August 17th 1944 Journal entry_Crossing the English Channel

"0900 Sailing large Convoy-Fog horns, barrage balloons-
Calm crossing of channel, sight land 1500-
arrival at Utah Beachhead (ISIGNY) in evening-
over 100 ships in Harbor anchor all night-
Watch other ships.
"Ducks-Repeat performance "This is IT"

From Dad's Memoirs: Early the next morning, Aug. 17, our convoy started moving out through the fog, passing on the west side of the Isle of Wight, and out into the English Channel. Rumors that German aircraft were in the vicinity proved false, they were too busy elsewhere. The weather cleared and we had a smooth crossing. The Normandy coast came into view in the afternoon and by evening we were again anchored, this time in the bustling landing area of Utah Beach.

From Dad's chapter in Ray Hight's book: We arrived at Utah Beach along the Normandy Coast, near Isigny,'

From Cliff Hope's book: It was about 9 am when we weighed anchor. Through the fog our large convoy passed on the west side of the Isle of Wight and into the English Channel, where the weather cleared for the day-long journey across. By mid afternoon we sighted the coast of Normandy and arrived at Utah Beach, near Isigny, in the evening to anchor for the night. More than 100 ships close by ours were a magnificent sight.

Is this what Lu means by Ducks? Ampibious vehicle used to off load ships on the beaches of France and for crossing rivers as the allies moved across Europe

Marilu-It's hard to imagine what an experience this was for a young man from Utah. The combination of sights and sounds with the nervousness and excitement of heading into the active war must have made it hard to sleep and kept him on deck late taking in all the sights and sounds around him.

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Watch for Lu's binoculars in many of his photos. They might be his best used acquisition from the war. This mimeographed newsletter is an interesting view into the voyage home.

Winsor War Notes-Luther Snow Winsor's WW II experiences

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