Read more

American Special Operations and Intelligence in WW2

Read more

Link to my upcoming course:

Link to my course

Below you will find the first issue of the Special Operations and Intelligence in WW II. Not a subscriber? Become one today to unlock all of the paid content available.

Read more

Book Recommendations:

Band of Brothers book

Dick Winter's book

The Longest Day book

When most people think of D-Day, they picture the soldiers struggling ashore on Omaha Beach, the airborne troops descending into darkness over Normandy, or the Rangers scaling the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc. These images have become some of the most recognizable scenes of the Second World War.

Yet the story of D-Day began long before June 6, 1944.

Months before the first landing craft touched the beaches of Normandy, Allied planners were wrestling with one of the most complex military problems in history: how do you invade a continent defended by a powerful enemy that knows you are coming?

The answer would require more than ships, aircraft, and infantry divisions. It would require specialized units trained to accomplish missions that conventional forces could not. Pathfinders would guide airborne troops to their objectives. Rangers would assault heavily defended positions. Naval demolition teams would clear obstacles under fire. Combat engineers would breach defenses and open routes inland.

These men were not called “special operations forces” in the modern sense, but their missions would help define the future of special operations warfare.

This is the first installment in a series examining the specialized units that helped make D-Day possible.

The Problem Facing the Allies

By 1944, Nazi Germany had occupied much of Western Europe for nearly four years. Any Allied invasion would have to cross the English Channel and assault a coastline that German commanders had spent years fortifying.

The result was the Atlantic Wall.

Stretching from Norway to the Spanish border, the Atlantic Wall consisted of bunkers, artillery positions, minefields, anti-tank obstacles, and strongpoints designed to stop an invasion at the water’s edge. Along the Normandy coast, thousands of obstacles were placed on the beaches to damage landing craft and channel attackers into killing zones covered by machine guns and artillery.

The challenge facing Allied planners was immense. Thousands of men could be lost before the invasion ever gained a foothold.

Lessons from Failure

The Allies had already learned hard lessons about attacking fortified coastlines.

In August 1942, Allied forces launched a raid against the French port of Dieppe. The operation ended in disaster. Many of the attacking troops were killed, wounded, or captured within hours.

Dieppe demonstrated the dangers of attacking prepared defenses directly. It also highlighted the need for detailed intelligence, specialized equipment, extensive planning, and highly trained assault troops.

The lessons learned from that failure would influence every stage of planning for the Normandy invasion.

Building Operation Overlord

The invasion of Normandy would become known as Operation Overlord.

It was the largest amphibious operation ever attempted. Success required unprecedented cooperation between naval, air, and ground forces.

The Allies needed to determine where to land, how to support the assault, and how to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches before the invasion force could establish itself.

After extensive study, planners selected Normandy rather than the more obvious target of Pas-de-Calais. Although Normandy presented significant challenges, German defenses there were generally less concentrated, and the location offered opportunities for surprise.

To preserve that surprise, the Allies launched one of the most successful deception operations in military history.

Deceiving the Germans

Operation Fortitude was designed to convince German leaders that the invasion would occur at Pas-de-Calais rather than Normandy.

Fake armies appeared across southeastern England. Inflatable tanks, dummy landing craft, and fabricated radio traffic created the illusion of a massive invasion force preparing to strike elsewhere.

The deception was so effective that German commanders remained uncertain about Normandy even after Allied troops had landed.

Every day that German forces hesitated provided valuable time for the invasion to succeed.

Creating Specialized Forces

Even with deception and overwhelming resources, planners knew the invasion would require troops capable of carrying out unique missions.

The Rangers were assigned some of the most dangerous objectives, including the assault on Pointe du Hoc.

The 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions prepared to parachute into Normandy during the night before the landings. Their mission was to secure bridges, road junctions, and causeways while disrupting German movements.

Ahead of the airborne divisions would be the Pathfinders, elite volunteers responsible for marking drop zones and guiding incoming aircraft to their objectives.

