over their time with us. When looking at them I offen thought I wonder if the owner of the button or badge made it through to the end. One of the fields that was used by the soldiers was called the The Goodens this was a short cut to the flower pots from the camp, where over time I found a lot of coins that had been dropped either going to the pub or most likely coming back to camp. As the 80th Anniversary gets closer I will be thinking of the young men who crossed the Goodens field to the pots for a a pint of good English Ale and hope it gave the courage to come through D-Day. If you ever find you your self in the Flower Pots Pub in Cheriton have a pint of Goodens Ale as it that is named after the field and spare a thought of the brave young men from 80 years ago
And then a Highclere Castle Gin and tonic!
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. I feel quite somber (appropriately) after reading it. It’s important to remember, and particularly important to teach our young people about these events and the sacrifices made to secure peace. We have a family friend who is an Army paratrooper who goes to Normandy every year for the D-Day commemorations.
History – what happened …
We just returned to the US after spending 14 days in England. Having visited the beaches in Normandy a few years ago, I was fascinated to learn more history of Dover Castle, the underground hospital and tunnels at the Channel. Everywhere we went (Bletchley, The Imperial War Museum and so many more) had wonderful displays commemorating the 80th anniversary.
With all that, the highlight of the trip for me was our visit to Highclere. Pictures can never capture the grandeur and naturally landscaped fields. It was breathtaking to wander through your secret garden and identify so many plants that are also show stoppers in New England. The grounds were welcoming even on a rainy, misty day. Just loved looking up into the hills to see the flock of sheep.
A note of congratulations to your cafe staff who provided hot tea and delicious scones on our arrival. They are a cheerful bunch! Your ancestral home is just as its portrayed in Downton Abbey. I could close my eyes and see everyone in the drawing room on those opposite red sofas. The docents were a wealth of information too.
Thank you for opening your home to so many of us who have loved the series. We wish you all the very best and a happy season ahead.
Susan Henry
New Hampshire/Florida USA
You are very kind and thank you for visiting
My Uncle (USAF) was a Master Sergeant when based at Greenham Common during the 70’s, so I spent many happy days on base, including getting to climb into a F111 fighter jet, whilst they were based there from Upper Heyford. Maybe I will re-visit on my next trip down to see the changes and hopefully make it to Highclere too. We are so fortunate to have had a generation who believed in fighting for freedom. It’s quite scary to think that the majority of today’s youth wouldn’t want to do it. Thank you to all that serve their country.
Thank you for your comment
Hello Lady Carnarvon
Thankyou for the post!
We are further reminded of D Day by the excellent British film Atonement starring James McAvoy, Keira Knightly, Ramona Garais and Benedict Cumberbatch!
Atonement is set just before WW2 outbreak and then takes place four years later!
Amazing storytelling by Director Joe Wright! Extraordinary film!
Thankyou for your stories Lady Carnarvon
Best wishes
FLEURINA DECORTES de GILBERT
Orange City East
Central Western NSW Australia
It seems only yesterday. I was only a child but little children have big ears. I heard and saw too much, as we all did, The commemorations are bringing me to tears as those terrible times are still fresh in our memories. They say here in the US, that if you put two British people in a room they talk about The War..it is true.
Thank you for your very interesting topical blog this week.
We owe a massive debt of gratitude to everyone involved in WW2 and D-day, none more so than those marvellous young men who went over to France in the first wave on 6 June 1944. It was so sad that many had to lose their lives but their sacrifice and determination that day secured the Normandy beaches for thousands more brave soldiers to follow. Millions of tons of supplies, vehicles and tanks were also landed there that summer, indeed everything that the advancing troops needed to free Europe. My Dad went over to Gold Beach on D-day+3 and remained there helping to set up and organise the Mulberry Harbour during the next two months. The storms and bad weather that June made the logistics difficult.
It is really interesting to hear the stories and memories of the few remaining D-Day Veterans. Your October History Festival sounds a wonderful idea.
It’s a great pity some world leaders nowadays don’t heed the lessons of yesterday. In the words of John Lennon they would do well to ‘Give Peace a Chance”.
What a phrase to end your comment on – thank you
Thank you for this very interesting article/entry. I have just returned to the US after a 3 week visit to London, Scotland, and Spain, in which one of my stops was a visit to Highclere, and as student of English and History, I am thankful that we still remember. The shift in culture for our young adults seem to be that they are more concerned for the latest trend in social media rather than the understanding of what world events have transpired in order for them to live in a world of freedom.
We must NEVER stop sharing the stories of sacrifice.
Once again, thank you.
Thank you so much for your very informative posts. I look forward to reading them each time. My birthday is tomorrow June 6th. I am and my siblings are a product of WW11.
Our father served in the USN in the South Pacific during the war. He came home and produced 3 children in 3 years. I have very deep love for all the military men who fought and died for our freedom.
I have visited Highclare twice, which has been a privilege, and enjoyed a scone and tea on the lawn.
Hope to travel to England again soon.
Ruthie Harrell
Orlando, Florida
My father was in the United States Navy and was at Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was only 21 years old. He always spoke fondly of the kindness of the British people he met during the war. I am so very proud of him and all the people around the world who fought selflessly for the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy today.
