The Silent Prelude : Pembrokeshire's Role in D-Day Preparations:

In the summer of 1943, the tranquil coastal towns of Pembrokeshire—Saundersfoot, Tenby, and Amroth—witnessed an unprecedented transformation. These serene beaches became the stage for a crucial rehearsal that would shape the course of World War II: Operation Jantzen.

A Surge of Soldiers July brought an influx of more than 100,000 soldiers to these otherwise peaceful Welsh towns. For weeks, the area was under strict military control as preparations for the pivotal D-Day landings were meticulously carried out. The operation spanned 13 days, during which 16,230 tonnes of supplies were methodically brought ashore. The picturesque beaches were suddenly bustling with army landing crafts, a sight so significant that it drew the attention of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Ensuring Secrecy Maintaining the element of surprise was paramount. To this end, all correspondence from the villages was heavily censored, and a strict curfew was imposed. Residents and any visitors were instructed to stay indoors, ensuring that the details of the operation remained under wraps and out of enemy ears. Commandeer and Command The military's presence was not confined to the beaches alone. Several larger buildings in the area were commandeered for essential operations. Local hotels, typically teeming with tourists, became billets for soldiers. Notably, the St Brides Hotel was temporarily converted into a Signals Training School for the Royal Marines, becoming a hub of military communication and strategy.

Legacy of Preparation Pembrokeshire’s contribution to the Allied efforts is a testament to the region's strategic importance and the meticulous planning that underpinned the success of the D-Day landings. The echoes of those transformative weeks in 1943 still resonate through the coastal winds, reminding us of the crucial role these Welsh towns played in one of history's most significant military operations.

Thus, while the golden sands and serene waters of Saundersfoot, Tenby, and Amroth may seem like quiet holiday destinations today, they once bore witness to the rigorous preparations that helped pave the way for the liberation of Europe.