![]() ![]() ![]() | Slapton and the D-Day LandingsEvacuation of the Slapton Area By the autumn of 1943 it was decided that Slapton beach would become a major practice area for the D-Day landings. Using live ammunition and recreating the defences likely to be put up by the Germans on any beach to be attacked. The intention was to simulate real battle conditions for troops without any experience. Since the barrage of artillery from ships was bound to cause extensive damage to the whole area under attack, the entire population of the area from Torcross to Blackpool Sands, and inland for about ten miles was to be evacuated. The chairman of Devon County Council was ordered to requisition an area of 30,000 acres. This included the villages of Torcross, Strete, Frogmore and Sherford. It included 180 farms and many small hamlets. It affected 750 families and totalled 3,000 men, woman, and children. The authorities received news direct from the cabinet that they would have to move about 3,000 people from their homes, shops and farms at short notice for an indefinite period. The Lord Lieutenant of Devon meet with the people on 12th November 1943 to inform the local residents that by the 1st January 1944 they had to be ready for the services to move into the area to begin the task, that would lead to D-Day. The villagers had to be out by December 20th, five days before Christmas. The residents thought it would only be for a period of 4 to 6 weeks, not expecting to be away from their homes for at least twelve months. Notices were posted to inform of publice meetings to be held at East Allington Church, Stokenham Church, Blackawton Church and Slapton Village Hall. Notices were sent to every house in the area and information centres were set up at Stokenham, for the parishs of Stokenham, Slapton, Sherford, and Buckland Tout Saints and at Blackawton, for the parishs of Blackawton, East Allington. Westleigh, Halwell, Stoke Fleming and Strete. They were opened daily from 9-30 to 6-oopm. The first American ships arrived in the River Dart one dark evening in December. The Americans were to take over the Brittannia Royal Naval College, which was to become the headquarters of the US Navy. Operation Tiger April 26th – 29th 1944 Operation Tiger was a rehearsal for D-Day, that for many reasons developed into a tragic disaster of such proportions. Exercise Tiger was hushed up for years afterwards and many who took part in it were at the time unaware of the disaster which had occurred at the time. The exercise was to be similar to exercise`s that had taken place earlier that year. Landing ships and craft left Plymoouth, Dartmouth and Brixham, fully loaded with men, vehicles and live ammuntion and after simulating the crossing to France reached Slapton beach on the evening of the 27th April. Little did they know that the German listening posts stationed along the Atlantic Wall in France could pick up the American communication about Operation Tiger and they knew what the Americans were going to do. On the 28 April 1944, landing craft set off from the coast of England carrying soldiers and their equipment, along with a convoy of ships. The Royal Navy provided escorts with HMS Scimitar in the lead and HMS Azalea in the rear. Suddenly HMS Scimitar in the front was rammed by another vessel and had received orders to stay in port but the Commander of the operation was not told of this fact so the convoy started off with no escort in the front and HMS Azalea in the rear had been told to stay behind. It is thought that a typing error was to blame for this miscommunication and the convoy had no Navy escorts at all. It is thought that when the convoy approached Start Bay, near Lyme Bay, they were fired open by German E Boats and 749 soldiers were killed. The 9 E Boats had been dispatched from Cherbourg and sunk Landing Craft 507, 531 and badly damaged 289. General Eisenhower ordered all the bodies to be recovered as 10 personnel on board had maps of Utah Beach in their possession of the D-Day landings plan, and many think the mission was kept quiet so as not to affect the June 6th landings. | ![]() ![]() 19/05/2011 Childrens Parties Parties with a difference - our Shetland Ponies will visit your venue. (for prices and current special offers please see... 19/05/2011 Rides For: * School & Village Fetes & Fayres * Horse & Pony Shows * Agricultural Shows * Companion Shows Pony... 20/04/2010 Ladies Fashion Boutique.Range of clothes from Casual Day Wear right through to Guest/Mother of the Bride, Ascot & Cruise Wear etc.Ribkoff, Frank... 