Operation Bodyguard was a sophisticated World War II deception strategy designed by the Allies to mislead the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht regarding the timing and location of the planned invasion of northwest Europe. By creating a false narrative, the Allies aimed to protect their forces and ensure the success of their actual military objectives.
Planning for this operation began in 1943 under the direction of the London Controlling Section. The resulting strategy, known as Plan Jael, was presented to Allied leaders at the Tehran Conference in late November. Despite initial skepticism regarding the efficacy of such deception, the plan received official approval on 6 December 1943.