Page 5

RIDER

PARA.1. Although the initial attack had been very thoroughly
rehearsed, and we had studied models and photographs of
the beach area we did not recive [?an?] actual maps until
we were on board the landing craft and had set sail

The first two hours were spent in marking our
maps and transposing the informatin we already had.

I cannot recall at this date the precise conversations
we had but I well recall the feeling of relief
when we sailed, an overwhelming feeling of confidence, and
the realisation that we were at last to put into practice
what we had trained for unremittingly for so many months.

There is no doubt that this feeling was engendered by
the fact that every man knew precisely what he had to do,
what his particular tank crew had to do, and what every larger
unit had to do in the operation. He also knew the quality of
the opposition he had to face, and "the unknown" had been
reduced to a minimum. Three hours after sailing these feelings
had in almost all cases been superseded by the feelings which
accompany seasickness - and these feelings need no description.

I was fortunate in that we were in the flotilla
leaders craft, and as he did not require his bunk on the
night of the crossing he offered it to me, and I consequently
slept well from about 9 P.M. till 4.30 AM on the morning of
the 6th.

PARA.2. The detailed knowledge which all ranks had concerning the
operation discounted completely any rumours which might
have circulated. Rumour can only flourish where there