AtLast_[07]

>> To the Violins of Autumn <<

Editor's note: The title is based on Paul Verlaine [ Song of Autumn - first verse ]

Les sanglots longs des violons de l'automne Blessent mon coeur d'une langueur monotone

The long sobs of the violins of autumn Wound my heart with a monotonous languor.

The 1944 BBC radio announcement, heard across France, that 'Autumn Song' would be read in an upcoming broadcast was a code to listen closely for a brief sample (the first line) in following announcements. If the reading reached the second line "Blessent mon coer...", the allied sea invasion of France had begun. Landings would occur within hours. French resistance was, by this signal, to immediately destroy rail lines, key roads, communications, and German targets. Invasion ! Normandy !