My friend ,Dave asked me in an E-Mail,how did anything ever get to where it was supposed to go in the
turmoil on the Beach on D Day.
I told him to read my Blog on the Anniversary of D Day,for the best answer I remember. .
As far as to what and where the stuff that came ashore went and how it got to its
proper destination, is the real miraculous mystery of the Landings successful culmination..
I can't tell you how it was accomplished first hand, but here is what I saw and got from
my conversations in my two months on the Beach and 4 months in Cherbourg.
The first time we came ashore, was like a Movie Set...Unreal...Soaking wet, following the guy in front,
conscious of the shelling but moving, worried,but moving..When we stopped we hit the sand
and looked back to see how far we had come...Not very far....an hour or so later on
our way back to the S.S.Pickett while waiting for a ride, I looked around.....
There were two Beach Masters, dressed in faded coveralls, Master Sargent insignia on their
sleeves and on their hip,a holstered side arm, a baseball cap on the one standing, the other taking notes
on one kneeling knee. Then I figured out what the rest of the multitude was doing.
There were two and a half ton trucks that were being loaded by Drivers
and truck crews, with stuff from the DUKWs. They were coordinating with a group
of MPs by radio when they could raise their head to look around...
The first day, stuff just came ashore...The DUKW,s went to the nearest boat,on
its entry point into the water...
I understand, the Ships with what was 'most important" were anchored closest to the beach.
Soon as they were emptied they left for England.
Now the DUKWs had to go further out...The Vessels WERE NOT PERMITTED TO MOVE.
The second day there were at least 4 Beach Masters on our section of the beaches we worked,
with the faded fatigue coveralls but without stripes and all were helmeted,.
Not making the confusion any better.3 days of very bad weather.We got organized and after the 4th day,
that storm saved our ass as far as getting the hang of what was going on,
Nothing moved to shore.....The next day we went out with almost being swamped by rough seas...
Climbed up Cargo Nets over the side of the ship and went to work.
They couldn't get enough DUKWs out to unload the ship so we slept in the Hatch that we had just
unloaded, filled with Jerry Cans of Gasoline.. .
We finished the job through the next morning and afternoon ,,,,]
We left just as we came...In this case,Over the starboard side facing the beach, holding on to the Cargo Nets.
Jumping from the nets,DOWN on the upstroke, at the highest level of 6 to 8 feet
into the heaving DUKWs, going down.The deck of the empty ship was more than
18 feet at times, above the water at the number 2 hatch.When reaching the beach we
were informed of a German Parachute Unit dropping behind our advancing front line
that was heading for the Beach..
We had a wide awake night.
This was the only stoppage ever, of Delivering the Right Stuff...
Look up Port Chicago, California, if you get a chance.
Love,
Finnegan
Thank you for your Service.
