30 April 1943 – British Submarine Seraph, took part in preparations for the invasion of Sicily in one of the most unusual operations of World War Two. In a cloak and dagger plot Seraph went to sea carrying a cadaver alleged to be that of the deceased Major Martin of the Royal Marines. On his body they place “secret” messages to deceive the Germans. The letters were to have been from General Nye, British Vice Chief, and Admiral Mountbatten, Chief of Operations, to Eisenhower, Alexander and Cunningham with details for an allied invasion of Greece. Just off the Spanish port of Huelva the Seraph released the body in hopes it would be recovered by the Germans. In fact, it was and contributed confusion as to the Allies true strategy, impacting German defensive planning. In part it resulted in Patton’s relatively easy landing at Gela, Sicily.
© Gregg Smith
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