12/03/2010 1a Rowsells LaneTotnesTQ9 5AGMobile: 07793... 06/10/2010 Natural - HealingChinese Acupuncture/Herbs/MassageFREE CONSULTATIONTongue & Pulse diagnosis with our specialist todayQuality &... 16/02/2009 Take 2Station Road, Totnes TQ9 5HW01803 863... 12/03/2010 4 Ramparts Walk4 Ramparts Walk, Totnes, Devon.TQ9 5QHTel: 01548... 11/04/2012 A J Blackler - Peugeot & Renault Dealers, serving the Newton Abbot, Torquay & Totnes areasSupplying new and used cars to the Torbay, Newton... 19/08/2009 Tailor made balloon decor for wedding, parties and corporate events. Call for a no obligation discussion to discuss your requirements. ... 22/03/2011 A J CrockerJasper Cottages, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7EY 01803 732986... 22/03/2011 G A Buckler & Sons112 Cleeve Drive, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9DD 01752 894622... 20/02/2010 A P Taxis2 Sparrow Road, Totnes TQ9 5PR01803 862... 29/03/2010 5 Clennon ParkPaigntonDevonTQ4... 02/07/2010 30 Buckfast RoadBuckfastleighDevonTQ11 OEA01364... 24/01/2011 Opening hours:Monday 09:00 18:30 Tuesday 09:00 18:30 Wednesday 09:00 18:30 Thursday ... 19/09/2011 ABRACLEAN52 Fernicombe RoadPaigntonTQ3... 13/05/2011 Absolute DentalUnit 3 Duke Street Court Bridge Street, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1HX 01548 852165... 21/02/2010 Sycamore CottageLittlehempston, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6NE01803 762... 20/10/2010 If you are looking for a costume for a party or fancy dress event, why not visit our shop in Newton Abbot town centre.We have a great range of fancy... 21/10/2008 South Devon Accountancy LtdUnit E, Scope Complex, Wills Road, Totnes 5XN01803 865... 11/07/2011 10 Bank LaneTOTNES,TQ9 5HETel: 01803 867365Mob: 07958... 04/11/2010 Unit 1, Stowford Business Park, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0BE01752... 12/07/2011 Driving Lessons in Brixham, Dartmouth (kingswear) and Totnes 01803 854031 or 07889 203... 12/03/2010 Adventure Cottage HolidaysHalwell, Totnes, Devon.TQ9 7JYTel: 01548... 24/03/2010 Explore the real South Devon. Forget tours and timetables, roads and traffic jams, take to the water and instantly you can enjoy miles of tidal... 14/10/2010 "Your Local Affordable Nanny Agency with the Personal Touch"West Country Nannies and Childcare Agency are a local agency, with... 13/04/2011 We are a property advertising website which enables private sellers and landlords to advertise their property themselves, no estate agency commision... 24/07/2011 Kingsbridge Office113 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, South Devon, TQ7 1BGTelephone: 01548 852352Salcombe Office10 Market Street, Salcombe, South Devon,... 24/07/2011 Richard Blake Dartmouth Estate Agents 8 Market Street Dartmouth Devon TQ6 9QE 01803 832288 ... 24/07/2011 Marchand Petit offices across the South WestDartmouth1 - 3 Hauley Road, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9AA01803 83919001803 839192Kingsbridge94 Fore Street,... 03/10/2012 Cafe Alf RescoLower StreetDartmouth, Devon TQ6 9ANTel: 01803... 11/02/2009 24 Hour FREEPHONE NUMBER for Alliance and Leicester is 0800 0688638... 16/02/2009 Amanda Marsden's Hairdressers44 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RP01803... 13/05/2011 Amazing TasteStibb FarmIvybridgeDevonPL21 9HU (01752) 895... 20/02/2010 And Some Cabs18 Moorashes,Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5TN 01803... 15/03/2010 Ash Cross Kennels and CatteryAshDartmouthDevonTQ6 0LR01803... 16/11/2008 Dartmouth Road Stoke FlemingDartmouthS DevonTQ6 0RF 01803... 06/04/2010 Dartmouth Golf & Country ClubBlackawtonNr DartmouthDevonTQ9 7DE0800 043... 