Today is the 75th D-Day anniversary, and my focus is the weather forecast that changed the tide of WWII.
One of the most important weather forecasts in world history occurred in early June 1944, as Allied meteorologists prepared the final word for the long awaited D-Day invasion of Normandy. Thousands of lives and the tide of the war fully depended on Allied meteorologist teams who decided on possible weather conditions for the invasion within a small window of time.
Allied forces needed low tide on the landing beaches and the airborne needed a full moon for proper dropping conditions. The circumstances needed for Allied success were not dependent upon military genius, leadership, strength, nor might but on forces of nature — on God Who is Sovereign over natural elements that include weather.
High winds and rough seas could impact the amphibious assault, and low clouds could block vital air support. Weather factors, such as wind, visibility, and cloud cover, would definitely impact the invasion.
“On the Allied side, six meteorologists working in three different teams were responsible for the D-Day forecasts,” reported James R. Fleming, President of the International Commission on History of Meteorology.
On June 4, just hours before the launch of D-Day operations amid an approaching storm, British Group Captain James Stagg urged General Eisenhower for a last-minute delay of 24 hours, according to Television’s History Channel.
Also according to History Channel, only a few invasion dates were possible because of the need for a full moon for illumination and for a low tide at dawn to expose underwater German defenses; June 5 was the first date in a narrow three-day window.
“The American team used an analogue method that compared the current weather with past conditions. Their forecast was overly optimistic and would have resulted in disaster on June 5, 1944,” Fleming said.
Gen. Eisenhower postponed the invasion at the last minute, heeding Stagg’s and other British forecasters’ advice. “June 5 becomes quickly off the table because of a terrible storm that is coming in, and it’s going to make any invasion basically impossible,” McManus said.
So… the Allied invasion at Normandy was on Tuesday, June 6, 1944. Despite heavy casualties its success was a turning point to end the war. Thank God for Allied victory over tyrannical Nazi forces that threatened world peace and freedom.
Is there any doubt that God created an environment to help the side whose cause was to bring peace to the world? Does this give you hope that God is involved in such affairs of humans? The full story offers more details if history interests you and if you choose to investigate D-Day and its weather aspect.
Peace has always been a condition important to God and is a result of knowing Him. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27)
Peace is also a gift or fruit of the Holy Spirit along with love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5: 22, 23)
The Bible instructs, “If possible so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) If peace is important to you, then follow God’s instruction and be hopeful.
