D-Day, 80 years on

 

The following was originally an article on my old Blog, to acknowledge the passing of 70 years since this eventful day. Now we are on at 80 years after this historic event in human history. I often wonder if we learn anything from the past when we see war in Europe once more.

 

 

June 6th, 1944 – The D-Day Landings

 

Operation Neptune

 

Was the code name given to the naval group’s task on this momentous day in 1944.

 

The protection of NEPTUNE from enemy counter action was essential to the success of the operation. Allied forces were most vulnerable to enemy counter action when they were embarked and at sea. Some 6,900 allied vessels, carrying approximately nine army divisions with full combat equipment, were at sea at one time. These ships were formed into around 75 convoys and groups, passing along narrow coastal lanes, moving across the channel through the narrow mine-swept channels of the allotted areas for the convoys or crowded into the congested confines of the assault area.

 

Had the enemy not been deterred by a comprehensive program of defence capability in the form of escort ships and of course command of the air, this enormous armada would have presented to enemy air and naval forces a very profitable target.

 

The largest assembly of Ships and amphibious forces ever seen were to retake Europe from the clutches of the Nazi.

Of course, along with the many ships involved, it was inevitable that some of them had been built at Leith in the Shipyards of Henry Robb Ltd.

 

You can read about the part played by the Bustler Class Rescue Tugs in my book by the same name available at all good book shops or on Amazon.

They then had to storm the beaches, let’s not forget the many thousands of airborne forces in action on this day and onwards.