David O'Keefe @okeefehistorian Twitter profile

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David O'Keefe

2 years

@IHistorical @WW2TV @WeHaveWaysPod @James1940 @bletchleypark All naval facilities carried new model regardless of what traffic they dealt with on regular basis:

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

An absolutely chilling account of Omaha Beach 80 years ago.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Didn’t have this on my D-Day 80 bingo card - watching the cast of Band of Brothers make a para drop while being serenaded by General George Patton’s granddaughter!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

General Omar Bradley visiting Omaha Beach in 1969. Late on the night of June 5th he received word through "Ultra" that the Omaha Beach sector had been unexpectedly reinforced by the Germans and the men scheduled to land would now face a greater Hell than previously expected.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Ed Kesterson making his first pilgrimage to see his uncles’s grave. Sgt Ed Vargo was KIA in first wave at Omaha Beach with A Company, 1st BN, 116th regiment of 29 Div.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Americans paying their respects to the 20 Canadians murdered by the 12SS at Abbaye D’Ardennes 80 years ago.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

When the Yanks stop by to pay tribute to the Canucks on D-Day. #junobeach #dday80

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

40 years ago today. Pete Townsend takes Bruce Springsteen to the Hammersmith Palais in London to see and meet an up and coming band - U2.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 months

80th anniversary of the Black Watch massacre on Verrieres Ridge. Pipe-Major Andy Kerr pays his respects.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Omaha Beach cemetery 80 years to the day. These clowns decide it’s a rally. There’s a time and a place and this is not it - unless they’re paying respects to those lost to bone spurs.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Main Beach. Dieppe. 0520hrs (plus 80 years) the moment the frontal assault began. Lest we forget.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Sunrise, Normandy. D-Plus 80 years.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Just to confirm…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Running into James Holland and Woody from @WW2TV as the cast of Band of Brothers drops from the sky, and we are serenaded by General Patton’s granddaughter. There’s some things in life you just can’t make up.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Omaha 80 years later. Water clear. All is good.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Let's get a little dust-up going, shall we?

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Happy 20th Anniversary to the Juno Beach Center in Normandy.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Pound for Pound the greatest war movie ever made. Released on this day in 1977.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Button up and go down the Middle. RIP to the greatest Canadian actor of all.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Grave of Major Phillip Griffin. Black Watch. KIA while leading his men up Verrieres Ridge, July 25, 1944 under a direct order from high command.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Black Watch beer in Bourgtheroulde, France named after Canada’s Black Watch who liberated the town on Aug 26-27,1944.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Grave of Canadian hero Moe Hurwitz of the CGG. Bergen-op-Zoom. Netherlands.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Meanwhile, in Montreal…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

THIS is a legit "Freedom Convoy" and the cost. Canadians in the Netherlands, 1945

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

This is one of the earliest marked maps used during outline planning stage for Dieppe Raid discovered in RAF files. Only HQ listed is the Hotel Moderne in harbour which Naval Intelligence suspected housed German naval headquarters. No other targets are listed. 1/2

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

11 months

The Last Commando, Second World War veteran who inspired James Bond, turns 100

The Last Commando, Second World War veteran who inspired James Bond, turns 100 | Globalnews.ca

Tom Boneham was just 19 when he learned of a new unit being formed in the British Army in late 1942. Not much was known of it other than it was “hazardous.”

globalnews.ca

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

5 months

Ted Sharpe, son of Cpl Dale Sharpe from the Black Watch Sniper platoon, met his father seventy years after his death in action. Cpl Sharpe was killed by a shell in the town of Laren, just 3 weeks before Germany's unconditional surrender. He had shipped out before Ted was born.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

The brand new Ranger Memorial on main beach in Dieppe unveiled yesterday for the first time.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Let me expand on an earlier tweet for those confused by the nuances of the situation…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

A wee little poem by John McRae held at the medical library of McGill University in Montreal.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Book signing at the Juno Beach Center today! #dday80

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

#diepperaid No amount of research, regardless of how it changes narrative about intent, will ever eclipse the fact that 1000 Allied soldiers, sailors and airmen (907 CDN) died in just six hours on, off or above the beaches of Dieppe. Thoughts on Aug 19 will always be for them.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 years

@Emilie_Ni @PnPCBC But the real question is: where did they dig Stockwell up from? Can’t think of a more irrelevant “Canadian” on this matter or any matter at anytime. And I’m an historian....

