How a fake Army fooled Hitler

On Tuesday the 6th of June, 1944, nearly 160,000 allied soldiers landed along a 50-mile stretch of coast in Normandy. One of the most famous events of the Second World War; D-Day marked the beginning of the end for the Nazi Occupation of western Europe. But at the time, German generals in charge of defending the beaches didn’t believe the full scale Allied invasion of France had even begun. Thanks to a series of deception efforts undertaken by the Allies, the bulk of Germany’s defensive forces were 150 miles away from Normandy when the landings were taking place.
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[@Pearmain2009]

My grandfather was a train driver and one of his jobs leading up to D Day was to drive a special heavily armoured and modified train with wagons of inflatable tanks to encourage German aircraft to shoot up the train. Inside the armoured locomotives they had valves and pipes to emitvsteam to make it look like train had been destroyed.

[@LPRD]

It's so amazing how much deception was used during ww2 and how instrumental it was

[@stu8642]

I'd have been shitting myself on that train. Imagine a Stuka swooping down on you.

[@Pearmain2009]

@stu8642 I think a that stage in the war the only things that tended to fly over daytime were Me109s and FW190s who would be flying armed reconnaissance or hit and run along the coast. Stukas were already sitting ducks for a fighter back as far as the Battle of Britain.

[@FTGENDEAVOR4956]

Just playing with them🤣🤣🤣

[@ttburn6338]

As a German: Thank God it worked!

[@robertcottam8824]

Als Brite bewundere ich die Art und Weise, wie Deutschland sich seit dem Krieg sowohl materiell als auch geistig wieder aufgebaut hat.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

If the anti-Communist side had won Europe would not be Islamic now.

[@theghostofspookwagen4715]

@@robertcottam8824 Man soll den Alliertenmächten eigentlich dafür bedanken - ohne den Marshall Plan läge Deutschland deutlich nach hinten im Vergleich zum heutigen Zustand.

[@Spielkind104]

Der witchigste tag für unsere freiheit von den fsschosten und dann auch den komunisten

[@philliprobinson7724]

Hi. A smart dude once said, "in times of war, the first casualty is truth". That's obvious really, because there can be no war without deception. Therefore, there can be no lasting peace without truth. In other words, "know the truth and the truth will set you free". Cheers, P.R.

[@devonblue]

Will definitely pay a visit to the IWM to see this ....must be the James Bond fan in me ....

[@Yvolve]

[EDIT: As was pointed out, Operation Mincemeat was part of the invasion of Sicily, not Normandy. My bad! The story is still an amazing one and deserves a movie of some sort.] It's a shame Operation Mincemeat wasn't mentioned. It was an important part of Operation Bodyguard and probably the daftest of them all. A homeless man by the name of Glyndwr Michael had died and his body was taken to be dressed up as a high ranking military officer. A briefcase full of fake documents about an invasion through Calais was chained to his wrist. He was then thrown overboard of the coast of Spain, in the hopes of a local fisherman finding him. It was made to look like it was a man overboard on a passing British ship. As it turned out, this happened. The body was taken to shore, turned over to the Franco government who in turn gave it to the Germans. They believed he was a real officer and more importantly, believed the documents were real. The body was buried in Spain under the fake officers name of William Martin.

[@mickwarren244]

It was a fantastic ruse but it was to disguise the invasion of Sicily

[@AlexaMG35]

As another person has already stated, an elaborate ruse yes, but for D-Day no. Mincemeat was for the invasion/liberation of Sicily in Italy, not Normandy. But as you said, its an extraordinary story within it's own right, and sadly one that very few know about.

[@jackyoshi5815]

Mincemeat was such a success that when German soldiers found a dead Allied officer carrying classified documents in Normandy, German High Command incorrectly regarded it as another deception attempt. True story!

[@Yvolve]

@@mickwarren244 My bad, my memory failed me it turns out. Thanks for the info.

[@Yvolve]

@@AlexaMG35 Yes, I remembered this as being part of Normandy, but my memory failed me. Thanks for the info. Definitely a shame very few people know about it. After the replies to my comment I had another look at the story and realised it wasn't made public until 1996. Apparently his headstone was updated to mention this fact.

[@nickraschke4737]

Awesome

[@petekadenz9465]

Did the video really have to end with a blatant advertisement for the book and the film?

[@Swaggpigen]

A video idea. A history rundown of hawker typhoon

[@syntheticwisdom1]

Do we know who the paratroopers were that jumped with the dummies?