Yes, “Give peace a chance”. And, do what you can to help that be our future.
Thank you for these comments.
My Dad, in the 45th Infantry Division, went ashore in the 2nd invasion of France, in August of 1944, near St. Tropez. He had been fighting in Italy for the previous 5 months. He went all the way thru France to the Vosges Mountains on the German border where he became a “cold weather” casualty and was evacuated back to England, in Jan. of 1945.
BTW— the picture of the three Generals above, to the left in BG Teddy Roosevelt, the son of the past president. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on D-Day.
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for the Post,
My husband & I visited the beaches last October on our 50th wedding anniversary on a Viking cruise. What an experience of gratitude to all those who sacrificed for our freedom God bless them all, many heartfelt tears.
Barbara Bouchard
I have thought for several years that Julian Fellowes should do a Downton Abbey series that would take place during WWII. There is so much history at that time that took place at Highclere that I am sure there would be plenty of stories to tell. There is so much history in all of England from that time. One of my favorite movies was Mrs. Miniver, it was such a wonderful movie.
My great-grandmother came from London to the United States in1900 when she was 19 as an indentured servant. I have a letter her sister sent during the war when they were evacuating the children from London and how upset the family was that their children were gone and how worried they were for their safety.
Thank you for sharing so much history about Highclere it is so interesting and I look forward to your blogs. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and allowing Julian to tell his wonderful stories there.
Peace and Love
Donna Yong
You mentioned the multiple D days. My Uncle Jack, John Leonard Jeffery (1921-1972) was at all of the initial landings- Salerno, North Africa, Dunkirk and D Day.
He did basic training at HMCSA York in Toronto, then went to Norfolk, Virginia for commando training with a select group of 50 Canadians, 50 Brits and 50 Americans. He then took an LST landing craft over the ocean from the USA to England by way of Bermuda to avoid U boats. The crossing was very rough and the men were extremely sick.
His family never heard from him concerning missions.
The group was the first commandos and they became known as The Devil’s Brigade. Movies have been made about this group and there was a subsequent reenactment of their basic training by modern day veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq.
At the landings the commandos were split up between the LST boats. Of the fifty Canadians only ten survived including my uncle.
My mother Betty remembers him saying that when they landed at Salerno, Italy it was just a mass of land mines.
My Grandfather Leonard Jeffrey grew up in Farnham which is near Highclere before he and my Grandmother moved to Toronto.
Thank you for telling us your uncle’s story
It is possible that your uncle and my Father-in-law, Colin Rigby RNVR MBE, (1912 – 1999) might have crossed paths and met. Colin went to Norfolk Virginia to collect Landing Craft Infantry Large 184 across the Atlantic, in the company of 12 other ships, at about the same time. As they had to have flat bottoms to beach and land troops, they pitched and rolled a great deal and many of the sailors were sea sick. Colin’s war was pretty successful in that he didn’t loose anyone. He served in the Mediterranean, North Africa and captured an Italian General, who was trying to escape. His main issue was the late communication, instructions were sent by sealed orders and by the time they received them events were often significantly different.
LCI-1 Class Landing Craft Infantry (Large):
Laid down, 3 June 1943, location unknown
Launched, 21 December 1943
Leased to the United Kingdom, 31 December 1942, commissioned HM LCI(L)-184, LT. Colin E. Rigby RNVR, in command
LCI(L)-184 Departed the United States outbound for Gibraltar circa January 1943
LCI(L)-184 participated in Europe-Africa-Middle East operations including Mediterranean operations
The ship departed Falmouth, England, sometime after VE in 1945, for the Asiatic-Pacific theatre
Returned to US Naval custody, 27 February 1946
Struck From the Naval Register, date unknown
Final Disposition, sold by the Maritime Commission, 1 March 1948, fate unknown
Beautifully written! My father was on a Navy ship during WWII. Those brave people. My mother talked of rations etc. I pray their memories and the sacrifices they made will live on and be told for ever. A time in history that the countries stood together. Thank you for sharing all this history. Loved visiting your home in 2014. Would like to come back.
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for the memories. I wasn’t born during World War Two but my father served, RN(destroyers), and my husband Kyle, retired USAF Master Sgt, is also a World War Two history buff. My mother and grandmother were living in Maidstone, (Kent), at the time and Mum described it as a girl of 11 at the time. My father, already serving in the Armed Forces, at the time, was elsewhere I expect. (Only a look at his naval logs would say where). Sometime I hope to visit Highclere castle, as part of a trip back to England, which, is long overdue at this point. Your descriptions are always enjoyable, as are your Facebook posts.
Such a well written homage to D-Day, with, once again, personal connection interwoven. I just recently discovered that a family member from Kansas, USA died in Normandy on D-Day. I am grateful to him and to all who served during WW2 to preserve the freedom we all hold dear. They are indeed the Greatest Generation.
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday’s blog, your personal insights, and for honoring and remembering The Greatest Generation, D-Day, and the events that occurred 80 years ago.
Perpetua Crawford