David Doyle Books News #53

81 Years Ago

Dear Friends,

A tyrannical leader decided to annex a neighboring nation, justifying this to the public by saying that many of that nation's people spoke the same language as he - and saying those people would welcome being united.

In reality, this was a gambit - were the annexation unopposed by world powers, this would be a signal that other nations too could be brought under his control.  With this annexation eliciting barely a murmur from world powers, a little over a year later, three other nations were invaded - and even that met little reaction - "don't anger that powerful nation so far away - its not our concern" was the response of many.

While some may think that the above is today's news, in fact these events took place in 1938-1939.

In time, the free world did react - but by the this time it was not a regional stand, but rather a World War. 

And to push Hitler's Germany back into Germany at that stage cost millions of lives - and spawned the largest amphibious operation ever seen.  That operation, Overlord, was originally scheduled for 81 years ago today - weather forced it to be delayed to 6 June.
Despite years of planning, the sucess of the landings at Normandy was far from assured.  General Dwight Eisenhower, overall allied commander of the operation, understood the risks, and in the fashion of a true leader, the responsibilities that went with his position.  He had penned an announcement should the operation fail, writhing:

‘Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based on the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.'

Thankfully, the operation was a success - although initially tenuous.

Today we live free, in part to the efforts of those who took part in Overlord.

Denise and I are marking this anniversary by offering 10% off all orders of $100 from now through Monday 9 June.  No discount code needed - internet sales only, limited to in-stock items.

As a reminder, orders will begin shipping on Monday, as Denise and I are attending the MVPA convention at the Expo Center in Louisville.

We pray each of you remain safe, and appreciate your business.

Sincerely,

David and Denise

https://daviddoylebooks.com