Along the beaches, Naval Combat Demolition Units trained to remove obstacles under enemy fire. Combat engineers prepared to clear mines, open exits, and maintain the momentum of the assault.

Each unit had a different mission, but all shared a common purpose: opening the way for the invasion force.

Training for the Longest Day

Throughout England, soldiers trained relentlessly.

Paratroopers rehearsed night jumps and navigation exercises. Rangers practiced cliff assaults and small-unit tactics. Demolition teams learned how to destroy obstacles quickly while under pressure. Engineers prepared for the difficult task of breaching defenses in the middle of a battle.

The training was exhausting, but commanders understood that preparation would save lives when the invasion began.

Many of the men knew they were preparing for one of the most important operations of the war. Few knew exactly what awaited them across the Channel.

The Night Before Normandy

As June 1944 approached, the invasion force stood ready.

Ships assembled in English ports. Aircraft were loaded with airborne troops. Equipment was checked and rechecked. Maps and aerial photographs were studied one final time.

The success of Operation Overlord would depend not only on the soldiers who stormed the beaches, but also on the specialized units tasked with leading the way.

Before dawn on June 6, some of the first Americans to enter occupied France would be the Pathfinders.

Their mission would be dangerous, chaotic, and essential to the success of the airborne assault.

In our next installment, we’ll examine the training, equipment, and combat mission of the Pathfinders who jumped into Normandy ahead of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.

Next Issue: The Pathfinders of Normandy

Special Operation, Issue 1

3.42MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied soldiers crossed the English Channel toward the beaches of Normandy. Above them, paratroopers drifted through the darkness into occupied France. Beneath them, landing craft slammed against rough seas carrying Rangers, engineers, and infantry toward heavily defended beaches.

D-Day would become one of the most important military operations in modern history.

But before the first Allied soldier stepped onto the beaches, years of planning, deception, intelligence gathering, training, and preparation had already shaped the outcome of the invasion.

Over the next week on The WW II Archive, I’ll be releasing a special 5-part series leading up to D-Day:

Road to the Longest Day

This series will explore:

• The planning behind Operation Overlord

• The deception campaign known as Operation Fortitude

• The airborne assault before dawn

• Rangers, combat engineers, and naval demolition teams on the beaches

• The brutal fight to break into France after the landings

Rather than simply retelling the invasion itself, this series focuses on the men, units, and operations that made D-Day possible.

Expect:

• Podcast episodes

• Research-driven written posts

• Maps and timelines

• Recommended reading

• Special operations and airborne history

• Lesser-covered operational details

This project is also the beginning of a larger Normandy research initiative for The WW II Archive, including future ebooks, battlefield studies, and expanded premium content.

Release Schedule

May 31

Episode 1 — Planning Operation Overlord

How the Allies prepared for the largest amphibious invasion in history.

Topics include:

• SHAEF and Eisenhower

• COSSAC planning

• Choosing Normandy

• Logistics and landing craft

• The Atlantic Wall

June 1

Episode 2 — Operation Fortitude

The deception campaign that convinced Hitler the invasion would strike at Pas-de-Calais.

Topics include:

• Fake armies

• Double agents

• Patton’s role

• Allied intelligence operations

• German confusion before D-Day

June 2

Episode 3 — Airborne Before Dawn

The story of the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, Pathfinders, and the chaotic night drops over Normandy.

Topics include:

• Pathfinder operations

• Sainte-Mère-Église

• Airborne objectives

• Scattered drops

• Holding critical terrain

June 3

Episode 4 — The Beaches of Normandy

The landings themselves and the units that fought through the chaos.

Topics include:

• Omaha and Utah Beach

• Rangers at Pointe du Hoc

• Naval Combat Demolition Units

• Combat engineers

• Beach obstacles and defenses

June 4

Episode 5 — Breaking Into France

The brutal fighting beyond the beaches as Allied forces pushed inland.

