Between Start Point and Dartmouth lies Slapton Sands, a two-mile ribbon of sand with a precarious road running along its top. The village of Torcross is the gateway to the Sands, and in its beachfront car park stands a restored Sherman tank raised from the nearby seabed in 1984.
At first you would think that this is a fitting reminder of the American Forces who were billeted here during the Second World War, but it is much, much more. This Tank commemorates one of the biggest losses of life during the War, and is the unofficial Tombstone for 946 men who lost their lives during exercise ‘Tiger’, many of whom may still lie buried in unmarked graves.
In the run up to the invasion of Europe tens of thousands of American troops were billeted around this area so that they could undergo training for the imminent sea borne landings in France. The Americans were to assault a beach in France codenamed ‘Utah’, and Slapton Sands was almost a perfect replica.
In order to train under battle conditions live ammunition was to be extensively used including aerial strafing and artillery bombardment. Because of this 3000 people were summarily evacuated from their farms and villages in 1943, and the American Army moved in. Over the weeks that were to follow the Army held live firings and made many mock attacks on the beach until all was ready for the full dress rehearsal.
Over 30 thousand troops embarked in their assault craft with all the equipment that they would need to land on the coast of France, including tanks. In the early hours of April 28th 1944 this huge armada of assault ships and escort vessels were all milling around out at sea getting in position to start the Exercise when a Flotilla of E boats operating out of Cherbourg, under the command of Hans Shirren, got in amongst the allied ships and caused utter chaos.
With the sea bombardment just starting the escort ships did not realize what was happening and opened fire on each other. In the resulting carnage ships were sunk, and nearly a thousand men lost their lives. The E boats got away scot-free and the next day the beaches were littered with dead bodies with more being brought in on every tide. More casualties were caused that night than actually happened when ‘Utah’ was stormed for real on D Day, and the whole thing was such a fiasco that it was all hushed up for years and many of the dead were buried in unmarked graves.
Ken Small who campaigned for years to recover the Tank, uncovered the whole heartrending story whilst researching how the tank came to be lying just off the beach, and produced his best-selling book The Forgotten Dead that tells the whole story.
Leslie Thomas’s The Magic Army is an impressive and often very moving novel, and is a great fictional account of the story as seen through the eyes of the locals and the American troops.
Channel Firing: Tragedy of Exercise Tiger
Another excellent book about the dreadful loss of life in the run up to D Day.
It is with considerable regret that I have heard that Ken has died of a long illness on 15th March 2004. He is buried at Stokenham Church, just a short distance from ‘his’ Tank
Every year the Royal Tank Regiment Association (Plymouth Branch) organise and hold a Memorial Service by the tank in Torcross (all are welcome). It is held on the nearest Sunday to the 28th April (“Exercise Tiger” Anniversary) This year was the 70th Anniversary of the tragic event. During the service Dean Small (Ken’s son) and Laurie Bolton (USA) unveiled a plaque in honour of Ken Small who sadly passed away in March 2004. Laurie Bolton’s uncle lost his life aboard LST 531. Laurie has become a point of contact for many of the surviving veterans and family members.
Dean said “I am proud of my dad’s achievement’s and am privileged to be involved with the tank memorial”. Laurie said “The tank and the memorial site gives people a tangible place to visit and think of there loved ones, and remember the sacrifice made for the freedom we enjoy today”.
If you would like to learn more, please visit
Ann Smalley says
I was browsing the web to look up any goings on at Slapton for the forthcoming 65th D Day events. It is some years since I was around that area and I have been saddened to read that Ken is no longer on duty at the tank. My story started some years ago when I bought my husband Kens book – The Forgotten Dead-which led to holidays of discovery of The South Hams – a place of peace and beauty- we stayed at the Cove – which had to have the just about the most idyllic setting ever – the walls covered with photos and letters .we happened to be there in early June just as a huge statue of an eagle arrived from USA – so many families there grateful to Ken – at that time Ken lived there alone and we were the only guests – the place being for sale at the time and became fascinated with the story and the character that was Ken. It was clear he felt this was what his life was destined to be about – the uncovering of this story – we were amazed as was Ken at the never ending stream of visitors to the Tank – flowers , garlands and teddies covered it left by maybe visiting relatives – where Ken spent all day every day and never tired of telling the story.
