Roy Merrett

Number: 14579834
43rd (Wessex) Reconnaissance Regiment

On June 19th, 1944, a contingent of 850 men from the 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment boarded T72/MTS at West India Docks in London. Among them was 19-year-old Roy, assigned as a gunner and wireless operator in a small armoured car. The unit set sail at 19:30, bound for the Normandy coast.

By June 20th, the convoy had reached Sword Beach, where they anchored offshore. The men remained stationed on the water until June 24th, when they moved toward Juno Beach to prepare for disembarkation.

Tragedy struck when their vessel hit an acoustic mine near the aft section. The explosion flooded the second aft hold, destroying vehicles including an ammunition wagon. The leaking fuel and oil ignited, creating a dangerous fire on the water’s surface. Fortunately, the stranded soldiers were rescued by nearby naval support, including Landing Craft, the SS Cap Tourain, and H.M. Gunboat Locust.

From June 25th to 27th, recovery operations began. The damaged vehicles were salvaged and unloaded as the unit prepared to move inland. In July 1944, Roy finally landed in Normandy and commenced active service. He would go on to serve through the remainder of the campaign and beyond, fighting with distinction until the war’s conclusion in 1945. His conduct was noted as skilled and diligent, and he was promoted to Corporal. While he narrowly missed receiving an ‘Exemplary’ Military Conduct citation due to missing a few weeks of additional service after hostilities had concluded, his record remained highly commendable.