SECOND WORLD WAR - D-Day Marshalling and Embarkation Areas
From April 1944, the east-coast, the south and west coastal areas of England and parts of south Wales were divided into a number of concentration areas known as Marshalling Areas (MAs). One or more MAs served an Embarkation Area (EA). Preliminary planning as regards to the layout of each area had been worked out the previous year, such as exercise 'Harlequin' – carried out within the Sussex District and Central Sussex Sub- District during August and September 1943.
By mid-March 1944, the Overlord Marshalling & Concentration Area plans were being finalised, this was called the 'Sausage Plan' on account of the shape given to the MA boundaries when identified on a map.
Command Responsibilities
Eastern Command was required to provide concentration areas for all troops passing through Tilbury and London Docks. This included an infantry division plus accumulated residues totalling 104,000 troops. Felixstowe and Tilbury Docks were each to be allocated one reinforcement holding unit of 1,600 troops and one reinforcement group of three units of 4,800 troops within the concentration area.
Southern Command's primary responsibility was to provide concentration areas for US Forces by direct arrangement with SOS ETOUSA. This was in addition to two British armoured brigades located in the Bournemouth /Poole Area, and 21 Army Group. One reinforcement holding unit was also required to be accommodated in each of the Portsmouth and Southampton MAs. British Airborne Forces required tented accommodation for 800 (all ranks) at certain airfields within the command from which the forces would operate.
South-Eastern Command was required to provide concentration areas for British and Canadian troops embarking from the south coast. Apart from accumulated residues, the following commitment was allotted to South-Eastern Command:
P Three armoured divisions P Five infantry divisions P Three armoured brigades P Two corps HQ and corps troops P One forward reinforcement unit of 1,600 troops (at Shoreham) P Three reinforcement groups of four holding units –each of 1,600 troops.
Northern Command was required to accommodate units displaced from other commands within areas vacated by 21 Army Group.
London District was to provide one reinforcement holding unit within reach of the London Docks. The responsibilities of Western Command were not discussed.
The above was worked in February 1944 at the second meeting of the Concentration Area Accommodation Committee, which was convened to investigate the problem involving accommodation of build-up formations, during intensification for 'Overlord'. The committee prepared a number of schedules and plans of accommodation in areas suitable for concentration. It was not just a case of finding suitable camps, but the logistical problems for each sub-area were also worked out in conjunction with the sub-district commands. This included locations of field hospitals, ordnance dumps, headquarters, petrol dumps, bakeries, ammunition dumps, chemical warfare dumps, railheads, and traffic routes from the sub-areas to the embarkation ports.
Marshalling Areas
All MAs were sub-divided into a headquarters and between eight and 24 Sub-Areas and each of these contained one or more tented camps and parks to accommodate the troops and vehicles. These were identified by a Sub-Area code letter followed by a number, such as, 'S8' (Marshalling Area 'S', Sub-Area 8). This MA was located at Weald Park, Brentford in Essex. Embarkation Areas were also allotted Code letters and numbers, such as 'E5' at Tilbury Docks.
There was one other type of camp associated with the EAs, and this was the Transit Camp, which could provide accommodation close to the MA in case of a hold-up due to bad weather, or for any other reason. For Newhaven, the Transit Camp was at Denton.
Each MA was operated and organised as a brigade under the command of a Brigadier and brigade staff; there was no sub-area command structure (at least in the smaller MAs). The HQ and the camps were only in operation for the duration of 'Overlord', and afterwards the whole organisation was disbanded and dismantled.
Each MA brigade headquarters was established within requisitioned property, e.g. MA 'J' HQ was at Southover Manor School in Lewes.
Slit trench type air-raid shelters were provided in all camps on a 100% camp capacity basis. Camp boundaries were normally marked out by three-strand cattle fence, and security patrols were carried out to ensure that there was no communication made between troops in the camp and the outside world.
Marshalling was the splitting of units into detachments of landing craft loads consisting of troops and vehicles, the issue of voyage necessities and the movement of the craft load to the EA. The splitting up of units into detachments meant that the units were no longer self-supporting and required full 'hotel servicing' whilst in the MA. The aim of MA staff was to ensure that all ship-loads sail:
? Without delay to shipping ? Carry troops who were fresh and fully-equipped ? Carry MT and equipment which are 100% efficient at the ship's side when being loaded.
The Marshalling Area was planned to fulfil two roles consecutively:
To accommodate, marshal and move to embarkation area its initial concentration prior to D-Day of 40,700 personnel and 6,500 vehicles. To accommodate, marshal and move to embarkation a sustained daily flow of 4,000 personnel and 600 vehicles, for an indefinite period after D-Day.
