In 1944, Operation Ferdinand was an Allied deception plan, which as part of Operation Bodyguard, supported the invasion of Normandy (Operation Overlord). This operation falsely threatened an Allied invasion along the central west coast of Italy.
Other portions of Bodyguard included Operations Ironside, Jael, Mincemeat, Royal Flush, Skye and Zeppelin.
In 1942, Operation Ferdinand was the network of coast-watchers operating on Japanese-held islands throughout the Philippines and the South Pacific region. This system of observers consisted of civilians and some military volunteers who radioed reports on Japanese ship movements.