[@robertcottam8824]

Yes, as it happens. Twelve SAS soldiers under the command of Capt. ‘Chick’ Knowles and Lt. Norman Poole and A.Nother jumped with the dummies in three separate pods of four at Yvetot, Doudeville and Fauville (I think). As you will know they - in conjunction with booby-trapped ‘ruperts’ caused a disproportionate number of German casualties as well as misdirecting elements of the German reserves. Some sources have speculated that the number ‘distracted’ equated to a division… The Germans were so vexed as to execute all eight (of the twelve) SAS men that they captured. I’ve been to Yvetot to pay my respects - as well as dining like un porc on Tēte de Veau and getting very drunk on vintage brandy. Lots of toasts to those remarkably brave men… Or at least that’s what I told myself. ‘Chick’ Fowles (MC) was one of those executed - alongside (literally) the local Résistance liaison officer, Andre le Duc. Harry Poole MC remained an absolute blimmin’ hero until his death, aged 95, in 2015. No - I never met him but I wish I had. The Americans used the same dummies - ‘oscars’. No disrespect to our allies intended but I’ve not researched this. I’d love it though, if someone would… If ‘live’ US soldiers landed alongside the ‘oscars’, they would have been equally brave, capable and selfless. I’ve gone on a bit but you did ask! Best wishes.

[@kiereluurs1243]

DON'T do those fashionable but pointless and annoying SIDEVIEWS.

[@alluraambrose2978]

In Rupert we trust.

[@Keimzelle]

We'll hold a funeral service for him to make the ruse even more convincing.

[@robertcottam8824]

To this very day, British Army officers are known as ‘ruperts’: useless dummies. There have been any number of them in my family so I’m allowed to say it. Whether the dummies were named after the officers or the officers were christened after the dummies, I don’t know. Perhaps the IWM could help me out. I’ll enquire. Best wishes

[@tordlarsson9423]

The IWM is absolutely one of the most interesting museums I have visited and I have visited many...... Regards from Sweden.

[@robertcottam8824]

Great isn’t it? I’ve not been for many years but I still remember the sight of those enormous naval guns as one approaches. They ‘shrunk’ a bit between my first visit, aged six and my second, aged fifteen. 🤩 But they’re still pretty enormous…

[@rehabengineering476]

Great video - but I can't believe that the IMW has put the KZbin front thumbnail with the USA and Canadian forces landing zones incorrectly swapped...

[@redsnappa7837]

Great video, thanks. I had the honour, in 1993, of interviewing the designer James Gardner, who as a young man had worked on making the blow-up tanks, jeeps, and planes that fooled the Luftwaffe reconnaissance aircraft

[@ishitunot5152]

How the fake not prepared Atlantic Wall fooled the Western Allies for two years or more....they should do one on that.

[@chrismead9883]

Interesting documentary. I had the good fortune to meet a couple of people involved in deception activities on D-day a few years ago. One was a Lancaster crewman who flew 'Window' between Dover and Calais (your description of the complex navigation - when, where, how high and what size window to throw out talllies with his) and another who spent D-day on a landing craft sailing back and forth between Nortern Ireland and Scotland. He never found out why.

[@stewartellinson8846]

I hope the exhibit is a success and engages many in this fascinating corner of military history.

[@mrh678]

Great video, will have to get down and see the exhibition soon. Operation Mincemeat is an interesting mission as well.

[@Mulvers]

Had the privilege of seeing this excellent exhibition on Monday. Thank you for the learning!

[@joseph8208]

I was not expecting to see a bicycle coming off one of the landing craft

[@stewartellinson8846]

bicycles were seen as useful, simple and light mobility aids for troops. Pre war, many armies had bicycle formations and the use of bicycles enabled troops to move much faster when resistance was limited. They were also valuable communications tools for shor distances.

[@dieselfan7406]

They folded in half to enable parachute drops as well.@@stewartellinson8846

[@robertcottam8824]

@@stewartellinson8846 Very true. During the Japanese conquest of Malaya, they were extraordinarily useful. But you probably knew that already. If so, I apologise. Best wishes

[@dustycups]

There's a great book about the secret Jewish commando unit 'X Troop'. During D Day they were issued bicycles to rapidly move into the countryside on their missions.

[@philipb2134]

The Allies also made sure that they carried out twice as many bomber and reconnaissance sorties over the Pas de Calais as over Normandy.

[@ishitunot5152]

How the fake not prepared Atlantic Wall fooled the Western Allies for two years or more....they should do one on that.

[@CGM_68]

Operation Bodyguard so called, because of Winston Churchill's remark: "In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies." Said to Stalin at WSC’s birthday party, 30 November 1943, during the Teheran conference.

[@marklong2248]

I recommend the Ben Macintyre books on the spies & allied deceptions. Fantastic. I can't wait to see the exhibition!

