This is the story of LCol Gerald Smedley Andrews, a well-known RCE surveyor and mapper.  His Last Post entry has a brief description of his life and the contribution he and his fellow surveyors made during the Second World War.

"The author uses personal letters and other correspondence to illustrate the way Andrews influenced the Survey by way of his relationships with notables like ELM Burns, Andy McNaughton, Lyle Trorey, and Gerry Meuser.  There is a very good layman’s description of his section’s work on calculating beach profiles for the D-Day landings.  They worked in secrecy and isolation, even to the point of doing their own kitchen duties.  Andrews wondered if their work might not be part of a deception plan, but he recalls their elation when learning “their beaches” were chosen.  He repatriated to Canada as a Lt-Col via Italy, Egypt, the Far East, Australia, and Hawaii.  He compares his military service to graduate school following undergraduate studies and work experience.”  …Terry Warner