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Massive U-Boat lair at St. Nazaire. U-Boats are also targets of the raid 81 years ago today and not just the drydock.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Kid. In. Candy. Store. Bomber Command Museum, Nanton, Alberta.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Omar Bradley on Omaha beach 25 years after the landings. The weight for him is clearly evident as it must have been early on June 6th when he discovered through Ultra that the Germans had reinforced Omaha during the night. From then onward, it all came down to fate or luck.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

So my daughter goes out for dinner at a popular Montreal eatery. When she finishes her meal she is given a piece of birthday cake leftover from a BDay lunch. When I asked whose birthday it was she said “some hockey player named Guy something”. I have failed as a parent...

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Omaha Beach

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Created just 10 before D-Day, this map from 1st Cdn Army gives an excellent account of how fast the Allies believed the invasion would go. Amazingly, they planned to have Caen by June 10th, Verrieres Ridge and the area south for airfields by the 14th, and Falaise right after.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

5 months

Question of the day: Op Market-Garden. What exactly were the plans if Arnhem Bridge had been captured and XXX Corps poured over in strength? This seems to be a big gap in the historiography. There must be subsequent ops planned to exploit or consolidate any success?? Ideas?

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

I don’t see “hot tub” or “bouncy castle”…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Today, thanks to Brendan Kelley from the Gazette, it appears we have found the last living member of Canada’s Black Watch who miraculously survived the massacre on Verrieres Ridge in Normandy in late July 1944! He’s now 101!

Marc Miller ᐅᑭᒫᐃᐧᐅᓃᐸᐄᐧᐤᐃᔨᐣ

@MarcMillerVM

5 years

Join me in wishing Montrealer & World War II Black Watch veteran Allan Nadler a Happy 100th Birthday! He was in great spirits as we spoke on the phone. Happy 100th, Mr. Nadler, and thank you for your service to Canada! #cdnpoli

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Historians ride the backs of armies of gifted archivists. We make “discoveries” from ground that they have carefully and painfully toiled so we can all reap the rewards. When you thank a historian for doing their job send an equal shout out to the archivist behind it all.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

On the anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s death we welcome a new furry daughter into the clan. Say hello to Winnie!!!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Well it’s that time. Scotch done, Cigar done, 16 hours paying tribute to the men who paid the price at Dieppe on that one day in August done. Good night everyone!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

When your daughter trolls you with her faux book club pretending to read your latest…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

"Nobody beats a Flamethrower" - Private Sandy Sanderson, Black Watch Scout Platoon, looking back on the final push into Germany.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

First time in my Mecca in roughly ten years!! I'm a tad happy....

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Just because…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

I'm thinking about leading some battlefield pilgrimages to France, Belgium, Holland and Germany next summer (2022). Who wants to join me?

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

This! Tom is the last surviving member of Ian Fleming’s Commandos! Tom joined 30 Commando after Dieppe and fought in Sicily where he was wounded. He woke up on a hospital ship offshore not knowing what had happened - until 2020 when he learned quite by accident during our chat!

30Commando

@IHistorical

2 years

#HappyBirthday to the last 30 Commando veteran, Tom Boneham who is 100 today!🎂🎁🎉 Many congratulations and we'll be raising a glass to you later 🥃 @Commando_Ops @RoyalMarines @RoyalNavy @RankinNick @dolphinsands @okeefehistorian @RMHistSociety #ww2 #SWW #commando

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Good one.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Now is the time for the Russian people to rise up and overthrow Putin. Be heroes of the world and take Putin out.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Created 10 days before D-Day, 1st Cdn Army map provides excellent evidence as to how the Allies envisioned the invasion to unfold. Northern part Caen by June 10th and Verrieres Ridge and area south for airfields by June 14th. The capture of Verrieres only came on August 8th…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

@22sec2 They certainly have the right, but it is tasteless It thoroughly disconnected given the fact that this is a ceremony for those who died. It was an overt politicalization that was not needed. Eventually, they took the hats off after enough people expressed their displeasure.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Meanwhile, in North America…

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Stamp from Passport control in Dieppe, France. You can’t make this up! ;) Happy James Bond Day

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

RIP Donald Sutherland

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

The great “what if?” of history.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

As much as this is an example of Russian military woes, it also speaks loudly to the relative operational impotence of the Ukrainian forces. This is a target rich environment and it appears is no danger of attack by Ukrainian forces.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

I have a Woody!!!!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

@RobShaw_BC @LindaFrum @PierrePoilievre @cafreeland @CHEK_News All about him. Not shocked.

