The weather forecasters who saved D-Day from disaster.
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We are preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the 6th June 1944.
We remember this date as a great military victory, but it could have been a disaster.
Or it might have simply never happened at all.
Because D-Day was nearly thwarted by the British weather.
You might be aware that the allied landings in Normandy had already been postponed due to poor weather.
But do you know the full story of how both the decision to postpone and also the decision to go for the 6th actually came about?
And what would have happened if General Dwight Eisenhower had looked out at the rain and wind lashing the windows of his HQ and postponed it from the 6th June altogether?
This is the story of what actually happened to cause D-Day to be postponed
And how history could have been very different.
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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:53 d-Day 5th June 1944
2:03 British weather!
3:19 Group Captain James Stagg
4;35 SHAEF Briefings
5:30 Key Irish Role
6:41 Weather changes
8:00 Divisions
8:43 3rd June Breifing
10:00 D-Day postponed
11:50 Hope
13:49 Final Decision
15:15 D-Day Is On
17:07 Disaster Averted
18:38 Meteorologists win D-Day?
20:31 Pegasus Bridge
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: “Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!”
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the ‘Comments’ section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, or otherwise questionable comments or material in the ‘Comments’ section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
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England saved by good weather!!! I think this calls for a video about England being saved by bad weather during the attempted attack by spanish armada!!
Great video.
And people around the world wonder why the British are obsessed with the weather! Cracking video Chris. It’s fascinating how often weather conditions mess up the best of plans right through history
Excellent presentation, thank you
Excellent story and well told!
A repeat of this may have to done if Russia’s ears are not clipped
Excellent story, again you nailed it, thanks for sharing.
Since I saw the movie "the longest day" Stagg has always been one of my hero's! Thanks again for a great history story,Chris!
As my Dad who was a Meteorologist said, 'Never underestimate the importance of the weather forecaster.'
Thanks Chris, lovely history as always
! BRAVO! I love your channel because you often answer questions we didn’t know needed asking! I love this episode because we’ve all heard😢 the abbreviated version of this story and to learn all the nitty gritty has been exciting! QUESTION: I’m assuming by ‘44 they knew all about the jet stream so WHY didn’t they bring in weathermen from the Bahamas and say the Carolinas in the US to get the full picture? Cheers from across the pond!
It should be part of the UK School curriculum in History, Mr History Chap Channel. ✌️
A dour Scot surly you must be mistaken lol. My father in law landed D-day plus 6. Later shot in the arm at The Battle of The Bulge. Once they got the order to retire from their position he said he ran faster than Jessie Owens back to safety. Somehow the 6th June sounds the right date, it rolls off the tongue. Easy to remember therefore hard to forget. Scary now that we can't repel inflatable small boats today.
Wait a minute, Chris, do you mean a Scotsman can be dour? Say It Ain't So Chris! 😂😅
A wondrous tale of what might have been if the invasion has been postponed until later in the summer? I am glad for the advancement of technology in meteorology. Another success, keep it going, I'll have to call you better because you are on a roll! LOL 😂😅
A riveting tale well told!!
Stagg’s son unfailed a plaque to his father in Dalkeith we raised money for
a couple of years ago. When I was researching him I looked up his birth on Scotland’s people and it turned out he was born in Musselburgh just down the road from Dalkeith
The English Channel has some pretty awful weather seas. Its an utter horror when it choses to be.
Excellent thanks 👏
Maureen Sweeney was 21 years old when she took weather readings at the remote Blacksod weather station in June 1944. The weather report from Belmullet was enough for the chief meteorological officer, Group Captain James Stagg, to advise that the invasion be postponed by 24 hours. She only received recognition for her wartime role from the US Congress in 2021.
Excellent thanks for this one, something we dont often think of or give recognition to
Thank you again for another great post. I knew the weather delayed D-Day but never the people behind the forecasting.
The weather reports came in from the Baffin Islands to the west. What was happening there would effect the English Channel 3 days later
I always remember the Met men at RAF Cottesmore standing on the roof of their building and looking at the sky every morning. Then at RAF Valley years later visiting the Met office there and all the shiny tech they had, plus they got the rain shower timing bang on when we were getting the tour.
Amazing really… meanwhile nowadays they cant even get the weather correct from hour to hour…