Hi everyone,
I'm back to tell you of more of my adventures on holiday. I had some fabulous times on the beaches whilst on holiday. I rolled in the sand, swam in the sea and, oh yes, splattered mud all over little miss half pint. She wasn't so impressed; nor were our travelling companions as she had to go back to the cottage to change. I also got to play football and though I say so myself, my tackling is second to none...accept for a black Labrador, who was bigger than me and kept nicking my ball.
We also went to a place called Slapton Sands, though I didn't see much sand when I was there, the pebbles were great for rolling in and having a good scratch. I also had a good swim in the sea, though I wasn't allowed to go too far because of the current.
For such a lovely place, Slapton has a very sad history. During World War II Slapton and nearby villages were evacuated and used by the military in training exercises for the Normandy Landings. There were several rehearsals for D Day, but Exercise Tiger proved costly in terms of casualties and lives lost. I find it astonishing that Eisenhower ordered the use of live ammunition during a training exercise in order to accustom troops to combat conditions. Yet what ever the task the men were practising for, was it really necessary?
We visited a memorial at the beach and saw a tank that a local man, Ken Small, had retrieved from the sea, with the aid of some locals and a few others. Ken spent a lot of his time persuing his belief there had been a cover up about Exercise Tiger. The servicemen and those involved in the exercise were sworn to secrecy at the time and threatened with the court marshall if they told anyone what had happened.
Perhaps in your history studies, you might find out more and discover what really happened. After all, it could have been one of your ancesters who lost their life at Slapton or took part in the D Day Landings.
Bye for now, Button x
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