Summary:

Exercise Tiger was a large-scale military training exercise conducted by Allied forces during World War II. The exercise aimed to prepare troops for the upcoming D-Day invasion of Normandy. However, the exercise turned disastrous when it was attacked by German E-boats, resulting in the loss of hundreds of American lives.

The Background:

In the months leading up to the D-Day invasion, the Allied forces recognized the need for large-scale training exercises to prepare troops for the challenges they would face during the actual invasion. Exercise Tiger was one such exercise, conducted in April 1944 off the coast of Devon, England.

The Exercise:

Exercise Tiger involved a simulated amphibious assault on the beaches of Slapton Sands. The exercise aimed to replicate the conditions that troops would encounter during the actual invasion of Normandy. The troops involved were primarily from the United States, with some British and Canadian units also participating.

The Disaster:

During the early morning hours of April 28, 1944, a convoy of eight American landing ships, known as LSTs, was attacked by a group of German E-boats. The E-boats launched torpedoes at the LSTs, sinking two of them and severely damaging several others. The attack caught the Allied forces off guard, as they had not anticipated such an assault during a training exercise.

The Casualties:

The attack on Exercise Tiger resulted in the loss of around 749 American servicemen. Many of them drowned due to the sinking of the LSTs, while others were killed by the torpedoes or in the chaos that ensued. The casualties included both soldiers and sailors, with some of the victims being medical personnel who were on board the ships.

The Aftermath:

The disaster of Exercise Tiger was initially shrouded in secrecy, as the Allied forces did not want to reveal any weaknesses or setbacks to the enemy. The families of the victims were not informed of the true nature of their loved ones’ deaths, and the incident was largely kept under wraps until after the war.

Legacy and Lessons Learned:

Exercise Tiger served as a tragic reminder of the risks and challenges involved in amphibious warfare. The disaster highlighted the need for better coordination and communication between different branches of the military, as well as the importance of proper training and preparedness.

Commemoration:

In recent years, efforts have been made to commemorate the victims of Exercise Tiger. Memorials have been erected in both the United States and the United Kingdom to honor those who lost their lives. Additionally, an annual memorial service is held at Slapton Sands to remember the fallen.

Conclusion:

Exercise Tiger was a disastrous training exercise that resulted in the loss of hundreds of American lives. The attack by German E-boats during the exercise served as a harsh reminder of the dangers faced by Allied forces during World War II. The incident highlighted the need for better training, coordination, and preparedness in future military operations.