Responsibilities within the MA was allotted to MA Staff as follows:
Timely arrival of transit troops - Home Command Movements
? Detailing vehicles & personnel and sorting into craft loads - Movement Control at MA ? Servicing vehicles and personnel whilst in the MA - MA Staff
? Move to EA - Movement Control Staff at MA
? Embarkation - War Office Embarkation Staff
Movement out of the MA was dependent on three factors:
Availability of shipping
Weather
The changing requirements in the field
Layout of Marshalling Area 'S'
Marshalling Area 'S' was located in the Tilbury - Brentford area and served as the area for marshalling prior to embarkation at Tilbury Docks E5. The MA was divided into an Area HQ and eight Sub-Areas and Service Installations. The Sub-Areas varied in capacity were divided into 500-man camps, all except one (S7) were on a tented basis. Vehicles were parked either herringbone or head to tail.
Marshalling Area 'S'
Sub Area Capacity Personnel / Capacity Vehicles / Location of HQ
S1 4,500 / 900 / Golf Club House, Orsett S2 4,500 / 350 / Tilbury S3 4,500 / 1,100 / Purfleet S4 7,000 / 1,300 / Belhus Park, Aveley S5 5,000 / 2,450* / Thorndon Hall, Warley S6 4,500 / / Halfway House Inn, Southend Arterial Road S7 2,500 / / Warley Barracks S8 5,000 / / Weald Park Brentford
*The main vehicle parks were located along the Southend Arterial Road, although during the initial concentration many vehicles were parked and marshalled in roads adjoining S5, S7 and S8. The 2450 vehicles were shared between S5 to S8
Setting up of Marshalling Area 'S' in April 1944
Under utmost secrecy, orders were received from HQ 9 Armoured Division in March 1944 that:
? 7 Infantry Brigade would move to Tilbury for Marshalling Duties.
? A large number of unit signallers and despatch riders would concentrate in the area under orders from 9 Armoured Division.
? A large number of REME personnel would similarly concentrate.
In early April the CO and staff of 7 Infantry Brigade carried out a reconnaissance of the area. At that time the area came under the CO South Essex Sub-District. Permanent camp structures were by now nearing completion and roads and bridges within the area were strengthened to take Class 70 loads.
During the second week of April, advanced party of units to form the Static Staffs moved in. Tentage was drawn and camp erection commenced. All necessary work had been completed by 1 May 1944 as ordered.
During the first week of May, 21 Army Group Exercise 'Fabius V' took place. This involved actual handling of troops and transport through the area and practice embarkation of the vehicles took place.
The operational cycle for a Sub-Area was: Tents were erected during March 1944 and the first units had begun to arrive, unit postal censorship was introduced on 1 April. By the end of May all camps were 'sealed'.
A typical cycle for Sub-Areas handling was as follows:
? Day 1
? Vehicles of the first flow-in arrived and are parked up in craft load order ? Drivers completed Stage B(i) waterproofing (under REME supervision) ? Personnel issued with voyage necessities
? Day 2
? Vehicles for MT ships moved to embarkation with the minimum of personnel. ? Drivers completed waterproofing Stage B(ii) at dockside under REME supervision ? Vehicle parties and marching parties remained in Sub-Area
? Day 3
? Vehicles and all personnel for LSTs moved to embarkation ? Vehicles and marching parties for MT ships moved to embarkation in troop carrying vehicles
? Day 4
? Sub-Area empty - day spent cleaning up and preparing for the next flow-in.
'Y'-Day
Marshalling and embarkation of a whole MA such as 'S' Area involved a carefully thought out programme of phased operations. First of all the loading of 6,500 vehicles took several days and this was followed by loading of 37,000 personnel. The date given for completion of the loading programme was given as Y-Day and in theory was to be a couple of days before D-Day. The problem was if the date for D-Day had been differed - a day to day deferment would have caused no repercussions, but if a fourteen-day deferment had been ordered then it would have been necessary for the troops to disembark and return to their sub-area camps.
Norfolk House
In 1942, the first Allied Force Headquarters (AFHQ) was established in Norfolk House, St James's Square, London and after the decision had been taken in January 1943, to mount an invasion of France in the spring of 1944 a Chief of Staff was appointed to prepare and plan the invasion. Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick Morgan became Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander-designate (COSSAC) on 12 March 1943 and set up an office in Norfolk House. In February 1944, COSSAC was integrated into SHEAF (see below) and Norfolk House became the SHEAF 'Rear' HQ.
Headquarters European Theatre of Operations, US Army (ETOUSA)
Headquarters, European Theatre of Operations, US Army (ETOUSA), was formed and established at 20 Grosvenor Place, London by General Order (GO) 3, HQ ETOUSA, dated 8 June 1942. It succeeded HQ US Army in the British Isles (HQ USANI) which itself had been established in London by GO 1 HQ USABI during January 1942. It formed initially under the command of Major General James E. Chaney (USAAC) .