[@petekadenz9465]

The main narrator is the IWM’s best at the role. More please.

[@Materialist39]

The quality between Allied and German intelligence was arguably one of the most decisive factors in how the conflict played out. Germany’s intelligence at all levels was woefully inadequate when compared to the other major powers of the war, and it’s not just the enigma machine cracking. They also refused to give up their preconceptions about the (potential) quality and quantity of the Soviet Red Army. If the Red Army hadn’t been in such poor shape / transition period when the invasion happened, army group center could have been destroyed in 1941-42.

[@robertcottam8824]

This presentation was excellent. Congratulations and thank you

[@SaturnCanuck]

Brilliant. And then there was Market Garden....

[@robertcottam8824]

…and then there was ‘Varsity’, the largest drop of the lot by which the British and Canadians + US forces crossed the Rhine and forced the German surrender on Lüneberg Heath. Best wishes.

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

@@robertcottam8824 The Soviet Union defeated Germany.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@JamesRichards-mj9kw The Germans surrendered to Montgomery on Luneberg Heath.The most cursory research would inform you of this. I am not denying the overwhelming contribution of the Soviet Union. Indeed, I have paid my respects at ‘The Statue of the Motherland’ on The Volga. Therefore, I do not seek to alter your opinion. I merely stated a basic fact. Of course the contributions of the USA were important, too. Best wishes

[@JamesRichards-mj9kw]

@@robertcottam8824 The UK and its defunct empire was only a satellite of the United States by 1941. Montgomery should have been prosecueted along with Slim.

[@mogaman28]

Why didn't anybody had done a film about Agent Garbo yet? It would be a funny war comedy.

[@davidlange3418]

The "Icing on the cake" was almost certainly putting Patton in command of 1st Army as he above all was the Allied General that the German military admired.

[@robertcottam8824]

That simply isn’t true about Patton. I’ve never found his name in ANY primary, German source relating to his career - pre Lorraine operations. And even the later ones are ‘en passant’ rather than offering any opinion - as such. Essentially, they didn’t rate him one way or the other because he was irrelevant to them. (I’ve been researching WW2 for forty years, by the way.) I’m not casting aspersions towards you - or even Patton. But one comes across this sort of comment frequently. The fact is, Patton was very little known outside the USA until the movie came out in… 1969 I think. One could say that George C, Scott made Patton’s career rather than Patton. At the time of DDay, Patton was still in disgrace after his sacking in Sicily. As you will know he was in disgrace for three reasons: 1) For botching his cooperation with Montgomery to pincer the Germans/Italians - instead of allowing them to escape across the Straits of Messina. 2) For ordering the shooting of prisoners of war (already held in captivity! 3) For slapping (American) soldiers suffering from shell shock. Nevertheless, he’s certainly the best-known American soldier - along with Eisenhower - today. So one could say that old George got what he craved in the end. Best wishes.

[@nickdanger3802]

@@uhtredofbebbanburg5394 At 7.00 Patton "rightly believed the Germans feared more than any other general" D-Day: The Planning and Execution of the Allied Invasion of Europe kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmmTgIBqlNhjZtk&lc=UgwVGl1RNme4DQs8lD14AaABAg

[@James_T_Quirk]

You can still buy Inflatable TANKS, Aircraft, Vehicles, from a Chinese Firm called "SHAPE", they make these full size decoys for Modern Equipment, Want a F16 in your Driveway or a Tank in the Garage, it is possible ...

[@robertcottam8824]

Might just do that to intimidate my neighbour who, whilst very nice, is very shortsighted.

[@James_T_Quirk]

Just get the Katyusha then ... it looks like a Truck ...@@robertcottam8824, I researched these in late 90's, for "Props" for a Paintball Arena, As you can also get Aircraft Hangers etc ..

[@adamdickinson2894]

I'll never not find it funny that the Germans saw the largest amphibious in history and thought 'Is that it'?

[@R2Manny]

I cannot wait to visit the IWMs!

[@robertcottam8824]

Don’t wait. Go. It’s marvellous.

[@rogerrees9845]

Well put together documentary and well presented... Roger.... Pembrokeshire

[@eduardoramirez8375]

I can only imagine if the deception plan didn't work, D-Day would actually perhaps fail

[@michellelysien5739]

Deception can be used for the greater good. What a SUCCESS. God knows I know a few Ruperts ! Cheers to Garbo !!!

[@DavidDavidunderthebridgeChampi]

Between being an Island with a relatively good spy service, it made a really good situation by limiting travel in Northern England with excellent deception tactics including in the air.

