GOLD BEACH - Seeking any written/oral/photographed experiences of landing on Gold Beach

I am currently writing my dissertation and it is focused on landing on D-Day from the point of view of the infantryman. I am trying hardest to focus on Gold Beach in particular as my Grandad landed there with the 147th (essex yeomanry) regiment RHA. He wrote down his memoirs before he died and I also have the letters he wrote home whilst fighting.
I am looking for any similar information to use for my project. This includes diaries, photographs, letters, postcards....If you have lots of information on one particular soldier I would love to include them as a main point of study. Anything which gives me an insight into the emotions, bonds between soldiers, personal stories etc would be fantastic!
Also, If anyone has any contact with a Gold Beach veteran who is willing to be interviewed I would be ever grateful. I am so worried that experiences such as those of the soldiers during D-Day will soon be lost forever and I am determined to record as much primary material possible before its too late!!

If anyone can help in anyway at all, even if its just a couple of photos that would be truly brilliant!

Thanks in advance,
Alexandra H

 

Hi

Contact the Second World War Experience Centre and arrange to visit the archive - The Second World War Experience Centre. They will be able to help.

 

Hi AlexandraH and welcome to the Forum.

I am sure there will be a number of guys along who are better informed than me on who was where and when on Gold Beach.

However, if you head for Royal Signals in the Units area and search the thread "A Short History of 50 Division Signals - on page seven are my fathers recollections of landing on D-Day morning.

I am currently collating various unpublished memoirs of 50 Div Signals throughout the War which include those of an Officer who landed in the first wave. will try and get something to you in the next week on this.

I am sure there will be many who would like to read your grandad's memoirs if you would be willing to post and share them with us.

best wishes

Mel jnr and Mel snr.

 

Here are some personal accounts of Signal personnel who landed on Gold.
Please quote ref WO205/1227 if publishing them.





Hope you can see them ok.

Mel

edit by Owen.
Sorry mate those images were far too big , slowed down my pc too much , another member also mentioned it to me.
Can you resize them please.

 

Hi

Ive plugged it before and will plug it again because ive found it to be a cheap and yet very interesting book. stories told from both civilian & service personel, in many differant roles. eg AA gunners on the Mulbury Harbour parts being towed to position.

We Remember D-Day by Frank & Jon Shaw.

used copies are availible for less than £5 see

Amazon.co.uk: Used and New: We Remember D-Day

 

Completely agree about We Remember D-Day, all personal recollections from many different units and a good read.

Mel, see PM.

 

Two pictures of Gold Beach near beach exit close to Le Hamel and Les Rocquettes. This was where 231 Brigade landed and also where your grandad would come ashore.

The remains of pillbox WN36 are visible on the beach.





Mel

 

I wrote a little about 50th Division on D-Day, and I looked at quite a few sources. I can list some here when I get the chance, but right now I will suggest T.A. (Tony) Richardson. He was a lieutenant in the Essex Yeomanry on D-Day, and rose to general before retirement. I interviewed him about a decade ago. My notes are buried somewhere in a box (I am moving right now), but if Gen. Richardson is still around I feel sure he would be willing to help anyone interested in his old unit. When I knew him, he was living in Wimbledon. He was--and, I hope, still is--a fine man, the best of the old school.

 

Hello Alexandra,

The 50th (Northumbrian) Division landed on Gold Beach on D-Day and it had spent more time in contact with the enemy than any other British Infantry Division at that time. Of the infantry brigades in Fifty Div on D-Day - the 56th, 69th, 151st and 231st - only the 151st had been and was with Fifty Div throughout its active service.

The three infantry battalions of the 151st Infantry Brigade were the 6th, 8th and 9th Bns Durham Light Infantry. Even when Fifty Div was returned to the UK as a training cadre in early December 1944, the 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry remained in action, transferring to 131st Infantry Brigade, 7th Armoured Division (The Desert Rats) for the duration.

I think a focus on the 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry would be appropriate and as it happens a forum member - Sgt Charles Eagles - landed on Gold Beach on D-Day with the 9DLI. Here is a link to his story, which is publicly available: Soldiers Stories - DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY 1920-1946

Now, I know Charles is a forum member but he is not a particularly active member, but it may be worth sending him a PM (Private Message).

The 'owner' of the above website is a former forum member who is a voice of authority on the Durham Light Infantry. If you wish an introduction please let me know.

Albeit infrequently, I am also in contact with Harry Moses, the author of 'The Gateshead Gurkhas', the battalion history of the 9DLI in WWII. He may be a very useful source of veterans personal recollections, etc., which he uses extensively in his books. If you wish an introduction please let me know.

Best,

Steve.

 

I would also recommend a site called "The Creully Club," which I think is maintained by the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards association. I found a number of personal accounts there.