In December 1943, Eisenhower became Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and assumed command of ETOUSA in January before being officially designated as the Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) in February 1944. This gave him a dual role, which he maintained until the end of hostilities in Europe in May 1945. From February 1944, SHAEF whose initial headquarters in London was at 45-47 Grosvenor Square (the US Base Organisation offices) functioned as the operational command and ETOUSA became the administrative command. SHAEF was formed partly with staff from COSSAC and partly from AFHQ.
Meanwhile COSSAC had out grown its headquarters in Norfolk House and had acquired other offices in London's West End. This included Senate House (occupied by the Ministry of Information), an underground air-raid shelter, near Goodge Street and another built in the base of a gas holder in Horseferry Road.
General Bernard L Montgomery was appointed to command the land forces, who then established himself a headquarters (21st Army Group) at St Paul's School (his former school) in Hammersmith.
Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF)
SHAEF staff revised the original COSSAC plans for the Battle of Normandy, code name 'Operation Overlord' (also known as 'D-Day). Lieutenant General Sir Frederick E Morgan Chief of Staff to the Supreme Commander Allied Forces (COSSAC) and Major General Ray Barker initially worked out the operation. They began planning for the invasion of Europe before Eisenhower's appointment who then moulded it into the final version, executed on 6 June 1944.
After Eisenhower had been appointed, SHEAF moved at the beginning of March 1944 to Bushy Park, Teddington, the headquarters of the US Eighth Air Force (Camp Griffiss), AAF Station 586.
SHEAF occupied three sets of Temporary Office Buildings (TOBs) identified as 'C', 'D', E' and part of 'F'. This site remained as the Main SHEAF HQ during its six-month period of occupation.
An Advanced Command Post, called Sharpener Camp, was a small tented camp in use over the D-Day period at Sawyers Wood close to Southwick House. The Forward Headquarters (Code name 'Shipmate') was a larger tented camp located in Millard's Wood near Southwick House .
That process was shaped by Eisenhower who was the land forces commander for the initial part of the invasion, SHAEF remained in the United Kingdom until sufficient forces were ashore to merit its transfer to France. At that point, Montgomery ceased to command all land forces, but continued as Commander in Chief of the British 21st Army Group.
When the war ended in Europe on 8 May 1945, the Headquarters for ETOUSA was located in Versailles, France, just outside of Paris.
The Decision to Go!
The final and major briefing of the key commanders followed the final exercises. This conference was held under the supervision of SHAEF on 15 May 1944 in St. Paul's School, General Montgomery's headquarters in London. Present were the King, the Prime Minister, Field Marshal Smuts, the British Chiefs of Staff and members of the War Cabinet, and the chief Allied commanders. This was perhaps one of the great military gatherings of the war.
On the evening of 4 June the decisive meeting was held about the actual date for Overlord. This took place near Portsmouth in the Allied Naval Expeditionary Force Wardroom at Southwick House, Admiral Ramsay's headquarters.
Present in addition to General Eisenhower were ACM Sir Arthur Tedder, ACM Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Robb, Wigglesworth, Lieutenant-General Walter Bedwell Smith, Montgomery, Strong, Bull, de Guingand, Gale, Sir Bertram H Ramsay, and Creasy. Once the group was seated informally in the easy chairs, the weatherman, Group Captain Stagg, accompanied as usual by Instructor Commander, John Fleming of the Royal Navy and Lt. Col. Donald D. Yates of the US Army Air Force, presented the forecast. A new weather front had recently been observed which gave some hope of improvement throughout 5 June and until the morning of Tuesday the 6th. The skies were expected to clear sufficiently for heavy bombers to operate during the night of the 5th and at H-Hour the following morning.
The decision was made to GO on the morning of 6 June and the orders went out to the fleet that the attack was on. A final meeting of the Supreme Commander and his aides was set for the early morning of the following day (5 June) again at Southwick House. The weatherman again confirmed that the weather would be sufficiently good on the following day to allow air support, so General Eisenhower stuck with his decision .
