Ike: Countdown to D-Day

Ike's sharp-wisted chief of staff and confidant. He weighs the personal and political costs of ambitious plans, quietly steering communications and coordinating the flow of intelligence. Smith recognizes the fragility of alliances and grounds Ike’s decisions in practical realities.

Supreme Commander of SHAEF, central to the invasion planning and the drive for unified command. He asserts control, weighs risks, and accepts responsibility for the outcome. Ike’s leadership blends resolve with a willingness to shoulder the consequences if the operation fails.

Prime Minister who pressures, negotiates, and ultimately supports a bold invasion plan. He challenges plans when necessary and admires Ike’s resolve to bear responsibility. Churchill’s presence underscores the political stakes at every critical turn.

Commander of the 1st US Army, involved in the deception and deployment decisions. He contributes a grounded, pragmatic perspective on casualty estimates and the balance between risk and reward. Bradley’s input helps shape the operational timing on the ground.

Ground forces commander whose planning and perspective influence the execution of the invasion. He weighs the timing of landings and the readiness of ground assault elements, ensuring coordination with air and naval actions.

Brash, highly skilled armored commander who faces reprimand for public remarks about allied unity. He is valued for his expertise in armored warfare and will be crucial once forces are ashore, though his demeanor tests diplomatic protocol.

Group Captain who forecasts the weather and its impact on the operation. His readings become a pivotal factor in the final invasion date, illustrating the power of meteorology in strategic planning.

Free French leader who engages with Eisenhower about post-invasion governance and communication with the French people. His perspective introduces post-liberation political considerations into the planning process.

Air leadership figure who critiques plan estimates for airborne casualties. He ultimately offers an apology when outcomes defy his dire projections, highlighting the tension between air power estimates and battlefield reality.

British monarch briefed on Operation Overlord, sharing the fears of potential losses. His presence underscores the human and national stakes of the invasion.

The Queen who is kept informed about the invasion planning and its human costs, embodying the support and concern of the British people during wartime.

Senior officer relieved for disclosing sensitive information, illustrating the risks of leaks within the alliance and the consequences for command integrity.

U.S. officer associated with events at the Savoy, reflecting the close-quarters collaboration between Allied forces and Allied staff in London.

Captain involved in the operational briefing and coordination threads that connect air, sea, and ground elements of the invasion plan.

Supporting figure in the operations room who contributes to the conveyance of live information and plan visualization during briefings.

Minor but symbolic presence in the Savoy setting, representing the civilian dimension and social backdrop to high-stakes planning.