Preparing for Invasion

[ATAG_Snapper]

At least I know I have never written about this wartime memory before. In 1944, my Mother thought it would be safer if I remained in Devon. My schoolmates and I camped at Westward Ho near Bideford. There is a beautiful beach there but in 1944 90% was reserved for the military. They seem to have been trying out amphibious vehicles. I remember watching a small one darting in and out of the sea. It was some distance away and resembled a beetle. On another occasion I was in a car travelling behind a very large amphibious truck. It had two big propellors and they were revolving as it progressed. While I was there an American 'comfort' ship was torpedoed. It was described as a 'comfort' ship because it was loaded with stuff for the PX stores where the American soldiers could buy luxuries. On the second tide the goods came washing in. We could pick up cans of peanuts and waterlogged chocolate. Not all the cargo was luxury goods. Two men found a crate containing two 'walkie talkies', They struggled up the cliffs with their loot only to be met by the customs men. We suspected they had let the finders reach the top before they pounced.

—— Paul Jones