1944: World War II: Nine German E-boats attack US and UK units during Exercise Tiger, the rehearsal for the Normandy landings, killing 946.
The Ghost of Slapton Sands: Remembering the Tragedy of Exercise Tiger
The meticulously planned, intricate choreography of Operation Overlord – the Allied invasion of Normandy – is a familiar story. We know the daring parachute drops, the harrowing beach landings, and the ultimate triumph over the Nazi regime. But etched in the sands of Slapton, a quiet beach in Devon, England, lies a chilling tale of tragedy, a secret kept buried for years: Exercise Tiger.
In the spring of 1944, Slapton Sands became a crucial training ground for American troops destined for Utah Beach. Its topography closely mirrored the Normandy coastline, making it an ideal location for full-scale rehearsals. These exercises were designed to hone skills, test equipment, and iron out any kinks in the complex landing plan. But what should have been a final dress rehearsal turned into a devastating nightmare, claiming the lives of nearly a thousand men.
Exercise Tiger wasn’t just another training run. It was a large-scale simulation, involving thousands of soldiers, landing craft, and live ammunition. The goal was to replicate the chaos and brutality of the actual landings, preparing the troops for the harsh reality they would soon face. However, the meticulous planning that characterized Operation Overlord suffered a catastrophic breakdown during this crucial exercise.
The tragedy began on the night of April 28th, 1944. Eight Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs), crammed with American soldiers, were making their way across Lyme Bay, heading towards Slapton Sands. The convoy was being escorted by the HMS Scimitar, an aging but serviceable corvette. Unexpectedly, a pack of nine German E-boats (Schnellboote, literally "fast boats"), sleek and deadly torpedo boats, emerged from the darkness.
Due to a communications breakdown, the more modern and capable escort vessel, HMS Azalea, was absent from its post. This left the convoy vulnerable. The E-boats, nicknamed "sea wasps" for their stinging attacks, unleashed a barrage of torpedoes.
The attack was swift and brutal. The LST-507 was the first to be hit, exploding in a fiery inferno. Hundreds of men were trapped below deck, succumbing to the flames or drowning in the icy waters. The LST-531 followed shortly after, suffering a similar fate. The panic was unimaginable. Men scrambled for safety, desperately trying to escape the burning wreckage and freezing water.
Adding to the horror, many soldiers drowned not from the explosions, but from their own heavy equipment. They were burdened with full packs and rifles, hindering their ability to swim. Worse still, many hadn't been properly trained in the use of their inflatable lifebelts, mistakenly inflating them around their waists, which caused them to flip upside down and drown.
The carnage continued for hours. The surviving LSTs scattered, desperately trying to evade the E-boats. The HMS Scimitar engaged the enemy, but it was significantly outmatched. By the time the attack subsided, two LSTs were sunk, and several others were damaged.
The immediate aftermath was one of shock and disbelief. Hundreds of bodies washed ashore, littering the beaches of Slapton Sands. The true scale of the disaster was staggering. In total, 946 American servicemen lost their lives: 749 soldiers and 197 Navy personnel.
In the midst of preparing for the largest amphibious invasion in history, the Allied command was faced with a difficult decision. The scale of the Exercise Tiger disaster was a potential morale-killer. They feared news of the event leaking out could jeopardize the entire Normandy invasion. To maintain secrecy and prevent panic, the tragedy was largely suppressed. Families were notified of their loved ones' deaths, but the circumstances were often shrouded in vague terms.
For years, Exercise Tiger remained a closely guarded secret. Many who witnessed the horrors of that night were sworn to silence. The sacrifice of those men was quietly added to the immense cost of the war.
It wasn't until decades later, in the 1980s, that the full story of Exercise Tiger began to emerge, largely thanks to the persistence of a local Devon man named Ken Small. He dedicated himself to uncovering the truth and honoring the memory of those who perished. He located and raised a Sherman tank from the seabed, a poignant memorial that still stands near Slapton Sands today.
Exercise Tiger serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war, even in preparation. It highlights the importance of thorough training, effective communication, and the devastating consequences of even small errors. While the beaches of Normandy are forever etched in history as the site of liberation, the sands of Slapton also deserve our remembrance, a solemn tribute to the nearly a thousand men who paid the ultimate price in the shadows of D-Day. Their sacrifice, long hidden, should never be forgotten.
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