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.
