‘The Year of Destiny’

Abstract This chapter describes Ismay’s experiences and observations during what he called “the year of destiny.” It focuses on the planning, conduct and outcome of Operation Overlord—the Allied invasion of Europe—but also describes the relations between Churchill and the Chiefs of Staff (in particular, General Brooke) which hit a new low over strategy in the Far East and in which Ismay intervened with success to avoid a complete fracture in relations. The chapter recounts Ismay’s accompaniment of Churchill to visit the embarking troops on the eve of D-Day, the high emotions (Ismay’s included) which surrounded the postponement of the operation, and Ismay’s contribution to the deception plan. It also recounts the nadir in relations between Ismay and Churchill and Ismay’s letter of resignation which he submitted during the Quebec conference in September 1944.