Stop 6
The Sherman Tank in Torcross Car Park
SX 823 423
In the car park is a Sherman tank that sank in Start Bay during the D-Day practice, Exercise Tiger. It was raised from the sea bed by a local man, the late Ken Small, who erected it here as a memorial to the Americans who lost their lives in the exercises. It was a ‘swimming’ tank, once fitted with propellers and a floatation skirt, so that it could travel across water. This one didn’t make it, although its crew were saved.
This American Sherman Tank took part in the D-Day practice landings at Slapton Beach in 1944 where it was lost at sea and there remained until its recovery in 1984.
It stands as a memorial to those American lives lost during the course of the D-Day practice landings at Slapton Beach in 1944.Their sacrifice was not in vain. Be they ever in peace.
Plaque next to tank in Torcross Car Park
Operation Tiger Memorial Plaque
Dedicated by the United States of America in honor of the men of the US Army’s 1st Engineer Special Brigade, the 4th Infantry Division, and the VII Corps Headquarters; and the US Navy’s 11th Amphibious Force who perished in the waters of Lyme Bay during the early hours of April 28, 1944. They were on board landing ships, tank (LSTs) of a convoy participating in Operation Tiger, a training exercise at Slapton Sands, Torcross, England. The exercise was in preparation for the assualt on enemy forces at Utah Beach, Normandy, France. A surprise encounter with German torpedo boats (Schnellboots) resulted in the tragic loss of two of the landing ships and damage to two others. The lessons learned in this tragedy added significantly to the success of the Allies in the D-Day landings on Normandy.
May all these soldiers and sailors be remembered not only for their sacrifice but also for their contributions to the Allied cause in World War II.
Operation Tiger Memorial Plaque
For more about the Exercise Tiger Memorial, visit:
https://exercisetigermemorial.co.uk/
Carefully cross the road onto the seafront, and follow the seawall round to the right.
Torcross was once a small fishing village. It has always suffered from storm damage, especially when there is an easterly gale. In 1979 it was badly damaged by a storm, and the curved sea-wall was built to reduce the energy of waves striking it. The village is now a small seaside resort, with a few shops, pubs and B&Bs. Even in the peak of the summer season it is not too crowded, unlike many other towns and villages along the Devon coast.
Stop 6A
Rocket House Cafe
SX 824 423
The houses opposite the tank behind the sea-wall once belonged to the coastguard. The first building is called Rocket House, and was a store of equipment, including signal rockets.