But Not Omaha or Juno
Captain Peter Doherty had recently qualified from Harvard Medical School and immediately enlisted in the US Marines following a long line of Dohertys before him. After training he was assigned to the Marine Headquarters in England where he got a rare opportunity of catching up with his father, General Jack Doherty.
They arranged to meet at the Savoy and have lunch.
‘Gee Dad it’s great to catch up after all this time. You look great. I haven’t seen you with your General’s stars before. Very impressive.’
‘Thanks son. Yes this war has split up many a family, some of them for good.’
‘Yeah. Sad but necessary. The good guys have got to get rid of Hitler and the Nazis.’
‘Don’t forget the Japs.’
‘Hell no! We need to beat the crap out of them. Have you heard where poor Tom is being imprisoned?’
‘No, we get no information whatsoever. The Japs aren’t a signatory to the Geneva Convention so they just make up the rules as they go. Under the Convention they are obligated to inform the authorities who they have imprisoned and where. Not the fucking Japs.’
‘Knowing Tom, he’ll survive.’
‘I hope you’re right, Peter. Have you got any idea where you might be assigned, son?’
‘Dad, you’ve probably got a better idea than me. I suspect it could be retaking Europe. It’s about bloody time - but I don’t know.’
The two men ate their lunch and shared a bottle of French red wine.
‘How’s Mum coping not knowing if Tom’s alive or not. It must be difficult for her with you away so much?’
‘She copes, but it’s not easy for her. I hope you get some time to see her while you’re here.’
‘Definitely! Soon as I get some leave.’
Father and son, General and Captain, shook hands and said their goodbyes.
Neither of them could know that they would not meet again until the war had ended.
Peter returned to base and waited for his orders; they didn’t take long in coming.
The following day, 4th June 1944, he was ordered to report to the commander of the First Infantry Division, Major General Clarence R. Huebner.
‘Captain, we are about to embark on a mission that will turn the course of the war. We are about to take back France and after that, all the territory between the French coast and Berlin.
‘It’s not going to be easy and we will suffer many casualties. It will be your job and the job of all the medical teams to ensure the wounded are either treated where they fall, or transported to the hospital ships for more serious medical attention. I wish you well. And don’t get shot.’
‘Thank you, sir. I shall try and stay in one piece. When are we due to leave?’
‘Tomorrow.’
The weather was not conducive for such a massive operation and the fleet was forced to return. The next day, 6th June, the armada set sail for France heading for the Normandy coast.