Jun 2024 – Alan Malcher

Rupert: the dummy parachutists of D-day.

(Image Musée Militaire Paris)

Parachute dummies were an important aspect of the Allies’ deception plan for the Normandy Landings. They were nicknamed ‘Rupert’s’ by British troops. It is sometimes suggested they were named after the cartoon character Rupert the Bear.
Approximately 500 Paratrooper dummies were dropped as decoys to divert and distract German forces, in what was codenamed Operation Titanic. This was part of a broader deception plan for D-Day, designed to give the Allied invasion force the element of surprise and the best chance of victory. (Image Musée Militaire Paris)

Operation Tonga: (6 June 1944) The capture of Bénouville Bridge Crossing the Caen Canal renamed Pegasus Bridge.

Actor Richard Todd took part in Operation Tonga on what is now known as D-Day. 60 years on in 2004, he revisited the landing site in Normandy and reflected on his experience. Richard Todd, who was born in Dublin, served with the British 6th Airborne Division and was among the first British soldiers to Land in Normandy and was the first Irishman. The following is from the BBC archives.

Founder’s Day the Royal Hospital Chelsea (Chelsea Pensioners)

Founder’s Day 2024.

It was a great pleasure to be invited to attend Founder’s Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea where the reviewing officer was Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, after being inviting by Tony Millard noted for his many years of continued charitable work supporting veterans.

Chelsea Pensioners and guests were given an oak leaf to wear symbolising the oak tree where Prince Charles, later crowned Charles II, hid after the Battle of Worcester during the English Civil War (c1642-1651) when Parliamentary troops were searching for him. After the restoration of the monarchy, in 1681 King Charles II issued a Royal Warrant to build a hospital for those ‘broken by age and war’ which later became know as the Royal Hospital Chelsea. An added bonus was briefly meeting for the first time Dr Gogna from Australia who recognise me, knew my name and thanked me for my historical articles of remembrance. After this I attended an informal celebration of D-day (Normandy Landings) at Tony and Sue Millard’s pub called the Clarence at 148 North End Road West Kensington, London where the proceeds of a raffle went to the London Taxi Charity which has been supporting veterans since 1948.

As this was a traditional London celebration I apologise for the short clip of me attempting to dance!

Tony and Sue Millard – who continue to support veterans.

Sue Millard and Me.

One of the locals.

Locals at the Clarence public house remembering D-day (Normandy Landings).

On His Majesty’s Secret Service. A film by Cécile Coolen.

Ian Reed MBE Lég d’Hon, Cécile Coolen, Alan Malcher. At Institut français du Royaume-Uni. 31 May 2024.

I was honoured to receive an invitation from Héléne Duchéne Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom via Ian Reed MBE Lég d’Hon to a special viewing of On His Majesty’s Secret Service a film about SOE in occupied Europe by Cécile Coolen. It was also a pleasure meeting Cécile Coolen and others during the reception.

Cécile Coolen is a French film director and chief editor of over 100 films recognised at the Hollywood Film Festival, Emmy Awards, Prix Europa, New York Festival, and she specialises in archive documentaries particularly connected with wartime intelligence services.

“Cécile Coolen has a clear understanding of the subject and the ability to present the story of our collaborative intelligence activities, an issue which is still inadequately understood” (Sir John Scarlett KCMG OBE, former Chief of SIS/MI6)

“Her wealth of professional experience, combined with knowledge of the intelligence world shines through in this film, giving this story the dimension and impact it deserves.” (Alain Juillet, former Chief of DGSE – French Intelligence Service)