The Gale of Hurricane Force on the Normandy BeachTony Law's painting depicts the effects of the gale which struck the Normandy invasion beaches from 19-22 June 1944.
Law witnessed the storm while commanding a flotilla of Canadian motor torpedo boats helping to guard the invasion beaches. The gale endangered the flow of supplies and reinforcements to the Allied bridgehead in Normandy. Striking with tremendous force, it drove ashore vessels like the landing craft seen at right, and destroyed one of the two "Mulberry" artificial harbours used to help land troops, equipment, and supplies.
The Gale of Hurricane Force on the Normandy Beach
Painted by Tony Law in 1945
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4073