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July 1943 to June 1944
July 1943 to June 1944 continued
The D - Day Landings
D-Day Landings continued
D-Day to VJ Day and beyond
Background information & the last months
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July 1943 to June 1944 continued
Location: Hampshire
Life at the Camp
The initial purpose of the camp was to train naval and marine forces in the art of small boat handling and to provide experienced and fit assault troops to land on enemy held shores. Manoeuvring the unwieldy landing craft on the Hamble river was no easy task and even experienced helmsmen were caught out by the vicious ebb tides which would sweep them down onto the railway bridge. There were dented boats and dented egos at first but they soon learned to manage their vessels with skill and precision. The fitness training involved long and arduous route marches through the surrounding villages and countryside. These "outings" were, in theory, the only way of leaving the camp but the marines soon found a way of breaking out over the perimeter wire. Then, via a footpath nicknamed "The Burma Road", they made their way to the Bugle at Botley or to the British Legion where girls from the Land Army went to enjoy a break from their labours on the local farms. One marine veteran recalls seeing American Rangers playing baseball in Botley Square and records that the rivalry between American and Canadian troops sometimes resulted in "skirmishes" after pub closing time!
Because of such "social activities" the local population were well aware that servicemen were billeted in the area but the extent and purpose of HMS Cricket was a well kept secret and in the run up to D-Day security became even tighter with members of the individual flotillas apparently prevented from contacting each other.
In the main, however, the camp was self-contained and provided its own entertainment with films, talks and sporting activities such as football, cricket and hockey. The base staff were able to provide teams to play against other shore establishments in the area and a football squad from the camp entered the Hampshire League and played with some distinction. There were also other, less approved, activities which appealed to the lively spirit which seems to have prevailed at that time. The late Jim McDermott, a member of 141 flotilla, recalled that the standard of food provided by the Navy bore no comparison to that supplied to the American Rangers in the camp at the other side of the Creek. An unofficial barter system was soon set up between the lower ranks in both camps and our lads' diets were much improved by the addition of large tins of fruit, vegetables, powdered eggs and other luxuries. Unfortunately, some months before D-Day, these "raids" on the American store rooms came to the notice of the Powers that Be and when a British party arrived one night for a top-up of supplies they were caught red-handed. The Battle of Yorktown was repeated and the Brits beat a hasty retreat with rifle bullets whistling over their heads. In the mad scramble to get away most of the goodies were dropped and by the time our sailors returned safely to base there remained only one small tin of tomatoes as a reward for their endeavours.
The Build-Up to D-Day
HMS Cricket expanded in the period prior to the D-Day landings. As in many other parts of Hampshire and the South Coast large areas of the countryside were covered with tents, stores and vehicles. The fields on each side of the A27 provided additional accommodation for the assault forces and to the south of Hoe Moor Creek the Rangers practiced assembling Bailey Bridge sections. Mobile anti-aircraft guns were moved into the camp and were positioned at numerous sites along the banks of the Hamble.
The forces assembled in Hampshire were divided into three groups. G Force was destined to land on Gold beach, J on Juno and S on Sword - those camped around the Hamble were to be part of J Force. Their associated ships were anchored in Spithead in an area stretching from Cowes to the Spit Sand Fort. On the 23rd. of May 1944 orders were received to seal the camp and all contact with the outside world ceased. The landing craft were loaded and prepared for the coming invasion. 606 flotilla's L.C.M.s were ready in the Hoe Moor Creek bays and the L.C.A.s were moored in the middle of the river above the railway bridge. The L.C.A.HR.s were similarly moored in mid-stream opposite the creek and further L.C.M.s were sited opposite Fosters Copse.
At 15.45 hours on the 5th of June Lt.Ball burst into 606 flotilla's office and shouted "This is it chaps!" Together with members of the naval L.C. maintenance unit and soldiers from the 50th. Division, 606 were swiftly assembled in full kit on the parade ground where a local clergyman lead them in prayer and made a short speech wishing them all good luck. The whole unit was then called to attention by the C.O., formed into three columns and marched down to the landing craft.
As the boats moved out of the creek the Captain of the camp stood at attention on the end of the temporary pier and saluted each vessel in turn and when the flotillas passed the training ship Mercury the boy sailors rushed to the port side to cheer the laden boats on their way.
By the evening of June 6th. the Hamble river was empty and HMS Cricket had gone to war.
The D - Day Landings >>
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