I’m pleased to hear Kens son has stepped into his fathers shoes and I’m sure the story has yet to be told many more times
RIP Ken – you did a good job !
john marshall coach driver says
it is sad to hear that ken passed away i used to visit him every time i took passengers to dartmouth he was a very nice man he give me a tape to play when i left dartmouth so when i got to slapton sands they
new all about what happend on the beach yes he was a fine gentleman
Dave Doughty says
So sorry to hear of Kens death.
I found a copy of his book, The Forgotten Dead in the Greek Islands a couple of years ago of all places. Just inside it has the words “best wishes Ken Small Slapton Sands 7th march 2004” could this be a signed copy of his book?
When i find the time i will visit the Tank and the area of Slapton Sands.
John-Paul Millington says
So sad to hear o Kens passing. I borrowed his book from a colleague at work and what an advenur Ken had. From start right through to the very end when the tank was raised and restored. Being only 30 years old when I read the book, I found it quite an interesting read as I have never been interested in anything like this before. This summer I am planning a trip to Slapton Sands. To finally visit the tank and truelly appreciate what Ken had put all his efforts in to.
John Wilson says
I was visiting England, from Australia, in 1984 and arrived at Slapton Sands on the day after the Sherman Tank was raised. It was in remarkably good condition and appeared to be complete in all respects. Built like a tank, I suppose. The date of manufacture was engraved on the side. I’ve forgotten what it was but, I’m sure that it was not more than 6 months old. Just in time for the 40th anniversary of D-Day. A tribute to the man who raised it.
Michelle Rolfe says
I was 11yrs old when the tank was raised, and happened to be on our annual Stoke Fleming holiday with my family……. saddened to hear Ken has passed away.
Hoping to find an audio edition of his book, for my elderly father, who also spent many of his youthfull years in Slapton, and knows the history well.
Bonnie Anderson Godin says
Bonnie Godin
I was visiting with my mother last night and we were looking at some of my Dad’s books when we came across the book The Forgotten Dead that Ken Small had given to my father when he came to the US to visit. My father was a member of the 70th Tank Batallion and Ken stayed at our house while visiting the US. My father was working in New York City at the time and Ken went sightseeing with him. My father passed away in 2008 but for many years they had exchanged Christmas cards. My mother mentioned that she hadn’t heard from Ken in a few years and thought something might had happened so I just went on the internet to see what I could find. Sadly I have now found out that Ken has passed away. He was an extraordinary man and will not be forgotten.
Ray Worboys says
watching countryfile bbc1 2nd january 2011 part of programme was on Slapton Sands no mention of ken,tank or war but i spotted the memorial took me back to the day i meet ken brought his book of which he signed for me great reading, just looked for my book to read again cannot find so will purchase again,in devon first 2 weeks february fire service rehabilitation centre following a complete knee replacement in october. I will make a point of visiting Slapton again. seeing the memorial only for a few seconds brought a lump to my throat, God bless all thosewho lost their lives ray worboys.
R. Wilcox says
I met Ken Small when I visited Slapton Sands, I had been intrigued by the many stories that I had heard about the fiasco in April 1944.
I found Ken to be a very nice man, and I had a long conversation with him, I purchased his book, and he signed it for me. It is incredible reading, and if you have not read it, I suggest that you do.
That one man, and an english man at that, should dedicate so much of his time and effort to establish the truth for the families of these unfortunate soldiers and sailors, is incredible. It`s not difficult to understand why he is held in such great esteme. May he rest in peace.
norm rowett says
The forgotten Dead.
Thanks to Kens efforts,the tradgedy of Slapton sands in the run-up to D-Day will always be remembered,it was truley one of the biggest losses of life,and would otherwise have been kept a secret even now.
Once again thankyou Ken RIP. God Bless.
