Time and again during the months preceding the invasion, the weird craft of modern amphibious warfare stood out through ancient harbor mouths of Devon and Cronwall, laden with troops and tanks. Mariners, too old for the sea, and women and children always watched, wondering if this could be The Day.

From many ports the craft met in massive rendezvous off Dartmouth and hit the battered beaches of Slapton in full-scale and thunderous attack. One day, the vessels held their course for the continent.