The D-Day deception operations GLIMMER and TAXABLE

Abstract

The D-Day landings were the most ambitious amphibious operation in history. This paper and presentation examines the deception operations associated with the D-Day landings, focusing particularly on Operations GLIMMER and TAXABLE, which were spoof invasions executed at the same time as the genuine landings, and on some of the electronic warfare techniques and equipment used to deceive the German radars. By examining previously-classified documents it is shown that the equipment was ingenious and sophisticated, and that the overall deception operations played a major role in the success of the D-Day landings.