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On completion of my training as a Reconnaissance Corps Wireless Operator/Driver/Gunner I was posted to the 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment, at Eastbourne in C squadron H.Q. (This was where we prepared for the invasion. We water proofed vehicles etc. On the 17th June we travelled to London docks, and embarked on the Derrycunihy. We eventually arrived off Sword beach in Normandy on the 19th June, (this also being my 20th birthday).

Due to bad weather conditions we were tied up until the 24th June. The Germans had dropped mines during the previous night, and when the ship's engines were started at approximately 7am, there was an explosion which split the ship into two.

I had been asleep in my hammock, and I woke up to find myself in the air above my hammock! Fortunately, some of my clothing in the hammock held it open and I fell back into it. There was a ledge of steel which had supported the decking, and I was able to edge my way round to the part where the hull was split, so without stopping to blow up my inflatable belt, I dived out into the sea, through the split and swam as hard as I was able to, to counter the pressure of the water flowing into the hold.

Eventually I spotted a raft which supported one other survivor, who happened to be my colleague on our half track. This was ‘Dick’ Whittington who helped me aboard. We were subsequently picked up by a tug like boat which I understand was towing a craft equipped as a rocket launcher. The crew took what clothing we had, and dried it near the boiler. They then carried on with their tasks which they had to perform, before taking us to the Leap Tourain Depot ship, where we were given survivor’s clothing.

You will no doubt know, or be interested to know that the 43rd Reconnaissance Regt. was originally formed from the 5th Battalion Gloucestershire Regt.)

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