Camp Summary Introduction
This list is far from complete, but contains all known marshalling and embarkation camps and areas used in the weeks prior to and just after D-Day. The sources are various files at TNA
England
Cornwall
MARSHALLING AREA 'M'
HMS Raleigh (M1) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp M1
Scraesdon (M2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp M2
Blarrick, Crafthole (M3) WWII D-Day Marshalling Area Camp M3
Tregantle (M4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp M4
Other Known D-Day Camps
Boscaswen Park Camp, Truro US Army Camp prior to D-Day
Duporth Camp, St Austell Army camp known to be occupied by Indian Army Units, followed by US troops 1st Engineer Brigade prior to D-Day
Penstrase/ Penstraze, Truro US Army Camp prior to D-Day
Devon
MARSHALLING AREA 'K'
Torquay, Shiphay (K3) US 237th and 238th Engineering Battalion D-Day Marshalling Area Camp K3 (5,000 personnel)
Smokey Camp, ? Marldon (K4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp K4 (camp capacity 1,000 personnel)
Paignton (K5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp K5 (camp capacity 8,000 personnel)
Syon Abbey (K7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp K7, 29th Infantry Regiment South Brent (K8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp K8
Other Known D-Day Camps
Bampton US Army Camp prior to D-Day, 3rd Platoon, 30th Special Service Company
Braunton and Saunton US Army pre-D-Day Beach Landing Exercise Area
Dorset
MARSHALLING AREA 'D'
Dewlish (D1) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,800 personnel & 260 vehicles) D1
Lytchett Minster (D2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp D2
Yellowham, Dorchester (D3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,500 personnel & 220 vehicles D3
Dorchester, Cae House ? (D4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,900 personnel & 410 vehicles) D4
Broadmayne Park & West Knighton (D5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps for US Army African/American Soldiers' Camp D5 (camp capacity 3,000 personnel)
Piddlehinton (Puddletown), (D6) Dorchester D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 3,600 personnel & 510 vehicles) D6
Dorchester, Poundbury Camp (D7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 3,300 personnel & 480 vehicles) D7
Downwood (D8) Blandford ? (D8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,500 personnel & 220 vehicles) D8
Bincombe (D9) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,100 personnel & 220 vehicles) D9
Kingston Russell (D10) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,400 personnel & 340 vehicles) D10
Winterbourne Abbas (D11) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,400 personnel & 340 vehicles) D11 Bradford Down (D12) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 3,300 personnel & 470 vehicles) D12
Winterbourne St Martin (D13) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp D13
Weymouth, Charlestown (D14) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp & Field Hospital D14
EMBARKATION AREAS
Weymouth (EA7) D-Day Embarkation Area EA7
Portland (EAD8) D-Day Embarkation Area EAD8
Other Known D-Day Camps
Barrow Camp, Wyke Regis Army Camp occupied by US Army units prior to D-Day (SY 65 77)
Knighton Heath D-Day Army Camp
Essex
MARSHALLING AREA 'E'
St Chads School, Tilbury? (E5) WWII D-Day Sector HQ and Embarkation Area (S & T) E5 HQ
Purfleet (E6) WWII D-Day Embarkation Area Camp E6
MARSHALLING AREA 'S'
Orsett Heath, (Golf Course) Grays (S1) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S1
Chadwell St Mary & Tilbury (S2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S2
Purfleet Musketry Camp (S3) & (T6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S3 (also another camp called T6 with a capacity of 4,000 personnel 1,000 vehicles) S3 & T6
Belhus Park, Aveley (S4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S4
Thorndon Park & South Weald, Brentwood (S5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S5
Little Warley Hall, Nuttys & Great Warley Hall (S6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S6
Brentford, Warley Barracks (S7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S7 Weald Park, Brentwood (S8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp S8
MARSHALLING AREA 'T'
Wanstead, Royal Wanstead School D-Day Marshalling Area 'T' HQ (Emergency HQ located at Fife Road School)
West Ham Greyhound Stadium (T4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp T4 (camp capacity 2,000 soldiers & 500 vehicles)
Gloucestershire
Other Known D-Day Camps
Ashton Court, Clifton, Bristol WWII US Army Camp prior to D-Day
Hampshire
MARSHALLING AREA 'A'
Rowlands Castle, (A1) includes Stansted Park D-Day Combined Operations Marshalling Camp A1
Emsworth Common A2 D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A2
Horndean, Hazleton Wood (A4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A4 known to have been occupied by units of the 3rd Infantry Division including the 92nd (Loyals) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
Waterlooville, The Queen's Enclosure (A5 & A6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp used by 2nd Army Reserve Tank Brigade from D-Day to D-Day +17 A5 & A6
Waterlooville, Stakes Hill Lodge (A7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A7
Hambledon, Bury Lodge (A10) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A10
Denmead & Southwick (A11 & A12) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp utilising the Forest of Bere, included Creech House, the temporary HQ for General Eisenhower and Montgomery A11 & A12
Wickham Park (A13, A14 & A15) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps occupied by 53rd (London) Medium Regiment Royal Artillery A13, A114 & A15
Funtley (A16) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A16 Sarisbury, (A18) & Park Gate (A17) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps A17 & A18
