D-Day: The Tide Turns – Episode 3: "Behind Enemy Lines"

Overview

In the third episode of "D-Day: The Tide Turns," host Paul McGann delves deep into the clandestine efforts of the French Resistance in the lead-up to the pivotal Normandy Landings of June 1944. Titled "Behind Enemy Lines," this episode commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day by spotlighting the real individuals who played crucial roles in undermining the Nazi war machine from within occupied France. Through a combination of historical analysis and personal anecdotes, the episode paints a vivid picture of the bravery, complexity, and multifaceted nature of the Resistance.

I. Setting the Stage: Normandy in 1944

The episode opens on the eve of D-Day, June 5, 1944, transporting listeners to the Normandy region five miles from the coast. Here, Guillaume Mercada, a former professional cyclist turned Resistance operative, meticulously plans sabotage operations to impede German reinforcements. Operating out of a basement in Bayeux, Mercada leverages his unique position and special license to gather intelligence on German troop movements and defensive positions.

II. The French Resistance: Composition and Challenges

A. Diverse and Fragmented Groups

Olivier Vievloka, Professor of History, explains the fragmented nature of the French Resistance:

"Before D Day, the French Resistance gave many, many pieces of intelligence to the British mainly, and to a certain extent to the Americans. General Donovan... considered that the French had given 80% of the information necessary to Plan Overlord." ([07:53])

Despite their significant contributions, the Resistance was not a monolithic entity but rather a collection of disparate groups with varying methods, aims, and agendas. Sean Rees, a historian and biographer, emphasizes the multiplicity of these groups:

"It's much more helpful really, even as late as May 1944 to think of it as multiple Resistances. These multiple groups, some of which were not even aware of each other." ([10:01])

B. Internal Challenges and External Skepticism

The Resistance faced severe repression from both the Germans and the Vichy regime. Additionally, Allied planners were initially reluctant to grant the Resistance an official role in D-Day operations due to skepticism about their effectiveness and cohesion. This mistrust was exacerbated by the fragmented nature of the Resistance and the leadership tensions with General Charles de Gaulle.

Sir Anthony Beaver, an SOE operative, recounts the strained relationship between the French Resistance and de Gaulle:

"As far as he was concerned, the British were almost as bad as the Germans. He wanted at one stage to arrest SOE officers... there was this terrible sort of tension." ([11:13])

III. The Role of SOE and Allied Coordination

A. Special Operations Executive (SOE) Involvement

The British Special Operations Executive (SOE) played a pivotal role in training and supporting the Resistance. Operatives were extensively trained in guerrilla warfare, sabotage, wireless communications, and combat tactics. Claire Molly, an award-winning biographer, highlights the comprehensive training agents received:

"They are trained in the use of guns and explosives and in silent killing, which is killing just with a rope, a knife or their bare hands." ([16:49])

B. Recruitment and the Emphasis on Female Operatives

With the forced conscription of able-bodied men into German factories under the Service de Travail Obligatoire (STO), the role of female operatives became increasingly vital. Claire Molly notes the strategic shift towards utilizing women as couriers and agents:

"The women had a special kind of cool and lonely courage... they were better suited for the work." ([17:08])

C. Intelligence Sharing and Coordination

The SOE's efforts were crucial in coordinating disparate Resistance groups and maintaining an effective intelligence network. Sean Rees underscores the importance of SOE's role in unifying these groups:

"Koenig was a very, very useful person for the Allies to find because he represented de Gaulle... pulling in one direction." ([15:05])

IV. Resistance Operations and Sabotage

A. Sabotage of Communications and Railways

Leading up to D-Day, the Resistance engaged in extensive sabotage operations targeting German communications and transportation infrastructure. Claire Molly describes the scope of these activities:

"We have to put sand in the locomotive engines over here. We have to close this road... thousands of minor operations all across the country... did a fantastic job in slowing the German military reinforcements up north to Normandy." ([30:40])

B. Notable Operations and Agents

• Guillaume Mercada: Coordinated railway sabotage to prevent German reinforcements from reaching Normandy beaches.
• Pearl Witherington (Codename: Pauline): Took over her circuit after her leader was captured, leading a Resistance network that disrupted train lines and coordinated with local fighters.

