Obama on Operation Overlord's Omaha...

Today is the 65th anniversary of D-Day: 6th June 1944 is a day that certainly changed the course of World War II and as such the course of the 20th Century and 'today' as we know it.

Five Normandy beaches were attacked simultaneously by a coalition of allied forces. Omaha beach - where US Presiedent Barack Obama visted today [BBC] - was the hardest hit in terms of enemy opposition and death toll. The other landings at the beaches code-named Utah (US) Gold, Juno and Sword (British, Canadian and Commonwealth) had casualties but nowhere near the severe losses at Omaha beach - this isn't to say those other beaches don't deserve the same respect and remembrance as Omaha.

The D-Day campaign lasted 11 weeks and in that time the death toll was higher than in the worst battles of 'The Great War': Verdun 1916 (2,300 per day over 299 days), the Somme 1916 (6,400/day over 142 days) or Passchendaele 1917 (4,600/day over 113 days).

The total included allied soldiers killed, allied aircrew, German combatants, 2,483 Normans with link to the French Resistance that were executed before or during the campaign, civilians killed in the bombing that was a forerunner to the invasion. Details from Peter Caddick-Adams (Military historian) "June 6, 1944: UK's last day as a superpower"

Obama on Operation Overlord's Omaha...

Today is the 65th anniversary of D-Day: 6th June 1944 is a day that certainly changed the course of World War II and as such the course of the 20th Century and 'today' as we know it.

Five Normandy beaches were attacked simultaneously by a coalition of allied forces. Omaha beach - where US Presiedent Barack Obama visted today [BBC] - was the hardest hit in terms of enemy opposition and death toll. The other landings at the beaches code-named Utah (US) Gold, Juno and Sword (British, Canadian and Commonwealth) had casualties but nowhere near the severe losses at Omaha beach - this isn't to say those other beaches don't deserve the same respect and remembrance as Omaha.

The D-Day campaign lasted 11 weeks and in that time the death toll was higher than in the worst battles of 'The Great War': Verdun 1916 (2,300 per day over 299 days), the Somme 1916 (6,400/day over 142 days) or Passchendaele 1917 (4,600/day over 113 days).

The total included allied soldiers killed, allied aircrew, German combatants, 2,483 Normans with link to the French Resistance that were executed before or during the campaign, civilians killed in the bombing that was a forerunner to the invasion. Details from Peter Caddick-Adams (Military historian) "June 6, 1944: UK's last day as a superpower"

"We therefore owe it to our country to give it a real choice. We need to show that we are prepared to fight to be a credible government and have the courage to offer an alternative future.

I am therefore calling on you to stand aside to give our Party a fighting chance of winning. As such I am resigning from government.

The Party was here long before us, and we want it to be here long after we have gone. We must do the right thing by it."

How much longer can this go on? Early results suggest a Labour wipeout in many regions where local elections were taking place. Another minister resigns: Link through image...

P.S. Anyone seen Blair? Don't forget his part in all this.

"We therefore owe it to our country to give it a real choice. We need to show that we are prepared to fight to be a credible government and have the courage to offer an alternative future.

I am therefore calling on you to stand aside to give our Party a fighting chance of winning. As such I am resigning from government.

The Party was here long before us, and we want it to be here long after we have gone. We must do the right thing by it."

How much longer can this go on? Early results suggest a Labour wipeout in many regions where local elections were taking place. Another minister resigns: Link through image...

P.S. Anyone seen Blair? Don't forget his part in all this.

Out of office IV...

Below is a picture earlier in the UK Labour government's third term; navigating another dodgy turn: this was when it still had 3 wheels...link by clicking on image.

"The collapse of morale sweeping Labour ranks was laid bare yesterday when Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, and Tom Watson, one of Gordon Brown's closest political allies, revealed that they were quitting the government during a chaotic day that often appeared to be spiralling out of Downing Street's control."

Oh look THERE goes another one! "Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has quit the cabinet, increasing pressure on UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown"

Out of office IV...

Below is a picture earlier in the UK Labour government's third term; navigating another dodgy turn: this was when it still had 3 wheels...link by clicking on image.

"The collapse of morale sweeping Labour ranks was laid bare yesterday when Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, and Tom Watson, one of Gordon Brown's closest political allies, revealed that they were quitting the government during a chaotic day that often appeared to be spiralling out of Downing Street's control."

Oh look THERE goes another one! "Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has quit the cabinet, increasing pressure on UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown"

On other occasions...

Is it right that "the BBC is not doing an election programme on the 5th" and won't be on air until 9pm on the Sunday?...in Spain, and presumably other European countries, the vote is on the Sunday so there is some logic for not too much Euro coverage (really?) but there are also many local elections taking place in the UK...has the BBC suddenly lost the enthusiastic will that it has had on other occasions?

Ian Dale invites you (link through image) If you want to appear live on the programme TELEPHONE 01243 556161. Or E-MAIL: talk@playradiouk.com or on SKYPE: play.radio.uk

On other occasions...

Is it right that "the BBC is not doing an election programme on the 5th" and won't be on air until 9pm on the Sunday?...in Spain, and presumably other European countries, the vote is on the Sunday so there is some logic for not too much Euro coverage (really?) but there are also many local elections taking place in the UK...has the BBC suddenly lost the enthusiastic will that it has had on other occasions?

Ian Dale invites you (link through image) If you want to appear live on the programme TELEPHONE 01243 556161. Or E-MAIL: talk@playradiouk.com or on SKYPE: play.radio.uk