Gosport, Browndown (A19) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A19
Botley, Fairlawn ? (A22) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp US Military Hospital (Curdbridge) A22
MARSHALLING AREA 'B'
Cadland Park, Fawley (B1 & B2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps (camp capacity 3,328 personnel & 480 vehicles) B1 & B2
Beaulieu, Stubbs Wood, Penerley Camps (B3 & B4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (3,328 personnel & 480 vehicles) B3 & B4 East Boldre (B5 & B6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp . Known to be occupied by 705 Infantry Brigade Company with DUKWs (parked on Beaulieu Heath) (camp capacity 2,220 personnel & 318 vehicles) B5 & B6
Brockenhurst 'A' (B7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp occupied by the 6th Btn, Border Regiment (camp capacity 1,110 personnel & 159 vehicles) B7
Brockenhurst 'B', Setley Common (B8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (capacity 1,110 personnel & 159 vehicles) B8
MARSHALLING AREA 'C'
Southampton, Harefield & Moorhill Park ? also Thornhill Park (C2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps. camp capacity 1,500 personnel & 210 vehicles at Harefield C1 2,500 personnel & 360 vehicles at Moorhill – C2
Botley, (C3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp south-west of village C3
Netley Common (C3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,500 personnel & 360 vehicles) C3
Bushfield, Winchester (C5) Rest Camp known to have been occupied by US Army - 60th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division prior to D-Day. D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,500 personnel & 430 vehicles) C5
Chandler’s Ford, Cranbury Park Hiltingbury (C6, C7, C8 & C9) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps - 85th Chemical Warfare Company, Royal Engineers; 46th Field Hospital (camp capacity 11,000 personnel & 2,000 vehicles) C6, C7, C8 & C9 Bassett Wood, Stoneham Golf Course (C11) Bassett Green (C10) Reinforcement Camp for 751 Assault Field Company, HQ 5 Corps Troops, RE & 10th Infantry Brigade (1941). D-Day Marshalling Area Camp - Canadian Army units (camp capacity 1,000 personnel at C10) C10 & C11
Hursley Park, Winchester (C12 & C13) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp - Primary Training Camp. Units camped here took part in practise landings on Hayling Island. US Army 32nd Evacuation Hospital (camp capacity 4,500 personnel & 640 vehicles) C12 & C13
Ampfield, Cramp Moor (C14) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp C14
Romsey, Cramp Moor, South Holmes Copse (C14) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,750 personnel & 400 vehicles) C14
Romsey, Broadlands Park (C15) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,250 personnel & 180 vehicles) C15
Nightingale Wood, Romsey (C16 & C17) D-Day Marshalling Area Camps (camp capacity 3,250 personnel & 465 vehicles) C16 & C17
Upton, Grove Place (C17) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp C17
Southampton Common (C18, C19, C20 & C21) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (8,500 personnel & 1,000 vehicles).12th Hospital Train, 12th Medical Dispensary C18, C19, C20 & C21
Toothill (C22) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,000 personnel & 285 vehicles) C22
Chilworth Common (C24) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,500 personnel & 215 vehicles) C24
EMBARKATION AREA
Calshot Foreshore (EAB2) D-Day Embarkation Area EAB2
Exbury (EAB2) D-Day Embarkation Area EAB2
Gosport, Stokes Bay (EAA4) D-Day Embarkation Area Camp EAA4
Southampton Docks (EAC5) D-Day Embarkation Area EAC5
Other known D-Day Camps Cowplain RM Commando Transit Camp prior to D-Day
Cowdray Park Army Camp for D-Day & ATS Training Camp
St Cross Park, The Grange, Winchester D-Day Transit Camp
Kent
MARSHALLING AREA 'F'
Patrixbourne (F1) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F1
Bourne Park, Bishopsbourne (F2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F2
Charlton Park & Barham (F3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F3
Broome Park, Denton (F4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F4
Goodnestone Park (F5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F5
Easole Street & Knowlton (F6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F6
Waldershare Park, Eythorne (F7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F7
Betteshanger & Almanstone (F8) (probably Tilmanstone) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F8
Old Park Barracks, (F9) Whitfield D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F9
Wootton Park & Denton (F10) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp F10
EMBARKATION AREA
Deal (EF2) D-Day Embarkation Area EF2
Dover (EF3) D-Day Embarkation Area EF3
Folkestone (EG2) D-Day Embarkation Area EG2
Other Known D-Day Camps
Tonbridge, Mabledon Park pre-D-Day Transit Camp occupied by Canadian Army units
Leicestershire Other Known D-Day Camps
Evington, Shady Lane US Army 82nd Airborne Division D-Day Transit Camp
London Post Code Areas
MARSHALLING AREA 'T'
Canning Town, E16 (T2 & T3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp at demolished housing estate (camp capacity 4,300 personnel & 1,065 vehicles) T2 & T3
Plaistow, E13 (T2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp T2
West Ham Greyhound Stadium, E15 (T4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,000 personnel & 500 vehicles) T4
Tollgate Road, E6 / 16 (T8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp T8
Royal Docks, E16 (T8a) & West India Docks, E14 (T8b) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp T8
Manor Park, SE13 (T7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 4,000 personnel & 1,000 vehicles) T7
Norfolk
MARSHALLING AREA 'Q'
Great Yarmouth (Q1 & Q2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q1 & Q2