Harry Verlander, an SOE agent, shares his firsthand experience with sabotage:

"We went in to blow up a railway bridge... we heard the bridge blow." ([34:36])

C. Impact on German Reinforcements

The Resistance's sabotage efforts significantly hindered the movement of German troops and materiel, contributing to the success of the Allied landings by delaying reinforcements. Sean Rees elaborates on the strategic importance of these actions:

"The SOE had tasked their various groups... to absorb German power so that there were fewer troops and fewer armaments that could get to the Normandy beaches." ([30:05])

V. Casualties and Civilian Impact

A. German Retaliation

The Germans responded to Resistance activities with brutal reprisals, executing hostages and conducting massacres in villages such as Toul and Oradour Sur Glane. Olivier Vievloka and Sir Anthony Beaver highlight the tragic civilian toll:

"Probably anything up to 15,000 French civilians were killed during the preparations for Normandy." ([36:53])

B. Allied Bombing Campaigns

Allied bombings further contributed to civilian casualties and the destruction of French towns. Vievloka notes the extensive damage caused by bombardments:

"You can quote Caen, you can quote Le Havre... around 20 cities which were erased at 60, 70 or 80% by the allied bombs." ([36:26])

VI. The Contributions and Legacy of the Resistance

A. Military Impact

General Dwight D. Eisenhower later acknowledged the Resistance's contributions, equating their efforts to the impact of 15 divisions:

"Eisenhower believed that SOE collectively shortened the war by about six months. And he said they played a very considerable part in our complete and final victory." ([39:57])

However, some historians argue that these estimates may be overly generous. Sir Anthony Beaver offers a more measured perspective:

"Only a small percentage actually had weapons, but they did help tremendously." ([40:12])

B. Post-War Narratives and Political Implications

The legacy of the Resistance became a cornerstone of France's post-war identity, fostering a narrative of national liberation and heroism despite the complexities and internal divisions:

"The whole myth of the Resistance and of the Liberation was absolutely essential for French politics to try to give this impression of La France résistante." ([41:13])

VII. Notable Quotes

• Olivier Vievloka ([07:53]):

  "Before D Day, the French Resistance gave many, many pieces of intelligence to the British mainly, and to a certain extent to the Americans."

• Sean Rees ([10:01]):

  "It's much more helpful really... to think of it as multiple Resistances."

• Sir Anthony Beaver ([11:13]):

  "As far as he was concerned, the British were almost as bad as the Germans."

• Claire Molly ([17:08]):

  "The women had a special kind of cool and lonely courage."

• Harry Verlander ([18:11]):

  "We saw one notice came up on the board. Wireless operators required."

• Sean Rees ([30:05]):

  "They wanted the Resistance... to absorb German power so that there were fewer troops and fewer armaments."

• Sir Anthony Beaver ([36:53]):

  "Probably anything up to 15,000 French civilians were killed during the preparations for Normandy."

• Sean Rees ([41:46]):

  "You don't have one unique France, you have many."

VIII. Conclusion: The Pivotal Role of the French Resistance

Episode 3 of "D-Day: The Tide Turns" meticulously unpacks the intricate web of Resistance activities that significantly contributed to the success of the Normandy Landings. Through acts of sabotage, intelligence gathering, and unwavering courage, ordinary French citizens transformed into key players in the Allied victory. Despite internal divisions and immense personal risks, the French Resistance's collective efforts not only disrupted the Nazi war machine but also fortified the morale of the Allied forces. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that grassroots movements can have in shaping the course of history.

Next Episode Preview

In the following episode, listeners will explore the nerve-wracking preparations of General Dwight D. Eisenhower on the eve of D-Day, including his heartfelt letter of apology in case of failure. Additionally, the episode will cover the deployment of the first Allied planes from English airfields, setting the stage for the monumental invasion that would change the course of World War II.

Credits

Produced by Duncan Barrett and Miriam Baines. Audio by George Tapp, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Thomas Pink, and Dorry Macaulay. Music by Dorry Macaulay and Oliver Baines.

Additional Resources

For full interviews and more in-depth information, visit legacy.org.uk.