Deep secrets of the war to be uncovered

On 07/08/2009
In World War Wrecks
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From the Crawley Observer

A team of 12 divers will today (Thursday, August 6) begin a five-day project to try to find a Landing Craft Tank (LCT) which sank in 1944.

The team hopes the project in Bracklesham will solve the sea mystery and save the LCT before it is lost to the sea forever.

The LCT was used in the D-Day landings, carrying tanks and armoured bulldozers. It was part of J Force and was due to land at Juno Beach for the Canadian and British forces before it was sunk by gunfire.

"There are many second world war wrecks along the south coast and many remain unidentified," said Alison Mayor, who will be leading the diving project.

"Their story could soon be lost forever to the sea. Some of these wrecks have been dived for many years, but it is only when you start looking at the story behind their sinking do you begin to appreciate their true historical significance."

Last year the divers, from Southsea Sub-Aqua Club, finally solved the mystery of how two tanks, two bulldozers and a gun came to rest on the seabed eight miles offshore in Bracklesham.