20/02/2010 We are a long established local Veterinary Practice with our own purpose built clinic on the edge of Ivybridge.We care for the needs of domestic... 15/03/2010 Blackdown Country Kennels and CatteryRings Lane, Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 4EA01548... 24/09/2010 Rates:Standard Double £109 per couple per nightSuperior Double £159 per couple per nightPremier Double £199 per couple per... 15/03/2010 Happy Stay - Animal Holiday HomeMeadowfieldsVelwellDartingtonTotnesTQ9 6AB01803... 13/10/2009 65 Brownston StreetMODBURYSouth DevonPL21 0RQTel: 01548... 12/03/2010 AnnacombeHarberton, Devon.TQ9Tel: 020 8621 9200Mobile: 07957... 05/05/2010 Museum quality marine/maritime/nautical artefacts. * Specialising in Royal Navy memorabilia including ships badges/plaques, ships bells, ships... 23/04/2009 24 Glanvilles Mill, Ivybridge PL21 9PS01752... 13/02/2009 Aqua Hair Design7 Church StreetModburyIvybridgeDevonPL21 0QRTelephone: 01548... 20/04/2010 R.I.B.A Chartered... 29/09/2010 Arcturus Books 47 Fore Street Totnes Devon TQ9 5NJ Tel: (01803) 864363... 05/04/2009 Argos sells a variety of products such as furniture, home appliances, jewellery, toys, gifts, home entertainment & much more.OPENING TIMES:Sun... 18/01/2009 10 Victoria RoadDartmouthTQ6 9SADevonTel: 01803 832719... 24/04/2010 The Durant ArmsTotnesTQ9 7UPDevon 01803 732240... 19/02/2010 The Waterman's Arms Country InnBow Bridge, Ashprington,Near Totnes,Devon,TQ9 7EG.Telephone 01803 732... 24/04/2010 The Normandy ArmsBlackawton, Totnes, Devon. TQ9 7BN 01803... 23/01/2009 The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social services in the UK after the Government. As both a church and registered... 04/09/2009 The Art Cafe is a Ceramic Studio where you can spend a relaxing time painting ceramics ranging from Tea Pots to Cookie Jars and Fun Trinkets to... 07/01/2011 Harberton Art Workshop27 High StreetTotnesDevonTQ9 5NP01803 862390... 19/02/2010 Facilities:* Cinema* Live Events* Art Exhibitions* Regular Classes* Workshops* Clubs & Societies* Saveurs Cafe* Foyer BarThe Flavel can be hired... 22/01/2009 AsdaHighweek Stnewton abbotTQ12 1TG01626... 08/04/2010 Nursery specialising in Plants to encourage Wildlife to your garden.* British Wildflowers* Coastal & Cottage Garden Plants* Herbs & Vegetable... 14/05/2010 PFS Asset Management Ltd offers a professional, holistic and innovative approach to financial planning, carefully tailored to your individual... 15/04/2010 The Hazel At Salcombe store is based in the harbour town of Salcombe in the beautiful South Hams. The Hazel At Salcombe have a wide range of... 06/01/2011 Aune Valley Meat, Rake Farm, Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 4DA 01548... 20/02/2010 Totnes Auto Sales LTDMalt Mill Road TotnesDevonTQ9 5HN Tel: 01803 866... 08/05/2009 B&Q's South Hamsbranch stocks a wide range of DIY products and has the following Facilities:Kitchen Design Service Bathroom Design Service... 28/02/2011 Cycle hire service for both adults and... 13/12/2008 FeedingBREAST FEEDINGBreastfeeding is the feeding of a baby with breast milk directly from human breasts. Breast feeding will provide your baby... 28/09/2010 Lellow Baby51C Fore Street,TOTNES,TQ9 5NJ 0871... 02/05/2010 For all your Fresh Bread, Cakes, & Pasties.Call in for an All Day Breakfast, Light Meals, or even a Snack.Even if is just for a Tea or Coffee, we... 13/01/2010 32 Fore StreetKingsbridgeDevonTQ7... 11/02/2009 18 Duke StreetDartmouthDevonTQ6 9QATel: 08457 404... 13/01/2010 36 Fore StreetSalcombeDevonTQ8... 13/01/2010 57 High StreetTotnesDevonTQ9... 20/02/2010 Greenfields Sandwich Bar30 Lower StreetDartmouthTQ6 9ANDevon01803... 01/06/2010 Rumour sit almost at the top of the high street in Totnes.Its warm atmosphere & exceptional food for Lunch & Dinner make it one of the most... 19/02/2010 FILMS:The Conspirator [12A]Friday 05 August to Tuesday 09 August In the wake of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Mary Surratt, who owns a... 30/03/2009 Barnardo's Charity Shop based on Bank Street, newton... 20/02/2010 The Barrel House59 High Street, Totnes TQ9 5PB01803... 