Topics include:

• Carentan

• Hedgerow fighting

• Linking the beachheads

• German counterattacks

• The struggle to hold Normandy

Why This Series Matters

D-Day was not simply one battle fought on one morning.

It was the result of years of preparation, intelligence work, industrial buildup, airborne planning, naval coordination, and sacrifice.

The beaches are only part of the story.

This series aims to explore the operations behind the invasion — the planning rooms, the training grounds, the airborne assembly areas, the deception campaigns, and the first brutal days inside Normandy.

If you’re interested in WWII history, airborne operations, special operations, military planning, or the Normandy campaign itself, I hope you’ll follow along throughout the week.

The road to the longest day begins now.

— Aly
The WW II Archive

In the early hours of June 6, 1944, long before the first landing craft struck the beaches of Normandy, thousands of American paratroopers were already on the ground—scattered across the French countryside, disoriented, and under fire.

They did not land together.
They did not land where they were supposed to.

But they fought anyway.

The Mission Before Dawn

The American airborne assault on D-Day was led by the 101st Airborne Division and the 82nd Airborne Division. Their mission was clear—but incredibly difficult.

They were not landing on beaches.
They were not supported by tanks or naval guns.

They were being dropped deep behind enemy lines in the dark.

Their objectives were critical to the success of the invasion:

• Secure the causeways leading inland from Utah Beach

• Destroy bridges to slow German reinforcements

• Disrupt communication and movement behind enemy lines

• Create confusion before the main landings began

Around 13,000 American paratroopers boarded C-47 aircraft in England on the night of June 5, 1944. Packed tightly into transport planes, they flew low over the English Channel, heading toward occupied France.

Chaos in the Drop Zones

The plan looked precise on paper.

The reality was anything but.

Heavy cloud cover, anti-aircraft fire, and inexperienced navigation led to one of the most scattered airborne drops in military history. Pilots broke formation. Troops jumped early, late, or in the wrong locations entirely.

Paratroopers landed miles from their assigned drop zones.
Some landed in flooded fields and drowned under the weight of their gear.
Others were separated from their units the moment they hit the ground.

The Norman countryside—thick with hedgerows, narrow lanes, and limited visibility—made regrouping even harder.

But something unexpected happened.

Instead of collapsing into confusion, the paratroopers adapted.

Fighting Without Orders

With units scattered and officers missing, the traditional chain of command broke down almost immediately.

So they replaced it with initiative.

Small groups formed on the ground—often made up of whoever happened to land nearby. Officers, enlisted men, engineers, and medics fought side by side, regardless of unit.

They improvised.
They moved toward gunfire.
They focused on the mission, not the plan.

One of the most important early victories came in the town of Sainte-Mère-Église, where paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne secured a key crossroads. It became one of the first towns liberated during the invasion.

Across Normandy, small airborne groups:

• Seized bridges and crossroads

• Destroyed German positions

• Blocked reinforcements moving toward the beaches

• Created the illusion of a much larger force

German commanders struggled to understand what was happening. Reports came in from everywhere at once. The battlefield felt larger, more chaotic, and more dangerous than expected.

Why It Mattered

By the time the first waves hit Utah Beach at dawn, the battlefield had already been shaped.

Because of the paratroopers:

• German reinforcements were delayed and disorganized

• Key routes inland were secured

• Defensive coordination was disrupted

• American forces landing on Utah Beach faced less concentrated resistance

The airborne assault didn’t go according to plan.

But it succeeded in something just as important—it created opportunity.

D-Day is often remembered for the beaches—the landing craft, the waves of infantry, the fight to break through the Atlantic Wall.

But hours before that, in the darkness over Normandy, the battle had already begun.

Scattered across unfamiliar ground, without clear leadership or support, American paratroopers turned chaos into momentum.

They were never supposed to fight the war this way.

But when everything went wrong—

they made it work.