Huw Thomas says
Just finished the book, very moving. And only discovered that Ken had died when I found this website. I WILL visit Slapton Sands and Torcross and pay my respects to a fine man and the boys whose story he fought so hard to tell. RIP Kenneth Small, a great human being
yvonne collins says
ken had a son russell what happened to him ??
John says
A gentleman from top to toe, inside and out.
His work should be shown to all who believe, and appreciate true humanity.
May all those who died then and in battle later, like Ken, never be forgotten.
RIP Gentlemen.
Mary Hill says
I met Ken one day whilst visiting Slapton. I bought his book which he kindly signed. We had such a lovely chat. He was in poor health then, and I wished him good luck. It was such a privilige to meet him. He was a special person. He did a wonderful job. May he rest in peace.
Malcolm Hughes says
I was back visiting UK from Canada in late 1994 (I came here in 1966) and part of the time was visiting in Devon where my wife’s family comes from. The trip to Slapton was not planned, but I was impressed by his hard work and dedication and very moved by the story I heard from Ken. I have his book of course and it is signed by him on Dec 6 1994. In the years since I came back, I have loaned the book to several Americans with whom I come into contact through my work with the Legion. All are without exception enthralled but also angered by the account of this tragedy and moreso by the manner in which it has been kept under wraps for so long. Thank you Ken. You have earned the respect and gratitude of many thousands of people. RIP.
Paul Gilbert says
I am just reading Ken’s book and wondered if there was anything on the web about this extraordinary man and the fantastic work over many years to have the tank raised as a memorial to the unnecessary large loss of life at sea during the war, as well as the research he got involved with. What an achievement and I hope one day to visit the memorial at Slapton Sands to see the memorial for myself !
Mick Campbell says
I met Ken a number of years ago after reading the Leslie Thomas story about the evacuation of the area. He took the time to talk and signed a copy of his book for me. I used to take my passengers there when I was a coach driver to see the tank he raised. He was a true gentleman and will be missed for the efforts he put in to bring this site to peoples attention.
Dr.Roger Dagg-Heston says
I met the ” Saint in Black ” and he kindly signed a copy of his book for me on 21 June 2001. He sat daily in his car next to the tank,smoking and being warmly receptive to any visitor.The car boot was open and in it was a framed letter from Ronald Regan stating affectionate acknowlegment and thanks to Kens dedicated work….the man was a dedicated saint with an estblaished accomplished mission of massive human dynamics..I reommend his historical and revealing book very srongly. A few years later I visited Torcross but Ken was not there.and very annoyingly the plaque next to the tank was removed and replaced with different wording ! when I enquired at the local shop,i was told he had passed away….I miss that saint in Black who always dressed in black and wore a soldiers artifact around his neck…am glad his son now carries the torch….there are many lessons to be learned, in particular how politicians can twist truths….and historical facts never completely revealed….only tonight there was a TV programme on channel-5 about the event with no mention whatsover of Ken and with incomplete revelation….The saint in Black should have full credit for making history available to the man in the street….God bless his soul…
HIlary Giltrap says
We visited Ken back in the late 80’s with a view to shooting a video. Nothing came of it but we stayed with Ken many a time – soaking up his story especially the tank memorial.
I wrote a song at the time. Ken dressed in black and he was quite obsessive about the Moonlight Sonata which gave me the start of the lyrics:-
Man of the moonlight, man of the dark night
Seeking in shadows a path to a star
To light up the sea shore, spangle the sand bar.
He patiently waits for a key to his door.
Man of the past fear drops now a lone tear
For years that are leaving him stranded and dry.
So much he has done for them, should his time come again
He’d do it all over ‘neath Devon’s blue sky.
He hears them crying and sees their eyes dying
(lambs to the slaughter they all go alone.)
Sees the generals watching the mayhem before them
But God’s on their side event though it’s gone wrong.
The E-boats ae running with daring and cunning;
Confusion is reigning in the flares’ telling light.
They needle and shatter the convoy to pieces
And there’s no guard for heroes on this long April night.
The man in his minds eye hears now the great cry.
There’s fire all around and hell in the air.
Some moan for sweethears, cry for God or for mother.