Gorleston Cliffs (Q3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q3
EMBARKATION AREA
Great Yarmouth,South Beach D-Day Embarkation Area E1
Somerset
Other Known D-Day Camps
Barwick Park, Yeovil US Army Camp prior to D-Day, 15th Replacement Depot
Suffolk
MARSHALLING AREA 'R' Felixstowe, Old Felixstowe (R1) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R1
Felixstowe Town (R2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R2
Felixstowe, Beach Station (R3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R3
Nacton, Orwell Park (R5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R5
Orwell Park (R5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp. Used by 7th Armoured Div R5
Wherstead Park (R6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R6
Bramford Hall (R7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R7
Shrubland Park, Coddenham (R8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp R8 & later PoW Camp R8
MARSHALLING AREA 'Q'
Fritton Marsh (Q4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q4
Corton (Q5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q5
Lowestoft, Park Farm (Q6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q6
Lowestoft Town (Q7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q7
South Lowestoft (Q8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Q8
EMBARKATION AREA
Lowestoft (E2) D-Day Embarkation Area E2
Ipswich, Cliffe Quay (E3) D-Day Embarkation Area E3
Felixstowe, Languard Common (E4) D-Day Embarkation Area E4
Other Known D-Day Camps
Broomhill Park, Ipswich WWII Tank Assembly Area for D-Day
Surrey
MARSHALLING AREA 'A' Oxted (A15) WWII D-Day Marshalling Area Camp A15 occupied by 53rd (London) Medium Regiment Royal Artillery prior to D-Day A15
Other Known D-Day Camps
Thursley, Tweedsmuir Camp Army Camp used by Canadian Army BEF units as well as D-Day. Became a Polish Displaced Persons Camp
Sussex
MARSHALLING AREA 'J'
Lewis, Manor School ? (J) D-Day Marshalling Area 'J' HQ (Q845286)
Middleton Manor, Hassocks (J1) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 860 personnel) (Q781331) (TQ3414) J1
Stanmer Park, Brighton (J2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp occupied by Canadian Army units (camp capacity 2,800 personnel) (Q772287) J2
Firle Park (J3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 2,600 personnel) (Q909260) J3
Novington Manor, Plumpton (J4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 450 personnel) (Q803331) J4
Binham & The Hooke, Plumpton (J5) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,400 personnel) (Q825389 & Q820375) J5
Sutton Hall, Barcombe (J6) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,000 personnel) (Q869377) J6
Buckham Hill & Lodge Wood, Uckfield (J7) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,500 personnel) (Q885396 & Q885388) J7
Paxhill, (Haywards Heath) (J8) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp Used by Canadians (camp capacity 1,200 personnel) (Q796456) J8
Wykehurst Park, Bolney (J10) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,520 personnel) (Q694435) J10
EMBARKATION AREA
Newhaven, 51-53 Meeching Road D-Day Embarkation Area HQ EJ2 (Q881202) Piddinghoe D-Day Embarkation Area EJ4
Shoreham, 34 Lower Brighton Road D-Day Embarkation Area HQ EJ4 (Q671241)
Other D-Day Camps
Bishopstone, Brighton REME & Tank Assembly Area & Camp prior to D-Day. This was reported to be near Bournemouth
Five Oaks, Billingshurst D-Day Tank Assembly Area
Horsham, Monks Common Army Camp used prior to D-Day
Petworth House & Park Tank Holding Camp prior to D-Day used by 27th Armoured Brigade, 48th General Hospital
Storrington, Barns Farm Army Camp used as a Transit Camp prior to D-Day TQ1013
Wales
Glamorganshire
MARSHALLING AREA 'V'
Heath Camp (V2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp V2
Cardiff, Maindy Barracks (V3) US Army Barracks & Camp (camp capacity 1,528 personnel). Marshalling Area Camp but its unknown if it was used in this way (T6100) V3
Llandaff I (V4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 528 personnel) (T6090) Field Force Depot No.1. V4
Wenvoe (V5) Winter Tented Camp (camp capacity 1,302 personnel) (T5795). D-Day Marshalling Area Camp V5
Barry Golf Course (V6) WWII Tented Winter Camp (camp capacity 1,302 personnel) (T5795). D-Day Marshalling Area Camp V6
St Mary's Hill? Penclawdd (AAF-443) (V7) NGRs are of two sites 18 miles apart WWII Winter Tented Camp (camp capacity 1,202 personnel) (O2405). WWII US Army Camp (camp capacity 783 personnel) (N9918). 21st Postal Regiment Section, US 9th Air Force D-Day Marshalling Area Camp V7
MARSHALLING AREA 'W'
B]Pontypridd[/B] (WI) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 783 personnel) (O5112) W1
St Donats Group (W2) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (camp capacity 1,560 personnel) (T3789) US Army 2nd Division Artillery W2
Heronston (W3) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp (may not have been used). Note the area is also known as Hernston and Hernstone W3
Porthcawl I & II (W5) 28th Infantry Division, 107th Field Artillery Battalion, D-Day Marshalling Area Camp W5
MARSHALLING AREA 'X'
Singleton Park, Swansea (X3) Winter Tented Camp (camp capacity 1,566 personnel) (O0715). US Army 5th Engineer Special Brigade, 12th Port of Embarkation, 52nd QM Base Depot D-Day Marshalling Area Camp X3
Mynydd Lliw I and II (X4) D-Day Marshalling Area Camp X4
Scurlage, Gower (X5) WWII Winter Tented Camp (camp capacity 2,000 personnel) (N9009) WWII US Army Camp, 2nd Battalion Infantry Regiment. 2nd Signal Company D-Day Marshalling Area Camp X5
Monmouthshire
MARSHALLING AREA 'V'
Pontllanfraith (V1) WWII D-Day Marshalling Area Camp V1
Other Known D-Day Camps
Portskewett Woods WWII Army Camp used by US Army Units prior to D-Day
Welsh D-Day Marshalling Areas Plan 'E' March 1944
Note that it is unknown whether this list is as proposed or as-built, or whether it was partly occupied or completed in its entirety.
