A busy Wharf on “Port Winston” that was a Mulberry Harbour situated off of Gold beach.
Gold Beach was the designated landing zone for the veteran British 50th Division, that had seen action in North Africa among other places including El Alamein. The Division was part of the British XXX Corps, which in turn was part of the British 2nd Army commanded by General Dempsey.
At 07.30 the leading waves of the assault troops hit the beach. There was utter confusion primarily caused by weather; troops and equipment were landing at the wrong places and at the wrong times. Landing craft were hitting mines, turning over and all the time the air zipped and cracked as the Germans opened fire on the invasion.
Come with us and see where the British landed. Find out if the Division’s targets were fulfilled on D-Day. Learn how the lessons of the ill fated Dieppe raid of 1942 and the creative mind of an ex Home Guard Corporal ensured that the landings were a success. Visit the area where the only Victoria Cross awarded to a British soldier was won that day by CSM Stanley Hollis. See for yourself the remains of “Port Winston” the Mulberry Harbour that was built with incredible ingenuity. Understand why ignoring orders and officers using their own initiative saved many lives and find out why PLUTO was so important.
One of the casemates that formed the Longues Batterie. This battery was involved in a duel with British warships.
Memorial to CSM Stan Hollis at Crepon
View of Gold Beach today with the town of Arromanches and “Port Winston” in the background.
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