George's story: Witnessing the slaughter
As a gunner on a torpedo boat, George, then just 19, was part of the seaward defence unit tasked with protecting the convoy.
George sadly passed away in October 2024 after he had shared his story with us.
"The 59th flotilla had been given the task of joining an escort for the Americans attacking Omaha and Utah beaches, to protect against E-boats and R-boats.
"At 4 o'clock the next morning, as the sun came up, as far as you could see were boats and ships. Absolutely amazing."
George will never forget the noise as the invasion began.
"We watched all the planes going over and the sea was covered from horizon to horizon with ships of all shapes and sizes.
The battleships, Nelson and Warspite, and the cruiser, Belfast, opened up with their main armament, bombarding the German positions on the French coast.
"The noise…! You had to be there. It was like all hell had been let loose!"
George could only watch from the ship as the horror unfolded.
"Unfortunately, due to a navigation error the Americans were landed a mile and a half too far to the west and were slaughtered as they came in. Half of them didn’t have time to get off their assault craft. It was something I wouldn’t want anybody to watch. Very brave men.
"All we could do was sit and watch, and wait. I think sometimes I’m glad I didn’t actually go ashore because when you see kids younger than yourself being sent out...
"Instead of nice sloping beaches, they were more like cliffs. The Germans had either been given information or watched us come in, but they were at the top of the cliffs and using these young Americans as cannon fodder.
"I will never forget the sight of seeing those brave young men fighting and dying as they struggled to get off the beach."
"It's only when I reminisce, like this, that I suddenly remember what it really was like. Suddenly the pictures come up."
Blind veteran
As the war progressed, George went on to witness another terrible tragedy.
"I think the saddest thing that happened during my naval career was when we were sunk. We hit a mine and it blew the bows off the boat. Nineteen of the 31 crew on board were killed.
"The oldest man on the ship was 29. I can see him now – standing there saying, 'Don’t panic lads, we’ll all get out.' I never saw him again.
"Saddest thing about it was that his wife had given birth to a little girl three weeks beforehand in England. He never ever saw her.
"I look back and I think about the 19 good ship mates of mine who now lie at the bottom of the Adriatic sea… They went down with the boat when it hit the mine."
"There’s still lots of people who think there’s fun in war. There’s no fun in war. No fun in war at all."
Blind veteran
George had macular degeneration in both eyes.
Despite his sight loss, as well as poor hearing from his time as a gunner, George loved to stay active. He listened to talking books and was a regular at our charity social events in his local area. With your help, we can make sure more blind veterans like George receive the support they so deserve.
Read more
Joe's story: Defending the Mulberry harbour
Defending the floating harbour off Omaha beach, Joe witnessed the slaughter of American soldiers.
Bob's story: Shooting down the enemy
As a gunner on merchant ships, Bob's job on D-Day was to protect American soldiers on their way to Normandy.
Thomas' story: Serving on a floating bomb
Thomas sailed on a huge landing barge oiler refuelling boats around the beaches - and saw some terrible sights.
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