A fitting tribute

It would be redundant (not to say inadequate) for me to detail the events of that momentous period in history. However, this month's cover story does offer some small tribute to one aspect of the enterprise: the engineering and design of the Mulberry B harbour, which became the vital artery of the invasion and transformed a small Normandy seaside town into the busiest port on earth in the space of a few days. The genuinely remarkable story behind this is covered in this issue, but suffice to say that it is one that is fascinating, inspirational and – perhaps most importantly – places outstanding engineering design at the heart of the narrative. This is because Mulberry?B was an idea that was unique in history, but which nevertheless came to fruition and proved a genuinely transformative technology in the context of the Battle for Normandy. Plus, it has engendered technologies that are still used to this day. What this brought into sharp focus was the critical place that engineering design occupies in most – if not all – significant human endeavours. The fact is that, whenever any major undertaking is being planned, engineers are invariably at the very heart of the planning and execution. Perhaps this does not seem a particularly blinding insight to you. After all, you as engineers know and understand just how crucial your skills are in ensuring the modern world works as it does. But ask yourself if the same is true of the general public. Do they ever give a second thought to the fact that engineering underpins almost every aspect of their daily life? Of course, the commemorations of D-Day should be a solemn remembrance of the heroism, dedication and sacrifice of those who took part in them and an opportunity to remember the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today. That is the focus of this anniversary and the role that engineers played in that – while worthy of celebration – is only one aspect of the story.?Nonetheless, it remains one that has lessons for society as a whole.