LCI (S) 524 was lost off Sword Beach on D-Day. I have found conflicting reports about the circumstances in which this vessel was lost. It seems that five survivors were taken off by USCG cutter CG35. The Cutter's commanding Officer was awarded the British DSC for his part in rescuing survivors. The citation I found seems to suggest that the LCI was backing off the beach after dropping a load of commandos when the vessel was struck by a shell causing her to burst into flame. Conversely, two USCG histories suggest that the LCI was carrying a volatile load of fuel and/or ammunition into the beach when she struck a mine. If anyone can confirm how this vessel was lost and the names of the five survivors (including the Commanding Officer, I would be most grateful. Regards, Kevin Mears
Kevin You could try asking Tony Chapman, Historian and Archivist of the LST & Landing Craft Association (The LST and Landing Craft Association home page ). His e-mail address is a.chapman93 (at) ntlworld.com
Hello Kevin did you ever get an answer to your question. My uncle died on the LCI 524 aged 18 , Went this weekend to the grave in Le Havre to pay our respects Frederick Jackson /Hull Jean Zuidhoek-Lancaster
Hi, She was hit several times during the run-in and landing but it was after landing the Commandos and going back out to sea that she was hit and exploded. She was about two miles off Ouistreham when this happened. The petrol tanks could hold up to 4000 gallons of 87 Octane petrol when full. There is a photo of LCI(S) 524 after she had been hit online at the IWM website. It is photo A 24101. “View from the cruiser FROBISHER as a Landing Craft goes up in smoke after being hit by an enemy shore battery. The cruiser had helped bombard the enemy coastal positions during the week before D-Day”. Link here THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR: OPERATION OVERLORD (THE NORMANDY LANDINGS): D-DAY 6 JUNE 1944 (A 24101) Regards Danny
It's great to identified the LCI's) 524 on this photo!! Thank you. How can you be sure that it is it? Do you know what was the commando unit of the 1st Special Service Brigade that the LCI 524 landed before to be destroy?
LCI(S) 524 was Serial 259 and carried elements of 41 RM Commando. See the Loading Plan found by Danny and posted by Colin here: LANDING CRAFT COLOURS FOR D-DAY. Michel
Hi. Was researching LCI then was much surprised to come across direct reference to 524. My wife's Grandfather Alan Cromar was its commanding officer. He was badly injured and whilst continued on until mid 60's never truly recovered. As might be of interest I've attached his injury certificate from the time. But perhaps of more interest is attached letter. About a year after the action Alan evidently bent the ear of Rear Admiral and this letter not only provides a full narrative but also names many brave men at the time on the craft. One of many bits of paper in a box which I somehow feel very pleased to be able to share and put into the digital world and ensure its never lost. I hope it offers some value and insight. Regards Jon
Hi, I have just found this thread tonight. My Great Uncle; Joe Roberts, served on LCI(s) 524 during the war and was killed on D-day, he is buried in Le Havre. I am amazed that a photograph of 524's last moments exist. I can only express my thanks at the research that has been undertaken here, I had managed to discover much of what is given here myself with the aid of Mr Tony Chapman, but had never found a picture of 524 before (523 is shown briefly on The World at War, leaving harbour with a ship behind I had always assumed would be 524) I am very pleased to have seen this tonight on the eve of D-day. Jonathan
My Grandad Leslie Wright was serving on L.C.I. 524 as a signal man and was one of the few survivors. I have his 'Report of Wound or Hurt' document which I'll upload. I'll make sure anything else is uploaded too.
Commanding Officer of USCG 35 (83439) was Lieutenant (jg) George C Clark Jr, 9 Hilltop Road, Bronx, New York George C. Clark, British Distinguished Service Cross Lieutenant George C. Clark was awarded the British Distinguished Service Cross. His citation reads: "During the landing of commandos at Quistreham by LCI (S) on June 6, 1944, Lieut. Clark's cutter was detailed to act as escort to LCI(S) HM LCI(S) 524 on clearing the beach after landing troops received a direct hit and blew up in a sheet of flames leaving a mass of blazing Octane petrol on the water. Although his cutter burned Octane petrol, he did not hesitate to steer his craft into the flames and rescue the commanding officer and some of his men." Coast Guard Heroes at Normandy
I have just been doing some family history research on my Grandfather, who landed DDay+1, who lost his uncle, George Frederick Davis, Stoker 1st Class on June 6th. His war service records and war grave have his his Primary unit as HMS attack (Shore establishment) with a secondary unit, LCI (S) 524, which reported him missing, presumed dead. His CWGC certificate, though, has his unit as HLCT1... Landing Craft Tank?
Hi all My Dad did work all over the UK in Landing craft bases and Bedlam flotilla ?(training I think) Clyde ferry( just a name for LC movements) He was at HMS Monk for example and HMS Quebec Not sure how he moved around. I have collated all his movements but not sure if he was ever at sea. He never told us much .so any help finding what he did would help. Repairs perhaps? Regards his son John