 

All of this information is really fantastic. I'll set about researching as much of it as I can immediately. I shall see what I can find out and let you know how I'm getting on. I am very grateful for the links to veterans as I feel that is crucial and will get in touch where possible!
Thanks!
Alex.

 

Hi AlexandraH,

Bit more for your research:

Extract from memoirs held by 50 (N) Signal Squadron (V) and reproduced with permission.
This was written in the early 1980’s.
(An LST was a Landing Ship Tank -a large vessel which held vehicles and men, while a LCI was a Landing Craft Infantry - smaller and carrying troops)
Captain J St C W Robinson 50 (N) Division Signal Regiment
“On the morning of 6th June it was go and I was in a fair sized LST with some very brave Hampshires – hardly any of them were still alive at H+1 let alone D+1. After a dicey change of craft a mile or so off the French coast into a small LCI – that was it for the landing. When finally the bows went down, I pushed the wireless cart out in front of me this time and for a few seconds watched everyone else jump. Success, only waist high water! The landing was no joy and as quick as possible we followed the tapes which the beach sappers had laid through the minefields and got to hell out. We landed at H+3 – everything seemed to be chaotic. Cries for stretcher bearers, curses through the load hailers from the beach masters. All Over the place there were strange beach obstacles, massive barbed wire implacements, then one saw a lost mess tin, a tin hat, a shattered limb. The noise of destruction was frightening.
I was lucky to find a way off the beach about 300 yards to the east of Le Hamel, our target area, with all my signallers. Altogether we came through a most anxious period pretty well according to plan. By the evening of D+1 many of the signal vehicles had got ashore including my own important jeep and kit! We were once again in business, but there was indeed a new technique to master. Far away now were the rolling sand dunes and even experiences in the Sicilian countryside did not seem much help.
We were amongst high hedges.....no fields of view. We came up against place names...never forgotten by those who tried to pass – Villers Bocage, Tilly Sur Seulles and Tracy Bocage...”

 

Capt Robinson's account sounds like a transfer from an LSI to LCA (Landing Ship, Infantry to Landing Craft Assault) as the bow doesn't go down on an LCI. The landing tables shopuld clarify that one.

 

I am also gathering information on the operations on Gold Beach D-Day. My dad was on LST 359 which was a US ship, but from my research, I gather that his ship landed British troops and equipment at H-hour... I received this info from a Peter Rossetti who was quartermaster 3rd on LST 359. I spoke to him most recently about LST 359 and H-hour...this was in April of 2014. He is 91 yrs old, interesting to talk with and indicated they landed special British forces...but I would like to confirm. I never discussed this with my dad...he has been gone six years and now I would like to know more (figures). Should I find additional info and you would be interested please be in touch, would appreciate info you gather.

 

Welcome to the forum rcronk - enjoy!

Most of the troops landed just before/on H-Hour would have 'special' roles: Assault Engineers, Hobart's Funnies - flail tanks, Petard mortar tanks, fascine carrying tanks, etc. - and SP artillery, etc.

However, the only 'special forces' that I am aware of that landed on Gold Beach were 47 Royal Marine Commando, who landed behind 231st Infantry Brigade (and before 56th Infantry Brigade). Their job was to secure Port-en-Bessin, which is where PLUTO - the fuel pipeline that ran under the sea from the UK to France - was to come ashore and the shoulder/meeting place between British and US forces - British 50th (Northumbrian) Division and US 1st Infantry Division.

Here are the landing tables for Gold Beach: http://www.6juin1944.com/assaut/gold/en_index.php NB. There is no 'l' in assault in the link. It isn't an error...

You should consider sending a PM (private message) to forum members 'Mike L' and/or 'Trux' who both have a specific interest in the Landing Craft, etc. They may have information that will assist you with your search.

Best,

Steve.

 

A Landing Ship Tank landing at H-Hour doesn't sound right.

It's not a quick fix, but applying for his service records will be the way forward as they should tell you which unit he was with.

 

Hi,
It looks like there were two groups of US LST at Gold Beach on the 6th June.

The 28th US LST Group were part of Group 17 and were due at the “Lowering Position” at 10.50 and vehicles were to land at H + 6 Hours.

The 33rd US LST Group were part of Group 18 and were due at the “Lowering Position” at 14.50.

Regards

Danny

 

US LST 359 certainly landed British troops on Gold on D Day. It was a part of USN LST Division 22 and assigned to Assault Group G3, the follow up group for Gold. I cannot at the moment tell which of Danny's two groups it belonged to and cannot link the USN pennant number to the serial numbers used in the Landing Tables. If we could do that we would know what it carried.

Although called Landing Ship Tank they rarely carried tanks. It was more economical to use them for wheeled vehicles and carry tanks on LCTs. It could have carried DUKWs though.

I am still some months away from completing my own study of Gold.

Mike.

 

Hi,
Just dug the LTIN out for these two Groups.

