Disaster At Slapton Sands

[lindapalmara]

We are very interested in WW1 and are staying near Slapton Sands in Devon where a huge disaster took place when the Americans were practicing for the Dd Landings. About five Uboats were aware of the activities and sank a huge US Navy ship near the harbour. There were nearly a thousand US Navy members died in this tragedy but it was kept quiet. The casualties were included in the Casualties of the Landing in June 1944 which meant the families were told their loved ones died in Normandy. Although there was a temporary Cemetary where the casualties of Slapton but there are no cemeteries of these men here as there are in Normandy etc. Does anyone know where these men were finally laid to rest?

[saintstim]

Hi
It was WW2 and the landing craft were attacked by E boats rather than U boats.

[Sqad]

I think that the bodies were removed to the American Cemetery at Cambridge.

[wolf63]

Here is some more information

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_Tiger

[lindapalmara]

Yes, sorry I meant WW2 and E-boats. That's interesting about Cambridge being their final resting place. Thanks

[Baldric]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_Tiger#Memorials_to_the_victims

Doesn't answer the main question though

[Baldric]

///There is little information about exactly how individual soldiers and sailors died. Various eyewitness accounts detail hasty treatment of casualties and unmarked mass graves in Devon fields/// wiki