ryan_box023-tld_f48_05

1.
When we [crossed out] a [end crossed out] were on our way to Normandy, we had
been ordered by the Surgeon Lieut. Wm Large to wear our
best uniforms to reduce the possibility of infection in the
event that we should be wounded in action. We also wore
our life (belt) jackets and we were ordered to wear our
respirators as a precautions. There was a rumor going about
to the effect that the Germans would resort to gas to repell
the invasion as a last resort. Just prior to getting underway
we had been informed by the ship's officers that the RAF
together with the USAAF were to concentrate or deliver heavy
bombing on the German shore batteries, the supplies just
beyond the front line and also to disrupt and destroy
as many railways and roadways. [crossed out] so [end crossed out] [inserted] This was [end inserted] as to destroy the German
Panzers which were [crossed out] a [end crossed out] [illegible] heavily armored divisions which
[crossed out] was [end crossed out] were being used to rush to the areas where the invasion would
strike. We were also informed that after the actual bombard-
ment, the paratroopers were to be dropped as soon as possible
to infiltrate through the German positions.
In addition to our role of looking after the needs
of our 5000 full equipped soliders we were [crossed out] [illegible] [end crossed out] on constant
guard against mines, submarines, (or) E boats and aircraft.
We travelled in complete darkness for over 2 1/2 hours
on our way to our position at the beach-head and a
great confusion of engine noises could be heard but we were
almost completely unaware that a great armada of ships
were also travelling to the beach-head. While we were
en route to Normandy, the gun crews had closed up, all
watertight doors shut, and the plan was for the ships to be
assembled and ready to launch the assault landing craft
before dawn in order to provide the [?target?] element of surprise.
Just before the first 3 or 4 groups of men boarded
their respective landing crafts, a roll call was made to see
that everyone was present for the occasion, they were
to check all their equipment to be sure they hadn't left any