On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched a massive invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on the beaches of Normandy, France. This operation, known as D-Day, was a crucial turning point in World War II and marked the beginning of the end for Hitler’s regime. However, what many people do not know is that a crucial weather report from an Irish postmistress played a key role in ensuring the success of the operation.
Margaret Kelly, a postmistress in the small village of Blacksod, County Mayo, Ireland, had been monitoring weather patterns for years and was known for her accurate predictions. On the morning of June 3, 1944, she sent a coded message to the British Met Office warning of an approaching Atlantic storm that could disrupt the planned D-Day invasion. Her message was initially dismissed by meteorologists, but as the storm continued to grow in intensity, her warnings were taken more seriously.
As the storm hit the English Channel on June 4, it became clear that it would be too dangerous to proceed with the invasion on June 5, the original planned date. Thanks to Margaret Kelly’s timely warning, Allied commanders were able to postpone the operation by one day, giving them crucial time to wait for more favorable weather conditions.
On the morning of June 6, Margaret Kelly again sent a message to the British Met Office, predicting a brief window of clear weather that would allow the invasion to proceed. Her prediction was accurate, and the Allies were able to launch their assault on the beaches of Normandy under clear skies, catching the Germans by surprise and ultimately leading to the success of the operation.
Margaret Kelly’s weather report has since been credited with helping to avert disaster on D-Day and ensuring the success of the Allied invasion. Her quick thinking and accurate predictions saved countless lives and played a crucial role in the outcome of World War II.
Today, Margaret Kelly is remembered as a hero in Ireland and beyond, her actions serving as a reminder of the importance of paying attention to even the smallest details in times of crisis. Her story is a testament to the power of individual action and the impact that one person can have on the course of history.