Can nobody help them. Does anyone care?
The water looks safer but it freezes the men –
Some slip into forever without murmuring.
He hears them crying and sees their eyes dying
(lambs to the slaughter they all go alone.)Sees the
generals watching the mayhem before them
But God’s on their side even though it’s gone wrong.
Man of the new day sees now his task’s way.
To honour their memory his duty is bound.
Their story was buried with them on the hillside
But he brought them back with a glory refound.
Now his tank from the sad depths stands silent and proud
For friends and relations to honour their dead.
Though he still hears them crying, still sees their eyes dying (lambs to the slaughter as they died all alone.)
~Their names live for ever in a corner of England
And to hell with the generals, his men have come home.
It’s a long time since I read this. Ken’s story is still moving and I think of the many times we spent with him and his tank, dressed in black, no shoes on and with the beautiful pendant he wore – made up from treasure found in the sands.
David York says
just reading Kens book that I found in a book shop in Grantham, what an amazing achievement, I couldn’t think of a better tribute to the brave souls that lost their lives on that tragic night, sad to discover that Ken died, he lives on in his book and the exploits he achieved
David York says
just reading Kens book that I found in a book shop in Grantham, what an amazing achievement, I couldn’t think of a better tribute to the brave souls that lost their lives on that tragic night, sad to discover that Ken died, he lives on in his book and the exploits he achieved
Robbie Cozens says
The Tank was raised by a company named J W Automarine from Holt in Norfolk, I know the man who was then diver and Manager Director, Jonn Wise, they used air bags which was his design.
Gavin King says
My young lady has just told me she is taking me to the tower inn for my 60th birthday, having been to a wedding there a few weeks ago. Showing her dad where we were going he mentioned that there was quite a story about the d day preparations but I had no idea about this tragedy. My father went into D day with the canadians and i shall visit and pay my respects and hop[efully meet ken’s son. Amazing.
Dr.Roger Dagg-Heston says
Surely there is so much historical material here for a great documentary movie as good, if not superior to (saving Private Ryan) movie….where are you Stephen Spielberg..?…Where are you historians…? Where are you TV and film producers..? Perhaps we ,the public, should demand more rcognition of The Saint in Black by the mass media and film producers….
Eric Hayman says
I have just been watching a re-run of the final Foyle’s War episode that included references to what happened at the Slapton Sands rehearsal for D Day.
In the 1950s I lived at Staverton and Buckfastleigh as a schoolboy. On drives out, I would be taken by my parents to the south Devon beaches to be by the seaside for the day. But not Slapton Sands. The reason given was a strong undertow making the sea dangerous for swimming, but what had happened there in 1944 was by then known to locals and, I suppose out of respect for those killed, the beach was not a popular one for that reason alone.
Not knowing what happened there might give a person no inkling as to the past, but once known the pall is hard to lift. Now with the memorials in place, taking a swim at Slapton would be even harder.
Mumnoon Ahmad says
In 1984 I was a 15 yr old on a week long Geography Field Trip in Devon, from a school in inner city London. On a date which I can’t recall our school party we’re split into two and we were to embark on a coastal walk along the South Devon Coast. The idea was that we would start at two opposite points approx five miles apart and at the crossover our teachers were to handover their respective minibus keys to each other so both parties could continue the coastal walk and have transport back to the hostel.
I remember being in the party travelling west to east and recall stopping at Prawle Point where I think we sketched wave cut platforms at low tide. As we travelled further east sketching the coastline and studying former coastal villages lost to the sea due to storm erosion we came across a buzz of excitement. I can’t say exactly where we were but from our vantage point something was happening of the beach. A crowd had gathered in the distance and we could see some kind lifting apparatus on a platform not far out from the beach. As 15 year olds you could imagine how excited we were, and with our nievity thoughts of sunken treasure were not too far away. However, a quick reality check was forthcoming and my Geography teacher turned Historian reminding us that we were not in the Caribbean and he had no recollection of Spanish Galleons having sunk so close to the Devon shoreline. He thought it was more war related and mentioned D Day landings which as you can imagine briefly recanted memories of a long day in the classroom on a hot summers day.