[@noobepro_7146]

This video is full of "lies". If you know what i mean

[@adamstrange7884]

That's what deception means, do you know words?

[@777jaris]

@@adamstrange7884 oh for the love of God and everything holy please tell me you’re familiar with and just used sarcasm in your reply.

[@dieselfan7406]

What about Hobart's Follies? D-Day wouldn't have happened without the wonderful Major Hobart.

[@robertcottam8824]

A fascine-ating comment. Had me ‘flailing’ around DD quick time, like a ‘crab’ with claw ache, to refresh my memory of the wonderful Hobart. I understand that your use of ‘follies’ was probably a typo. So forgive me for reminding you that these marvellous Heath-Robinsons were known as ‘Hobart’s Funnies’. Best wishes.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Funnies, I believe. Not follies.

[@dieselfan7406]

@@robertcottam8824 Correction gladly accepted, thanks!

[@Sagaleon14]

Very interesting video. Thank you IWM.

[@mhpjii]

Thank you for this presenter.

[@lukefranklin7391]

Badass and Cool Video.

[@PintOfBeerforIreland]

Operation Fortitude!

[@flyingcod14]

Bodyguard of Lies by Anthony Cave Brown is well worth a read. D-Day was a very close run event to not being successful.

[@richtaylor2129]

Someone who used to live down the road from me was at D Day. He jumped out of a Dakota. Also the first allied soldier to lose his life by enemy action on D Day was from my parents hometown

[@robertcottam8824]

I’m not doubting the story about your neighbour in any way - the first one to die that is. But I am curious to know how the fact was established. But in any case, I’d be intrigued to know his story. Best wishes

[@johnanon6938]

@@robertcottam8824 I'd be intrigued as well. Especially since the first Allied soldier to die in combat during D-Day is Den Brotheridge a British Army officer (Airborne) who was killed by machine gun fire in the early hours of 6 June 1944. Finding out the first soldier other countries who died on D-Day is more obscure but likely happened during covert landings/gliders/airborne during the hours before the main (5 beaches) of the Normandy landings.

[@robertcottam8824]

@@johnanon6938 I have no way of knowing but my (keen amateur) speculation is that the first to die may have been one of the 12 SAS soldiers that was dropped with the ‘ruperts’. Maybe I’d just prefer to think so - no more, no less. Best wishes

[@robertcottam8824]

@@johnanon6938 I’ll check out Brotheridge. I didn’t know of him until you mentioned him. Thanks for that. Best wishes. *I have now done so

[@54mgtf22]

Hey IWM. Love your work 👍

[@vijaymampilly1314]

My Grandfather was in the British Indian Army. He served in India. He is a recipient of the 1939-1945 War Medal. I still have his diary from the year 1944 printed by Hoe & Co. Madras. My father is a recipient of the 1971 Indo-Pak war medal: Paschimi Star (Western Star) awarded to all those who fought in the Western Sector.

[@welcometonebalia]

Thank you.

[@bardslee]

The 1st us army group is the 2nd amendment

[@bipolarminddroppings]

The blow-up tanks always gave me a chuckle, simple but effective, shame it is defeated by high-res photography so its much less useful now.

[@stewartellinson8846]

they were still around as photo targets for planes in the eighties.

[@hydrolifetech7911]

Russians claim to have destroyed orders of magnitude the number of HIMARS Ukrainians received but they are all blow-up HIMARS! They haven't managed to destroy a single real HIMARS. So it still works today!

[@dieselfan7406]

BBC technicians were involved in these fabulous deceptions.

[@robertjansen3058]

Actually, there still in use today, just google inflatable tanks Ukraine or check this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWXalqqnfNFkqdUsi=TWeOXiRcmp0_cCby This trick apparently never gets old!

[@soul0360]

I've seen drone images from Ukraine, of apparently inflatable Russian tanks. They looked pretty convincing at a glance. But on closer inspection, they had some rounded corners, that did not look like the real tanks. But like most info in an active conflict, I'll hold my judgement on the validity, until historiens start digging.

[@chrisblay]

Very interesting.

[@pyeitme508]

lol

[@EAcapuccino]

Also thank a spanish spy codenamed - Garbo - a serious contributor to this effort 🍀

[@luisrafaeldeterry1951]

Many thanks, great I think that Garbo was the largest single piece in the deception.

[@robertcottam8824]

Hahahaha! Are you Spanish by any chance? 🧐 Best wishes!

[@MASTERATCOD4]

Edited

[@nightjarflying]

Meaningless comment. Nothing to say? Just delete.

[@ja37d-34]

Well, Hitler though all of the palces, at one time or another.. Not just Pas De Calais..