EMBARKATION AREA BARRY Camp, Map /NGR, Capacity (personnel), Parking, Water & Details
MARSHALLING AREA V1
Pontllanfraith No.2 102/621169 capacity 1,250, OK, OK, Two camps both sides of road
Mill Camp 102/622159 capacity 250, OK, OK, Across river from road
Halt Camp 102/622150 capacity 250, OK, OK, Small area
Ynysddu 102/624138 capacity 250, OK, OK, Old railway yard
MARSHALLING AREA V2
Birchgrove 109/611032 capacity 1,000, OK, OK Large area
Heal Camp 109/609052 capacity 500, OK, OK Unknown
Hill 109/608055 capacity 500, OK, OK, Alternative for above
Top of Hill 109/602057 capacity 500, Poor, None, Unknown
MARSHALLING AREA V3
Rhydlafar 109/557005 capacity 500, OK OK Good parking
Travis Camp 109/561998 capacity 1,000, OK, None, Good parking
Cricket Camps 109/559992 capacity 1,000, OK, OK, A crossroads (also109/561994)
MARSHALLING AREA V4
Pont Cynon 101/522173 capacity 750, OK, None Football field
Tyntetown 101/515182 capacity 750, OK, OK, Old road
Dyffryn ? 101/509187 capacity 500, OK, OK, Old road
Golf Course ? 101/460240 capacity 2,000, OK, OK, Golf course
Mountain Ash 101/497206 capacity 500, OK, OK, Unknown
MARSHALLING AREA V5 Llantrisant Common 101/495060 capacity 1,100, OK, OK, Haul water from Llantrisant
Gwaun (Miskin) 101/507062 capacity 500, OK, OK, Haul water from Beddau
MARSHALLING AREA V6
Llegh? Common 109/497949 capacity 250, OK OK, Unknown , Camp 109/492946 capacity 500, OK OK Opposite church
Caemaen 109/495942 capacity 500 OK, OK, Unknown
Gowlog (Llancarfan) 109/485922 capacity 250, OK, OK, Unknown
Camp Site 109/482928 capacity 250, OK, OK, Unknown
Camp Site 109/489933 capacity 250, OK, OK, Unknown
Camp Site 109/475895109/482902 capacity 750, OK, OK, Unknown
MARSHALLING AREA V7
Cubray Arms (Aubrey?) 109/491955 capacity 550, OK, None, Water nearby
MARSHALLING AREA V8
Cowbridge Commons 109/456955 capacity 2,200, OK OK Old Roman roads good park
MARSHALLING AREA V9
Penlline (Penllyn) 109/416971 capacity 500 OK, OK, Water main in road
Tewgoed 109/409984 capacity 250 OK, OK, Water main in road
Court Camp 1 & 2 109/412983 capacity 750, OK, OK, Water main in road
St Mary Commons 109/409998 capacity 1,250, OK, OK, No camouflage
MARSHALLING AREA V10 (RESERVE CAMP)
Bro Castle 1 109/375987 capacity 250, OK, None, Good
Bro Castle 2 109/371989 capacity 500, OK, None, Good
Bro Castle 3 109/368989 capacity 250, OK, None, Good Corn Town 109/363098 ? capacity 250, OK, None, Good
MARSHALLING AREA V11 (RESERVE CAMP)
Camp Sites 109/363098 capacity 1,000, Good, None, Water from Llangeinor
MARSHALLING AREA V12
Tymaen 109/338987 capacity 500, OK None Good
Pumping Station 109/332988 capacity 500, OK, OK, Good
Norton 109/318978 1,500, OK, None, River & downs
Southern Down 109/313960 capacity 1,000, OK, None, On sea coast
MARSHALLING AREA V13
Old Gun Site 101/219060 capacity 1,500, OK, None, Water from Margam
WELSH D-DAY CAMPS (1)
Embarkation Area Swansea
Camp, Map /NGR, Capacity (personnel), Parking, Water & Details
Rhigos Camp Sites 101/378260, 101/375265 capacity 2,500, OK, None, No camouflage, water to be hauled
MARSHALLING AREA W2
Margam Camp 109/250085 capacity 1,200, Fair, OK, Internal roads available
MARSHALLING AREA W3
Loop 101/189217 capacity 1,000, OK, OK, Good park, ample areas
MARSHALLING AREA W4
Commons 101/093213 capacity 800, OK, OK, 4in main in road
MARSHALLING AREA W5
