On the 6th of June, 1944 began the huge Allied invasion of the Normandy coast of France, known as the D-Day landings.
The Morgan Giles boatyard was involved throughout the war. The 150 plus workforce, including 20 women, were engaged in fulfilling Admiralty contracts. The firm built motor torpedo boats (MTBs), assault landing craft and fast attack launches. Well over 100 craft in total were produced for the Admiralty.
The town was inundated with Allied servicemen on the run-up to D-Day, as the large seafront buildings had been commandeered by both American and British forces. The river was full of landing craft and the promenade with equipment, so residents knew that something was going to happen soon, though they did not know the time and place.
Suddenly, overnight, the troops and equipment began to move out, the first stage of the liberation of France. The people of Teignmouth and Shaldon can be proud of their contribution.