-Aly

Utah Beach to Cherbourg book

Normandy Course

Normandy Course link

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines the planning, execution, and outcome of the Allied invasion of Normandy during Operation Overlord. Students will analyze airborne operations, amphibious landings, small-unit combat in the hedgerows, and the breakout across France.

Special attention is given to:

• American airborne forces (101st & 82nd)

• Operational decision-making under uncertainty

• Logistics and battlefield medicine

• Special operations and intelligence roles

By the end of the course, students will understand how planning, adaptability, and leadership shaped one of the most decisive campaigns of World War II.

Read more

World War II was a global conflict fought across multiple continents and oceans. Because of the vast geographic scale of the war, historians divide the conflict into major theaters of war. Each theater had its own strategic priorities, military leaders, geography, and types of warfare.

Understanding the theaters of World War II provides an important foundation for studying the major campaigns, battles, and operations that shaped the course of the war.

The conflict is most commonly divided into three primary theaters:

• European Theater
• Mediterranean Theater
• Pacific Theater

Each theater represented a different strategic environment and required different military approaches.

European Theater Map

European Theater

The European Theater was the central battleground of the war in Europe. It began with the German invasion of Poland in 1939 and ended with the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

Major fighting occurred across Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Atlantic region. Early in the war, German forces achieved rapid victories through the use of mechanized warfare and coordinated air support.

Key events in this theater included:

• Invasion of Poland

• Battle of Britain

• Normandy landings

• Battle of the Bulge

The later years of the European Theater saw the Allied liberation of Western Europe and the eventual collapse of Nazi Germany as Allied forces advanced into German territory from both the west and the east.

Med. Theater

Mediterranean Theater

The Mediterranean Theater included military operations in North Africa, southern Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea. This theater became strategically important because it controlled vital sea lanes between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Early battles in the region focused on control of North Africa, where Allied and Axis forces fought for control of supply routes and key ports.

Major campaigns in the Mediterranean Theater included:

• North African campaign

• Operation Torch

• Allied invasion of Sicily

• Italian campaign

Fighting in this theater often involved difficult terrain, including deserts and mountainous regions. Amphibious landings and naval operations were also a central part of the campaign.

Pacific Theater Map

Pacific Theater

The Pacific Theater encompassed the vast region of the Pacific Ocean and East Asia, where Allied forces fought against Imperial Japan.

The war in the Pacific began with Japan’s rapid expansion across Asia and the Pacific, culminating in the surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor.

• Attack on Pearl Harbor

Following this attack, the United States and its allies launched a long campaign to push Japanese forces back across the Pacific through a strategy known as island hopping.

Major events in the Pacific Theater included:

• Battle of Midway

• Battle of Iwo Jima

• Battle of Okinawa

The Pacific war ended in 1945 following the Allied advance toward Japan and the eventual surrender of the Japanese Empire.

Understanding the Global War

Studying World War II through its theaters helps explain how a single conflict could span such a vast portion of the world. Each theater presented unique strategic challenges, required different military tactics, and involved different alliances.

These theaters also serve as the foundation for understanding the major campaigns and operations that shaped the war, from airborne assaults in Europe to amphibious landings across the Pacific.

Future posts will explore these campaigns in greater detail, including operations such as the Normandy invasion and the battles that followed.

This course examines World War II at the small-unit level, focusing on how soldiers, medics, and junior leaders survived, adapted, and made decisions under extreme conditions.

Rather than emphasizing grand strategy or timelines, the course centers on decentralized leadership, isolation, battlefield medicine, and adaptation during prolonged combat.

Students are expected to arrive with baseline WWII knowledge from a 101-level course.

Read more

Happy learning!

Read more

Escape!

Sept 1, 1939

Germany-France Border

Leaves crunched violently under her heavy boots, small twigs attached themselves to her hair and she ran through them, terrified, not looking back. To look back would acknowledge the monsters chasing her. Charlotte’s lungs burned, but she had to keep going, luckily her backpack wasn’t too heavy.

