No.8 Beach Group War Diary: May 1944

The No.8 Beach Group May 1944 war diary covers the final stage of preparation for D-Day at Moorhill Camp near Southampton. After Exercise FABIUS III and a visit by General Eisenhower at North Stoneham Park, the camp was sealed and all personnel were briefed on Operation Neptune using sand models, maps and aerial photographs

National Archive Reference: WO 171/812

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WO 171/812 No.8 Beach Group

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Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	1-7		Beach Group on Exercise FABIUS III.
	10		Adjt issues Preparatory Administrive Instructions II.
	13		General Eisenhower C.i.C. Invasion Force visits the Beach Group on parade at NORTH STONEHAM PARK M.R. O.S. 132/873370 together with
			personnel of 8 Canadian Inf Bde and gives them a short address.
	19-30		Extensive work is carried out by the Beach Group Commander, 2 i/c and I.O. in an Operation Room inside Moorhill Camp. Key Plan, Operational
			Order and all other instructions are prepared for Neptune Bigot. On the 25th the Camp is sealed and nobody is allowed in or out of the
			Camp without a special permit. In the meantime Beach Group personnel are gradually getting ready for the forthcoming operation. Articles of
			kits are exchanged for operational kit such as A.V. Battledress, A/L Shirts Socks etc.
	26-30		Briefing in front of a sand model erected in a Briefing Hut takes place. Every member of the Beach Group inside the Camp is given & clear picture
			of the forthcoming operation by the use of the sand model, bogus maps, aerial photographs and diagrams. Drivers mates are instructed to pass
			on the information to their drivers as soon as they have an opportunity
			during the marshalling period. Appendices. Beach Group Orders Part I.
			Weekly Field Return of Officers & O.R.s. Preparatory Administrative Order Part II & Amdt I.
			Orders for Visit of Distinguished Visitor & Amdt No.1. General Movement Instructions.
			Neptune Bigot Operation Order No.1. (Sent to Under Secretary of State for War)