Chapter XVII
Normandy
. The following is an extract from the log of CG 16
“Cutter Sixteen 1730, 5 June joined invasion task force (Convoy U-1A) off
Portland Bill. 0300, 6 June, arrived area -- 0530, accompanied invasion
barges into shore under severe shelling attacks and with mines going up all
around us. 0730, LCF-31 hit by shell 800 yards off shore, sinking
immediately. While engaged in picking up survivors, shell struck PC-1261,
which disintegrated, scattering men and debris over a wide area. While so
engaged, shells and bullets were falling near by, and just after last man
picked up, small landing craft only few hundred yards off shore blew up.
Proceeded to spot and picked up all living survivors. Then proceeded to APA
Dickman and unloaded survivors. Two men pronounced dead, but one was revived
later and put aboard an LST. Departed again for invasion coast. 1045 sighted
LCT-777 down by stern 1500 yards from the beach. Moored alongside and took
off all wounded. After leaving this ship, which was being used as an
ammunition ship, was told by one of the survivors (soldier) that a wounded
man with two broken legs was still inside one of the gun tubs, so returned
alongside for the second time. Crew passed line under wounded man's arms and
haled him clear just as LCT turned turtle. Those survivors turned over to an
LST which was acting as a hospital ship. No more rescue work during balance
of day or following night. Received orders to return to base. Arrive 1700, 7
June, 1944.13
“
Medical
Comment
The majority of survivors were so weak that help had to be provided in
bringing them aboard. Davits for hosting 400 pounds of weight were on some
of the cutters, and RAF valise type life rafts, scramble nets, and life
lines were also used. Reports indicated that approximately 50 percent of all
survivors picked up during the first 48 hours were either seriously wounded
or suffered from shock. Although pharmacists mates were not aboard, first
aid on the cutters saved a number of survivors. In some cases, even where
two limbs had been blown off, survivors were kept alive until transferred to
hospital ships. In addition brandy issued as a stimulant, coffee and tea
were available to each unit, as were blankets. As the brandy and blankets
proved insufficient in some instances, several crew members gave their own
clothing to keep survivors warm and dry. In addition to straight rescue
work, an assortment of miscellaneous duties was performed, including the
urgent transfer of blood plasma, spotting of mines, and engagement with
enemy aircraft.