She could hear distant shouting in the back, she knew she had to be close to the border. Thunder clapped above her head, the wind blew at her back, almost pushing her along. She could hear French shouting in front of her. A calm went through her, the shouting behind her was getting louder. She had to make it to the border, she had to get out.

“Aidez moi, Aidez moi!” Charlotte began shouting. The guards stood up and ran to her, she handed them her passport, and they immediately ushered her to the guard gate. “Parlez vous anglais?” Charlotte inquired. “Yes Miss, how can we help?” The Nazis are moving to invade Poland, we must get word to your President, and I must be on my way to England.” Charlotte said hastily. A large truck came around, it had a tarp over the back, to help keep out the rain. Suddenly metal started hitting the side of the trucks. “Quickly miss, they are shooting at us!” Charlotte turned around, only to see a young soldier get hit in the chest, dark red fluid stained his shirt. He was yelling in agony, another two soldiers grabbed onto each of his arms, and drug him off. Charlotte laid down in the back of the truck, to avoid the incoming gunfire.

Someone hit the side of the truck heavily three times, and the truck surged forward. She sat up; they flew down the bumpy dirt road. Charlotte had time now to catch her breath and rub her legs. She removed her backpack, and grabbed her sandwich which was wrapped in brown paper, tied with brown string.

She quickly ate the cheese sandwich; she was so hungry. “Miss you are arriving at the airfield, it will take you to Calais, from there you will take a steamer directly to London.” “Brilliant, thank you.” The truck came to a sliding stop, she quickly rose and walked to the end of the truck, she climbed down, and the soldiers guided her to the aircraft that would fly her to Calais. She could hear the engine roar, she quickened her steps, she had to get to London.

She had to help save England.

Sept. 1, 1939

London, England

Anthony crossed London Street, headed back to his shift. There was an uncomfortable hum in the air. The clouds were gathering on the horizon, an impending storm was brewing. “Hello, Sir, how was your lunch?” replied Midge. “It was good, thank you for asking.” Anthony said. His mind was racing, he needed to focus on his upcoming surgery. “Sir, your patient is prepped and being wheeled into the operating theatre.” “Good, let us scrub in and start straight away.” Twenty minutes later Dr. Blakeley was walking into the theatre. He peered at the x-ray films with furrowed brows. Poor chap’s leg was broken in several places. “Well let’s get on.” Anthony replied.

The surgery was a success, Anthony was pleased with how the surgery went. He was walking out the hospital doors, when Midge yelled for him. “Sir, please wait, you have a telegram from the Countess of Forrester, and it says it’s urgent.” He took the fragile telegram and gently opened it. He read the contents quickly. Thunder clapped above his head; rain began to fall. “The Germans are moving to Poland.” So, it was war that would be starting. He shook his head. “Come on Midge, we need to prepare for the upcoming war.” “Sir?” “Germany is invading Poland now. Tell your family to prepare. Take tomorrow off to help them prepare.” “Thank you, Sir.” She walked down the street and out of sight. He continued to the end of London Street. He hailed a cab, and shortly one pulled up. “St James’ Square please.” Anthony said, “Right away Sir.”

They drove past Hyde Park; children were playing with Kites and dolls. Moms pushing prams in front of them trying to find shelter under the trees, Dads helping their kids to pull in their kites. They were all so blissfully unaware of what was coming. “Here we are, Sir, St James Square.” The cabbie replied. Anthony paid him and got out of the car. The rain was coming down quite intensely, so much so he would have to change his clothes. “Good evening, Sir, your mother and Father are in the drawing room.” “I’m going to change first and then I will be down for tea, I’m famished.” “Very good Sir.” Edmund the butler said.

