Torcross DD Sherman Tank, Torcross, South Devon
DD or duplex drive tanks, nicknamed "Donald Duck tanks", were a type of amphibious swimming tank developed by the British during the Second World War. The phrase is mostly used for the Duplex Drive variant of the M4 Sherman medium tank, that was used by the Western Allies during and after the Normandy Landings in June 1944.
DD tanks worked by erecting a canvas 'flotation screen' around the tank, which enabled it to float in water. 'Duplex drive' refers to the fitted propellers allowing propulsion through water, which supplemented the usual track propulsion used when the flotation screens were lowered upon landing to fight as an ordinary tank.
The DD tanks were one of the many specialized assault vehicles, collectively known as Hobart's Funnies, devised to support the planned invasion of Europe.
Operation Tiger was an eight days long general repetition for D-Day, which took place in 1944. During this operation, 749 American soldiers lost their life as result of blunders and a German assault with E-Boats.
The memorial displays the following text:
This American Sherman DD tank is a silent witness of the disaster of operation Tiger. Next to the tank stands a memorial stone with the following text:
"THIS AMERICAN TANK TOOK PART OF THE D-DAY PRACTICE LANDINGS AT SLAPTON BEACH IN 1944 WHERE IT WAS AT SEA AND THERE REMAINED UNTIL ITS RECOVERY IN 1984
IT STANDS AS A MEMORIAL TO THOSE AMERICAN LIVES LOST DURING THE COURSE OF THE D-DAY PRACTICE LANDINGS AT SLAPTON BEACH IN 1944. THEIR SACRIFICE WAS NOT IN VAIN. BE THEY EVER IN PEACE"
Torcross DD Sherman Tank, Torcross, South Devon
DD or duplex drive tanks, nicknamed "Donald Duck tanks", were a type of amphibious swimming tank developed by the British during the Second World War. The phrase is mostly used for the Duplex Drive variant of the M4 Sherman medium tank, that was used by the Western Allies during and after the Normandy Landings in June 1944.
DD tanks worked by erecting a canvas 'flotation screen' around the tank, which enabled it to float in water. 'Duplex drive' refers to the fitted propellers allowing propulsion through water, which supplemented the usual track propulsion used when the flotation screens were lowered upon landing to fight as an ordinary tank.
The DD tanks were one of the many specialized assault vehicles, collectively known as Hobart's Funnies, devised to support the planned invasion of Europe.
Operation Tiger was an eight days long general repetition for D-Day, which took place in 1944. During this operation, 749 American soldiers lost their life as result of blunders and a German assault with E-Boats.
The memorial displays the following text:
This American Sherman DD tank is a silent witness of the disaster of operation Tiger. Next to the tank stands a memorial stone with the following text:
"THIS AMERICAN TANK TOOK PART OF THE D-DAY PRACTICE LANDINGS AT SLAPTON BEACH IN 1944 WHERE IT WAS AT SEA AND THERE REMAINED UNTIL ITS RECOVERY IN 1984
IT STANDS AS A MEMORIAL TO THOSE AMERICAN LIVES LOST DURING THE COURSE OF THE D-DAY PRACTICE LANDINGS AT SLAPTON BEACH IN 1944. THEIR SACRIFICE WAS NOT IN VAIN. BE THEY EVER IN PEACE"