Our enquisitiveness turned into a real interest when rumour reached us that a Sherman Tank was being recovered from the seabed upon which my Geography teacher smirked with glee further telling us that the beach we could see was likely to be Slapton Sands where Allied armies undertook war exercises in preparation of D Day. It was truly turning in to a History field trip. Our interest took over completely such that we spent more time than we should have hoping to get a glimpse of the Tank as it was raised. We were some distance away and I recall the Tank being raised out of the water but you would have needed a telescope to see it. Alas we could not get down to the beach as we were now behind schedule to rendezvous with our other group, our History teacher remembering he was actually our Geography teacher disappointedly encouraged us to resume our focus.
We never did get a close look at the Sherman as it was brought onto the beach, neither did rendezvous with our other group. Having got distracted with the tank we were not at the crossover point to hand over keys resulting in two teachers with keys to the wrong minibus.
It wasn’t until tonight when i was watching a program about reinforcing the British coastline in WW2 did I remember the sea salvage of a Sherman tank and googled it wondering, “whatever ever happened to that tank.” Twenty eight years have passed since that day and I have only tonight had that recall. Very sad to learn that Ken had passed away and disappointed with myself not to have enquired about that tank sooner given the momentous occasion that it was when it was recovered.
I have promised myself to visit Slapton Sands with my own family and to visit the memorial and finally get to touch the tank as I retell this story to my children.
Andy Oliver says
I have a signed copy of Kens book I purchased some years ago on a visit to Slapton Sands. Having just watched a tv programe on operation Tiger I was very very diappointed that they not once mentioned Kens name after all the research Ken had put into bringing this diaster to light. Rest in Peace Ken.
Anthony McCarthy says
I knew Hans Shirren and spent some time with him around 1990 touring the wind turbine manufacturers in Europe for a wind power project in Ireland. He had told me about being stationed in Cherburg during the war but I did not know about his involvement in Operation Tiger until I saw him being interviewed on TV about it.
I would like to know the program in which he was interviewed.
His wife had lived through the fire bombing of Hamburg as an eight year old child and was not the better of it even when I met her.
Submerged Comment says
Submitted on 2013/10/01 at 11:09 am
M.Pennell (mpennell@aol.com) wrote:
I first read of the Slapton saga by reading Leslie Thomas’ fictional story in the late 80s and visited the area,but having now obtained Ken Small’s story, I am amazed at the detail and perseverance he gave to researching the whole ghastly incident.He was rightly feted by the Americans but I fail to understand why the British Government did not accord him an Honour. I wish I had met this dedicated man.
Submerged Comment says
Dr.Roger Dagg-Heston(r.daggheston@hotmail.co.uk) wrote:
In reply to M.Pennell : you have to read the book tentatively.The Saint in Black ( I know he liked being called that) actually EXPOSED the tragic event that the Government concealed as it was a major cockup and the american soldiers were dumped in a mass grave ! Ken eventually influenced the forces to be and the soldiers were honourably reburried in the American Cemetery in Cambidgeshire. Only Ronald Regan had the descency to acknowledge Kens work by sending him a letter which Ken framed and exhibited it in his cars boot as he sat daily next to the tank, selling his book…No mention of the real details are available in any bookshop or in the mass media to this day…!!!! The man had a reverend mission that he accomplished through humane dedication. RIP Ken (The Saint in Black)
Submerged Comment says
Martin Lugg (martin.lugg@btinternet.com) wrote:
I remember meeting Ken whilst doing a coach tour and found him to be a really interesting person who took the time to talk and explain to people the real truth of slapton sands the government of this country should be ashamed of itself trying to hide this terrible tragedy .I remember Ken giving me a cassette tape and his words at the time were” play this when you leave here” and this i did .I played the tape as he asked as we left slapton sands and had tears running down my face and when i looked in my mirror i noted that i was not alone .
R I P Ken it was a real pleasure meeting you .
Graham White says
I have just finished reading Ken`s book,the forgotten dead.