Camp Site 100/037175 capacity 500, OK, OK, Unknown Camp Site 100/040175 capacity 500, OK, OK, Unknown
Foundry Field 100/039162 capacity 250, OK, OK Unknown
Camp Sites 100/036165 capacity 750, OK, OK, Unknown
MARSHALLING AREA W6
Trimsaran 100/909263 capacity 250, OK, OK, Poor camouflage
Trimsaran 100/919260 capacity 250, OK, OK, North-west corner
Lygwyn? Ty-gwyn 100/912256 capacity 500 OK OK South-west corner
Rhos 100/916254 capacity 250, OK OK South-west corner
Cancoed? Cencoed 100/919252 capacity 250 OK OK East side of road
Garn 100/920249 capacity 250 OK, OK, West side of road
Cwmbach 100/937238 capacity 500, OK, OK, Large field to the east
Stradey 100/933239 capacity 2,000, OK, OK, Good camouflage
MARSHALLING AREA W7 (RESERVE)
Camp Site 100/857337 capacity 500, OK, None, Hill side of road
Camp Site 100/852337 capacity 250, OK, None, Hill side of road
Camp Site 100/851340 capacity 250, OK, None, Hill side of road
Camp Site 100/846333 capacity 250, OK, None, Unknown
Camp Site 100/842333 capacity 250, OK, None, Unknown
WELSH D-DAY CAMPS (2)
EMBARKATION AREA NEWPORT
Camp, Map /NGR, Capacity (personnel), Parking, Water & Details
MARSHALLING AREA U1 Bryn-Awel Farm (vJ) 102/832222 capacity 250, OK, None, Flat pasture
Great House Farm 102/835222 capacity 250, OK, None, Flat pasture
Upper Maerdy Camp 102/845223 capacity 250, OK, None, Flat pasture
Inn Camp 102/848225 capacity 500, OK, None, Flat pasture
Cefntilla Court 102/850240 capacity 500, Poor, None, Wooded Area
Camp 102/861232 capacity 250, OK, None Undulating Area
McMullin Camp 102/874246 250, OK, None, Good, area - rolling
Crossheads 102/876251 capacity 500, OK, None, Used river water
Gwernesney 102/861228 capacity 250, OK, None, Two fields
Steps Farm 102/864225 capacity 250, OK, None, Rolling area
Duncan Camp 102/867222 capacity 750, Poor, None, 2 fields (east), 1 field west
Heim ? 102/871214 capacity 500, OK, None, Unknown
Morran Camp 102/871211 capacity 250, OK, None, West side parking
Golden Hill 102/876185 capacity 500, OK, None, Good parking
Goytre Camp 102/884189 capacity 250, OK None, Hillside area
Shirenewton 102/929151 capacity 250, OK None, Good camp
Orchard Camp 102/933154 capacity 250, OK, OK, Water main
Camp 102/941151 1,000, OK, OK, Water main
Long Orchard 102/945153 capacity 1,250, OK, OK, Water main
Barnett Woods 102/950152 capacity 2,000, OK, OK, Good camouflage
Hospital Area 102/961155 capacity 250, OK, OK, Can use if necessary
Chepstow Garage 102/967154 capacity 500, OK, OK, Can use if necessary
MARSHALLING AREA U2 Crick-Shirenewton Road 102/931125 capacity 1,000, Good, ? Good area
Hoffman Camp 102/931118 capacity 250, OK, ? Hillside area
Crick Camp 102/930115 capacity 250, OK, OK, Undulating Area
Mount Ballan 102/934108 capacity 750, OK, 0.5 mile On road
Portskewett 102/939096 capacity 500, OK, 0.5 mile, Undulating area
MARSHALLING AREA U3
Paggiott ? 102/899091 capacity 750, OK, OK, Water main in road
Llanvihangel 102/884085 capacity 250, OK, OK, Small area
Holly Bush 102/881088 capacity 1,000, OK, None, Unknown
Vicarage 102/863087 capacity 250, OK, None, Fair site
Wilrick Wood 102/856091 capacity 500, OK, None, Fair site
Pencoed Common 102/845100 capacity 1,000, OK, ? Good area
MARSHALLING AREA U4
Garndifraith 102/708265 capacity 250, OK, At Site, Hill area
Blaenavon 102/710279 capacity 1,500, OK, At Site, Includes all commons