Anthony climbed the stairs and strode down the hall. He quickly changed and left his clothes on hangers to dry in the bathroom. He descended the stairs; he could hear lively chatter from the drawing room. He took a large breath in and entered. “Good evening, Mother, Father, little ones, Peter.” Anthony greeted everyone. He went over to the side table, poured himself a cup of tea and added milk. He got a plate full of sandwiches, he picked a seat next to Clara, the youngest, and sat down on the plush couch. “Well, I have received a telegram from Charlotte, and its most dire news.” Margaret gasped, “Oh no darling, is she safe?” “She has escaped Germany and is traveling back here as we speak. Germany is on the move.”

The room immediately became somber, the smaller girls looked on the verge of tears. “Father, we need to prepare the big house, we may need to convert part of it into a hospital. We need to be getting supplies as we speak, the farmlands need to be planted as soon as possible.” “Ok I will go phone the big house, Margaret you make preparations to close this house up. All the art needs to go to the big house, the little ones and Peter shall leave for the big house tonight. Nanny can take them up, would that be ok darling?”

“Yes of course dear, I will gather the staff to brief them. “We should hire more staff for the farming work to be done, I want the four plots we haven’t been using to be plowed immediately.” Charles rose, and walked from the room, he picked up the phone receiver, “Hello Operator, Ipswich Manor please, Yorkshire County, very good.” “Ipswich Manor, this is Gwen. How can I help?”

“Gwen it’s me, we are preparing to come to the big house, Mr. Carter and Mrs. Seacliff will get there late tonight. We need to get the house ready to produce massive amounts of food, but also the possibility of using the house as a hospital.” He could hear Gwen trying to compose herself, she knew what this meant.

“Very good Sir, we shall be ready.” Goodbye.” Charles placed the receiver back down and turned to see the staff entering the drawing room. He gathered his wits and walked back into the room. “Thank you everyone for coming in, we have some news to discuss, we must move quickly to prepare everything. The Germans are on the move.”

Small gasps could be heard around the room from the staff. Anthony continued on “We must pack up the house quickly, everything except a few beds must go, in case the house needs to be used for shelter. The big house will start producing food for the surrounding villages as well as using it as a hospital if need be.” “We need to move quickly before word gets out. Questions?” Everyone shook their heads, and with that everything was set in motion.

There was a hard thud, the plane Charlotte was flying in landed. She couldn’t wait to be home and take a hot bath. She was relieved she had been able to send out a telegram to Anthony, hopefully they were preparing now. She looked at her watch, six o’clock, her stomach growling with vengeance. The plane turned to taxi to a stop. She could see a small truck with stairs attached to the top driving towards them.

The door swung open, and she got up, she tossed her backpack on to her back, and strode down the stairs. “Come miss the boat is waiting to take you to London.” “Wonderful, thank you so much.” Walking towards the dock, she started to feel like a weight was being lifted off her shoulders.

She climbed down the ladder, to get on the boat. “Let’s be on our way, Miss, there are storms in London right now.” As soon as she was on the boat, the boat went into motion. Dark clouds were on the horizon in front of them, the boat driver was right, they were headed for a big storm. She hoped Anthony would be at the docks to pick her up, otherwise she would get drenched walking back to the house. She had no money left.

In an hour’s time, all the art was packed onto the back of the large lorry they had rented to move the items to the big house. The children, the Nanny, the tutor, Mr. Carter and Mrs. Seacliff had all left for the big house. Poor Margaret was sipping on some whiskey in the drawing room. Anthony came in to check on his mother, she had teary eyes.

“Mother, they will be alright, they will be safe up there.” “You are right of course; I just don’t like being away from my duckies.” “I must be away to the docks to pick up Charlotte. Is it ok if she stays for the evening? Her parents closed Bransley House and are back up at the Park.” “Of course, stop and pick up some food for her, because cook left. Maybe get her some clothes to wear as well. I’m sure she doesn’t have much.” “Thank you, Mother.”