14/04/2009 Bath Travel, The South’s Leading Independent Travel Agent.Bath Travel's South Hamsbranch is located on Courtenay Street in the... 29/09/2010 Ivybridge Tile & BathroomErme CourtIvybridgeDevonPL21 0SZ01752 897... 19/02/2010 The Bay Horse Inn8 Cistern Street, TotnesTQ9 5SP(01803)... 18/11/2008 StreteDartmouth S Devon TQ6 0RU01803... 07/03/2009 Watch the tidesEvery year people are caught out by rising tides.Most often they suffer no more than wet shoes and a nasty fright, but there are... 27/04/2009 Bantham BeachA long stretch of fine sand, especially at low tide, backed by impressive dunes. There are plenty of rock pools to explore; making this... 27/10/2008 BECKY FALLSBecky Falls is approx 10 miles from newton abbot, 4 miles west of Bovey Tracey, well sign posted from main roads. It combines the lovely... 17/05/2010 20 Brent Mill Business ParkLong MeadowSouth BrentDevonTQ10 9YT01364... 19/05/2010 Olton Bedrooms Ltd are a well established family run business that manufacture high quality bespoke bedroom and study furniture.Traditional and... 12/03/2010 AnnacombeHarberton, Devon.TQ9Tel: 020 8621 9200Mobile: 07957... 11/11/2009 The Body Shop sells facial skin care products, make up, bath & body products, hair products, fragrance and gifts.Why not join The Body... 03/12/2008 THANK HEAVENS FOR AUTHORS LIKE CHRISTOPHER TULL!Greener Grows the Grass Just over a year ago newton abbot publisher, Chrissie... 29/09/2010 2 Mill Street,Kingsbridge,Devon,TQ7 1ED01548... 20/08/2010 Totnes Road, Paignton - Held on Sat AM & Sun PM Churston Ferrers- Held at 1-4 PM Saturday Torquay Ring Road (A380)- Held Every... 04/04/2009 Boots sells beauty products, cosmetics, mother & baby products, childrens clothes, electrical products, the store has a Pharmacy & sells... 09/12/2009 Boots sells beauty products, cosmetics, mother & baby products, childrens clothes, electrical products, the store has a Pharmacy & sells... 20/02/2010 The Signal Box Totnes Railway Station, Station Road,Totnes, Devon TQ9 5JR01803... 20/02/2010 La Fourchette Brasserie26 High StreetTotnesTQ9 5NDBookings: 01803... 12/03/2010 Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is a non-profit-making organisation, which relies on the work of volunteers and the great support of its customers. It aims... 06/01/2011 SOUTH BRENT BUTCHERS Neil Langworthy - Quality Butcher 1 Church Street, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9AB 01364 73338 ... 02/11/2010 BRIDGETOWN CHIROPODY OF TOTNESBRIDGETOWN 13A TOTNES TQ9 5AB01803 222827... 29/06/2010 Brixham a maritime treasure, where life centres on the bustling harbour, one of Britain's busiest fishing ports.Wander around the harbour side... ![]() |
04/12/2010 Get ready for another unmissable Theatre Royal pantomime!Outstanding family pantomime returns to the Theatre Royal’s stage this Christmas as... 18/08/2010 Stoke Fleming Horticultural & Sports Society present their 134th Annual Show & Sports Day.Bank Holiday Monday on 30th August at Stoke... 08/04/2010 In aid of Children's Hospice, Redfern Health Centre & Macmillan Cancer SupportVintage Planes Visiting - Dragon Rapide, Hurricane R4118, Dragon... 15/11/2010 In aid of The Greyhound Sanctuary. Racing starts at 12 Noon - Final entry 10.00pm - Presentation 11.00pm. Entry £4.00 *... 27/08/2009 Wassail is the traditional cider apple blessing celebration in Stoke Gabriel's community orchard and Scout Hut. Folk music, morris dancing, story... 01/09/2010 A season of films pertinent to our transition from oil are scheduled for this Spring. Each film will be followed by an open discussion over... 01/10/2010 Dance 2011 Slapton Village Hall 7.30pmMarch 5th,... 04/08/2011 Celebrate Start Bay 2011 this year is on Saturday 20th August at Slapton Village Hall and Field Centre. The annual free celebration of ‘all... 31/05/2011 Suitable for: EveryoneFor over 600 years the castle has been the guardian of Dartmouth and the River Dart. From Tudor times to the Second World War... 06/04/2010 Timetable for the dayFrom 11.00am: Gathering at Normandy Cross. By 12.00 noon: All entry forms to be handed in at Worm HQ (Village Bus Stop)12.30:... |