70th Ceremony News Article - May 1, 2014

HERALD EXPRESS                                                                    Thursday, May 1, 2014
(Excerpts of article on coverage of the Exercise Tiger Memorial Ltd Event)

Exercise Tiger 70 years on

At 2 am on Monday, April 28th,  a silent, candlelight vigil was also held at the tank memorial to remember the 749 American servicemen lost in Exercise Tiger. The ill-fated Exercise Tiger was considered by US top brass to be such a propaganda disaster they ordered a complete information black-out with the threat of court martial for any survivor who revealed the truth about what happened. The candlight vigil was organised by Dean Small, whose father established the tank memorial site in 1984, and Laurie Bolton, whose uncle perished on April 28, 1944. They were joined by a small gathering of local people.

Laurie said: “It was extremely moving to be there at the very time the tragedy took place 70 years ago and to remember those who perished.  “I couldn’t help but think about what they must have suffered in their last moments of life.” Dean added: “If my dad had been with us at the vigil, there would have been a tear in his eye.”  A commemoration service was also held at the tank memorial on Sunday afternoon, April 27th. It was led by John Richards, of the Royal Tank Regiment Association Plymouth Branch.  Also present were members of the LST and Landing Craft Association, local residents and government representatives.  A plaque to Ken Small was unveiled to recognize his efforts in creating a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives.

Laurie read a message from the families and veteran survivors. She said: “I am privileged to be here in memory of my uncle, Sergeant Louis A. Bolton, who perished on board LST 531. I have also been asked, by the families who lost loved ones, as well as the veteran survivors, to represent them here today, as they are unable to attend.  “On behalf of all of us, I wish to thank the late Ken Small for establishing this memorial site which gives us a tangible place to come and pay tribute to our loved ones who died, and a place of remembrance for their sacrifice. “We also acknowledge the sacrifice of the local residents who left their homes and farms for the cause of freedom.  “We appreciate the support and attendance of the area’s local citizens and local government representatives. “It was my privilege, along with Dean Small, to be unveiling a plaque honouring the late Ken Small for his tireless efforts over 30 years to establish this memorial site in honour of those who perished.”