Anthony turned and left the room, got his coat, hat and umbrella. “Harrods please.” He asked the cab driver. “Sure, enough Sir.” Away they went down the road. The roads were soaked from the thunderstorm that was still actively happening outside. The cab had to slow his driving due to him splashing water up onto the sidewalks. The lights of Harrods shined brightly through the rain-covered windows.

“Here we are Sir.” “Excellent, please keep the meter running.” “Will do, Sir.” Anthony walked into the store. Immediately a clerk approached him. His name badge said “Hugh” “I am looking for the Women’s department please.” “Ah Yes, right this way Sir.” They walked up the stairs, Hugh asked questions regarding the clothes he was looking for. “Dresses, slacks and a sweater?” “Let’s do several outfits, I’m not sure how long she will be in town for, and she has had a difficult journey.” “My apologies Sir.” “Maude here will help you select items for your friend, I bid you good evening.” They shook hands, Anthony turned to Maude and introduced himself. She guided him towards the women’s department. “Now Sir, Mr. Hugh told me you wanted several outfits for your friend, we have a selection of dresses, as well as sweaters, blouses and slacks. Will she need shoes too?” “Yes, that would be great, thank you.” Anthony and Maude selected several outfits and Maude wrapped everything; she gave him the total. He gave her the amount plus a tip for being so helpful.

He had just enough time to go to the small café and order food for her. Their favorite place to get tea was The Ruffled Chicken. He needed to hurry; he only had an hour left. It was pouring rain, more like the sky was falling he chuckled to himself. They pulled up to the café, and he immediately got out. He hastily went inside, he was greeted by Anne Winters, she had waited on them several times before.

“Good evening, Sir, how can I help you tonight? You know the countess is likely to be very cross with you since you came without her.” She said smiling. “I’m actually getting food for her; she has been traveling abroad and is quite tired from her journey.” “Oh goodness I’m sorry to hear she is tired Sir. What can I package up for you? Some of her favorites perhaps?” “Yes please, as well as some extra Scones, Clotted Cream, and Strawberry Jam as well.” “Certainly Sir, please give me five minutes or so.” “Wonderful” he exclaimed.

True to her word Anne came back with several boxes, all tied so neatly. “Sir, I also added a small tin of her favorite tea too Sir, on the house.” “Oh goodness, thank you, she will be so excited about that.” He handed her the amount due, and she handed him the boxes. He was pleased, it had not taken nearly as long as he expected, he would drop off the packages and still make it in time. “Back to the house please, then to the docks.” “Right away Sir. Wow those sandwiches smell amazing.” “Brilliant, I picked you up some as well.” “Ah thank you very kindly Sir.”

They came to a stop in front of the house, The cabbie helped him take all the packages to the door. Mr. Edmund opened the door and quickly took the packages. “Please, can you have the tea ready, and the other packages can be placed on the couch in the drawing room? Can you also ensure the fire is going well too?” “Consider it done Sir” The two men turned and walked out of the house, loaded back into the car. “All set Sir?” “Yes, all set.”

The car went into action, the windshield wipers going as fast as they possibly could, still to see out was difficult. “Shouldn’t take us too long to arrive, Sir, the traffic is very light.” “Wonderful, thank you again.” Anthony said to him. The lights started to dim slightly as they got closer to the docks, Anthony could smell the sea air coming in, it smelled fresh.

His stomach let out a loud roar, he was quite hungry as it was dinnertime, and the afternoon had been fraught with stress. The car slowed to a stop, as they approached the information booth. Anthony rolled down the window, “Hello we are looking for dock 3.” “Yes sir, down to the left Sir, steamer coming in from France, Calais to be exact.” “Brilliant, that’s the one. Countess Forester is on board.” “Oh, The Countess is back? That was a quick journey.” “The circumstances are dire.” Anthony flatly replied. “Sorry to hear that Sir. Ah the steamer is pulling in now Sir.” “Great, thank you.”