No idea which LTIN LST 359 used.

Danny

Group 17 LTIN.
2814, 2815, 2816, 2817, 2818 beach at King Sector
2916, 2917,2918, 2919, 2920 beach at Jig Sector

Group 18 LTIN.
2820, 2821, 2822, 2823, 2824, 2825 beach at King Sector
2921, 2922, 2923, 2924, 2925, 2926 beach at Jig Sector

Some of these LST towed Rhinos across to Normandy

 

This looks promising.

Group 11 was a large convoy of LCTs carrying priority vehicles for the brigades ashore on Jig.
Twenty seven LCT4. For assault brigade.
Five LCT4. For reserve brigade.
One LST. Carrying DUKWs.
ML(Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-15½ hours and proceed along Channel 5 at 6 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-30 minutes although the first group was not timed to land until H+60 minutes and the remainder at H+3½ hours.

Group 13 was a large convoy of LCTs carrying priority vehicles for the brigades ashore on King.
Twenty four LCT4. For assault brigade.
Five LCT4. For reserve brigade.
Two LCT3.
One LST. Carrying DUKWs.
ML(Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-15½ hours and proceed along Channel 6 at 6 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-30 minutes although the first group was not timed to land until H+60 minutes and the remainder at H+3½ hours.

King.
2570 was an LST MkII towing a Rhino ferry.
On the Rhino ferry
2 X DUKW from 536 GT Company RASC

On the Tank Deck
15 DUKW with 30 crew from 536 GT Company RASC carrying 60 motorcycles and riders as follows
12 motorcycle and rider from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
12 motorcycle and rider from 6 Green Howards
16 motorcycle and rider from 7 Green Howards
3 motorcycle and rider from Headquarters 69 Brigade
4 motorcycle and rider from 69 Brigade Signals RS
3 motorcycle and rider from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
4 motorcycle and rider from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
6 motorcycle and rider from 50 Division Provost Company

On the Main Deck
1 3ton GS with 5 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 15cwt GS with 6 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
19 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
4 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 8 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from 99/102 LAA Battery RA
3 3ton with 11 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 15cwt with 4 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 15cwt with 4 crew from 336 Searchlight Battery RA
5 3ton GS with 10 men from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 3ton with 4 crew from 24 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
1 3ton with 9 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
3 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 6 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Jeep with 6 crew from Headquarters RE 104 Beach Sub Area
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 362/113 HAA Battery RA
12 men from 362/113 HAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
2 men and a motorcycle from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
9 men from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
4 men and a motorcycle from Headquarters 8 Port Operating Group
20 men from 183 Field Company RE
12 men and 12 bicycles from 240 Provost Company
3 men from Pioneer Smoke Detachment
2 men from 45 Field Hygiene Section
28 men from 209 Pioneer Company (Medical)
2 men from Headquarters 104 Beach Sub Area
9 men from RN Commando T
6 crew for DUKWs from 536 GT Company RASC


Jig.
Serial 2190 is an LST 2 towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Tank Deck and to be launched at sea
21 DUKW with 54 crew from 705 General Transport Company RASC plus on the DUKWs
1 Motorcycle and 4 men from 6 Port Operating Group RE
3 men from 108 Beach Unit RAF
2 men from CRASC 104 Beach Sub Area
3 men from 2 Devonshire Regiment
3 men from 1 Hampshire Regiment
3 men from 1 Dorset Regiment
6 Motorcycles and 3 men from Headquarters 231 Infantry Brigade.

On the Rhino Ferry.
2 DUKW with 4 crew from 705 General Transport Company RASC
4 men from 705 General Transport Company RASC


The LST will return to the Lowering Area and wait to be called in to unload the remaining vehicles.
On the Main Deck and to be landed at H + 4½ Hours.
2 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC. Carries 1 Motorcycle
4 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 8 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC.
32 men from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from HQ REME 50 Division
1 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew from 30 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
3 3ton with 9 crew from 295 Field Company RE. Carry 6 Motorcycles.
3 Ambulances 2 stretcher with 6 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC.
1 3ton GS Lorry with 10 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC. Carry 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew.
2 Cars 4 seater with 7 crew 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC.
1 3ton Lorry with 4 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA. Carries 1 Motorcycle.
1 3ton GS lorry with 5 crew from C (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment.
2 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew from 6 Border Regiment.
72 men and 12 airborne trailers from 6 Border Regiment.
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 21 Beach Signal Section RS.
1 Jeep with 1 crew from CRASC 104 Beach Sub Area.
1 Jeep with 1 crew from Staff Captains Increment 10 Beach Group.
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew from 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew from 243 Provost Company. Carry 6 Motorcycles.
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Waterway Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Waterway Transport Operating Company RE.
14 men from 243 Company Pioneer Corps.
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Company RE.

Probably one of these but which?

Mike