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@okeefehistorian

2 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

5 months

If yours truly, @militaryhistori and @WW2TV organized a Kelly’s Heroes battlefield tour for next year, who would be interested in joining?

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

Normandy. #Dday80

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

2012 in Dieppe - 70 years to the day. Looking forward to adding to this tradition with the Pipes and Drums of the Black Watch at 0520 on main beach for the 80th tomorrow.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Muddy, wet boots in a field of poppies on the crest of Verrieres Ridge in Normandy. It's been a good day....

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Now this is a biting wit.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

For everyone wrapped up in the misery that is the "March of the Morons" on Ottawa, here's a puppy. Now stop this embarrassment and get back to what matters - puppies.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Congrats to #CWGC for the new headstones at the Bretteville-sur-Laize cemetery in Normandy. They look spectacular!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

The Last Commando, Second World War veteran who inspired James Bond, turns 100

The Last Commando, Second World War veteran who inspired James Bond, turns 100 | Globalnews.ca

Tom Boneham was just 19 when he learned of a new unit being formed in the British Army in late 1942. Not much was known of it other than it was “hazardous.”

globalnews.ca

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

8 years

Congrats #Junos2017 for cutting off Tragically Hip in their last acceptance speech. Class act Junos - real "Canadian" of you.... #idiots

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

6 months

Showed up this morning and I’m already five chapters in. It is a remarkable biography. It is the generational work on Fleming. The new information is just brilliant.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

One week after #historywritersday and both titles sitting on best seller lists! Thank you to all!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Still brings tears.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

One intriguing document from the Dieppe raid - the earliest known planning map from May 42. Key is that the only German HQ marked (and Brit Int knew of others) is the Hotel Moderne - the objective of the Royal Marine Commando. This demonstrates its imperative at raid’s inception.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 months

Dieppe 19/08/1942

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Ultra Secret report that helped change our understanding of intent behind Dieppe. Declassified in 1995, it directly connects pinch of 4Rotor Enigma material to raid and need to cover it. "Scope of objectives should always be sufficiently wide to presuppose normal op objects."

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

#dieppe80 Cdn Commander Maj-Gen "Ham" Roberts' address to his brigade commanders days before the Raid was originally scheduled to take place in late June 1942. The need for speed to take time and space away from the enemy is key. Point 12 is particularly intriguing as well.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

@acambridgediary Meanwhile, on Downing Street:

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

The Dieppe Raid was never launched to draw Luftwaffe into battle. Ops Imperator and Coleman were the alternatives. AVM Leigh-Mallory, the Air Force Commander for Dieppe, was not a fan of the price the RAF would pay to support the pinch. Sadly, he was remarkably accurate.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

The joys of historical research! Discovering a copy of the treatment by Ian Fleming for a James Bond Film. Here is the cover and the first three pages of a 26-page treatment. Held in the FDR Archives in Hyde Park, NY. Goosebumps...;)

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 months

I guess we better rewrite every book on Normandy ever written. Ever.

Acyn

@Acyn

3 months

Guilfoyle: It is no wonder that the heroes who stormed the beaches of Normandy and faced down Communism sadly say they do not recognize our country anymore.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Historical Dust-Up Number two!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

Bretteville Cemetery, Normandy.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

5 years

I am proud to announce that my new book will hit stores on October 29th, 2019 but is up and ready for pre-sale on @amazonbooks as we speak!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

Paperback - August 4!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

3 years

#HolocaustRemembranceDay Three pages from a Nov 1942 report from the codebreakers at Bletchley Park keeping an eye on the developments of genocide.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

1 year

A brief stop on the research tour at Pegasus bridge before we begin the Black Watch trail tomorrow!

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

4 months

#whywefight #DDay80 80 years ago today. 2SS Panzer division murder citizens of Oradour-sur-Glane, France.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

@guywalters Example of the impact of hindsight on our narrative. At the time few had faith this ceasefire would turn into a lasting peace so all sides made a bid to improve their lot before the whistle. When lasting peace came it morphed the way we interpret the events of November 11th.

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David O'Keefe

@okeefehistorian

2 years

Good morning from Gettysburg.

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