Anthony rolled up his window, and they slowly crept forward towards the dock. Two men leapt onto the dock, with rope in their hands to secure the steamer to the dock. They secured the gangway to the steamer and dock. He could hear a feminine voice aboard, he could see some movement, then an umbrella opening. She was back. Her hair was plastered to her head, drenched from the rain. Anthony quickly walked to her, his large umbrella keeping the rain at bay.

“Well Hello, how are you fairing?” “A bit chilled, the weather was dreadful coming over.” “Come on, I have a taxi waiting for us.” “Oh, you are a dear!” She stepped forward and he pulled her into a tight embrace. He released her and they quickly walked to the car. The chill in the air was heavy and thick, shivers went down Charlotte’s spine.

She was so cold and tired; she hoped her parents were at home. She needed a hot shower, food and then bed. “Your parents have closed Bransley Park and gone back to the manor.” “Oh well that’s an inconvenience. Can you take me by the bank? I will need to get a room for the evening and to get something to eat.” Charlotte said tiredly. “No, I have answers to both of those needs.” Anthony replied.

They pulled up to the house, Anthony paid and tipped the cabbie. They quickly walked up the steps, as the rain was still pouring down. Poor Charlotte was shivering, she couldn’t wait to get some warm clothes on. The door swung open, and Edmund held the door open for them. They entered and gave their hats and coats to him.

“Sir everything is ready in the drawing room.” “Ah, thank you Edmund,” Anthony said. They walked into the drawing room, it smelled heavenly. It smelled of freshly brewed tea and sweet cakes. The fire was crackling in the fireplace. It was so warm, cozy and inviting. “Oh gosh, this is just lovely Anthony, thank you.” “Come let’s sit down and chat.” “Oh, Anthony it was awful, the things that were happening, the things that they were saying.” Charlotte spat out. Anthony poured her a cup of tea, added a bit of cream, and handed it to her. He then loaded up her plate with the sandwiches and sweets he got from the café. “Oh, this is amazing, truly.”

“Brilliant, I also got you some other surprises as well. He lifted the boxes from the side table and handed them to her. “Oh goodness, Tony you didn’t have to.” “Yes, but I think you will like them.” She removed the string, opened the box, and pushed aside the paper wrapping. She did this with all the boxes, her face beaming. “We have gotten a room ready for you as well.” “Oh, you have really thought of everything, thank you so much.” She gave him a warm embrace; he kissed the top of her head gently. “Come on, I will show you to your room, I will carry the boxes up.” “Edmund, can you bring up a fresh pot of tea, as well as a scone with cream and jam?” “Certainly Sir.” Anthony led the way up the stairs, the sounds of rain could be heard as they climbed the great staircase. She stifled a yawn and giggled afterwards. He laughed, “Gee I hope I’m not too boring.”

They both laughed. “Ok here we are, he swung open the door.” The bed had been turned down, the fire felt nice and warm. “The bath is through that door, fresh towels too. Here is Edmund with the tea.” Anthony walked to the wireless to put on some music for her. “Good night, see you in the morning.”

Charlotte started removing her outfit, it was partly dry, but it needed a good washing. She turned the bath on, she wanted a quick bath and then bed. She removed her clothes and sank down into the tub. Oh, how wonderful the bath feels. She quickly bathed, got out and dressed. She would fix her hair tomorrow. Right now, she needed rest. She got into bed, the sheets were soft, the pillows nice and fluffy. She fell asleep within minutes.

Under The Crimson Sky book

This is a conversation space exclusively for subscribers—kind of like a group chat or live hangout. I’ll post questions and updates that come my way, and you can jump into the discussion.

Join chat

How to get started

1. Get the Substack app by clicking this link or the button below. New chat threads won’t be sent sent via email, so turn on push notifications so you don’t miss conversation as it happens. You can also access chat on the web.

Get app

2. Open the app and tap the Chat icon. It looks like two bubbles in the bottom bar, and you’ll see a row for my chat inside.

3. That’s it! Jump into my thread to say hi, and if you have any issues, check out Substack’s FAQ.