Dartmouth is not only home to the Royal
Navy from its very earliest days but also the ideal
stepping off point for a look at some of the less talked
about aspects of the D-Day landings.
Join your local guide today for a visit to Slapton
Sands, site of one of the most unfortunate episodes
to take place in the build up to the D-Day operations.
Hear a D-Day expert explain the significance of this
remote stretch of beach and visist the Memorial given
by the United States to the local inhabitants in gratitude
for them evacuating their homes to make way for war
wounded. Continue to Torcross to see one of the Sherman
tanks brought up from the beach.
Afterwards, enjoy a specially arranged visit to Britannia
Royal Naval College. Dartmouth’s isolation has
over the years, provided an ideal spot to prepare young
men for Naval service, dating back to 1863. In 1872
the Prince of Wales sent his two sons to be trained
at the college starting a tradition to be followed by
the Royal family ever since. It was here that the present
Queen first met Prince Philip, when as Princess Elizabeth
she came with her parents to the Passing Out Parade.
The College’s small yet fine Museum has collected
together many pictures and artefacts showing the history
of BRNC from its beginnings in 1863 as two vessels moored
in the River Dart, through the opening in 1905 of today's
College and makes for a fascinating visit. |