24.02.2014. What a wonderfull man ken muat have been. I`m saddened to here that 10yrs have past since his death.
Is it not time that the British Goverment recognised Ken with the MBE. God bless you Ken Small, Sir.
John Wild says
We had a weeks holiday in Torcross in the summer of 1996, and I met ken sitting by his tank and bought his book. So sad to hear of Ken’s passing. His story is truly fascinating.
Dr.Roger Dagg-Heston says
I agree with G.White its time that the Saint in Black be honoured with an MBE. Perhaps one day when we have patriotic politicians who have respect for ultimate historical truths as revealed by the late Ken Small.
dave kendrick says
just come back from a holiday to this lovely part of Devon, very humbled to hear of the catastrophic occurrence of the 28th April 1944, typical that this tragedy was hushed up and ignored even after the war was over, well done to this wonderful man for devoting so much energy to tell the truth, so that all can see the tragic circumstances of that night.
Bill Rogerson says
Once in a lifetime a good man is born who devotes himself for the good of others.
I only knew you through your book but it was an honour to do so.
RIP Ken
Bill Rogersonk says
Being ex military who served on active service, I can fully appreciate what comfort Fred Small brought to the relatives of those lost in this tragedy. So much dedication to have carried on against all odds. He indeed did move mountains. What an honour it would have been to have met him. I feel privileged
to have possession of and to have read his book, which a friend obtained for me. The book is signed by Fred, it is one of my treasured possessions. RIP Fred Small wherever you are you will be helping others.
Paul Barnett says
September 2002 as recently qualified Hydrographic Suveryor with a passing interest in shipwrecks and maritime history, i made a beeline for the calm waters of Lime Bay and the little cove at Slapton Sands in search of wartime disaster and the dareing deeds of one Ken small. Little did i know i would in turn meet and be spell bound by the man himself. So much so i took his advise of ‘Nothing is impossible’ and continued my own research at a then unknown collection of maritime artifacts THe Purton Hulks. Thank you Ken … a sad loss of an inspirational man ….. Rest easy your battle is won.
M AHMAD says
Further to my entry dated Aug 27 2012, I finally got to Slapton Sands with the children to see the Sherman now situated proudly as a monument. I didn’t reliase a relative actually lived only a mile away!!
It brought back many a forgotten memory which i enjoyed telling the kids about who found it hard to believe that was a kid once.
Matthew says
You can hear Mr Small speaking in this radio programmed to Pam Ayers during her visit to Slapton Sands
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b007kd8c
Andrea Axcell nee Small says
Really want to take my grandson to see the tank, Ken Small was my uncle my dad Geoffrey Small was his brother. Want my grandson to know what his great uncle did, he is only 2 but will tak him when he’s older.
Kevin O’Brien says
Readers may enjoy this terrific tribute to Ken. It’s a song by Martin Simpson dedicated to Ken’s project, and it’s how I first learned of the remarkable Ken and his life. Released just this year (2019!)
https://youtu.be/v48V9ybh2F4
Thanks for this site. It’s so important, and one of the real positives of the web, to share and celebrate such incredible stories
Carolyn Cartledge says
When I was18 my best friend and I left Nottingham to work at The Venture Guesthouse in beautiful Torcross. Ken Small and his wife
Ann rang a guesthouse at nearby Hope Cove and we were fortunate to get to know them. Some years later I read of the story of Ken’s success in retrieving the lost American tank. I feel proud to have met the man. I have read Men’s book and found it absolutely amazing.
Another book I recently read was the book by Michael Morpugo called “The Amazing story of Adolphus Tips” which was set in Slapton Sands during the American training exercise before the DDay landings around the time of the disaster of the list American troops and the tank! RIP Ken
Karl Holland says
We and some friends visited whilst on motorcycle holiday in approx 1995 was lucky enough to meet Ken and even signed the book I purchased
Andy Deeley says
I met Ken in August 1998 he signed a book I purchased from him, I have only just heard of his passing.
So sorry to hear this he was such an enthusiast, his tireless determination to bring this heart-breaking story to light is inspiring.
Such a lovely man