Volume Four - An Era of Change, Uncertainty, Depression & War - Activity at the dock during World War II . . .

It was reported on 26th October 1943 that a United States Navy Base was established at the docks under the command of Captain Arnold Winfield Chapin USN for the Eleventh Amphibious Force. The American Navy established U.S. Port Commanders at the major South Wales ports to organise the increasing flow of munitions and supplies from the U.S. in support of the allied forces. Penarth was used for handling gas (petrol) and abnormally hazardous shipments. The objective was the preparation for the planned invasion of Europe.

	In November 1943, Penarth was effectively converted into a U.S. naval dockyard, complete with workshops for ship repairs and for the fitting-out of their L.S.T’s. or Landing Ship Tanks. These vessels were 328 feet long and just over 3,000 tons net. New electrically operated cranes were installed on the north quay and four of the remaining coal tips were made useable again to bunker vessels.

Almost 150 amphibious landing craft and over 70 L.S.T’s. passed through the facility. Penarth was one of two bases along the South Wales coastline the other being Milford Haven. Accommodation for 75 offices and 939 enlisted men was found at Penarth within new camps and local houses and hotels; a similar number was found at Milford. Penarth became “American Town” for a period. Other bases were situated along the south coast of England with the largest at Plymouth where over 5,500 U.S. personnel were accommodated. The channel was swept of mines prior to the operation and a convoy escort was provided. 56 landing craft and 20 coasters loaded with ammunition sailed from the dock for the D-Day landings to be followed by many more.

	The “Armada” sailed for Normandy this being the result of several years meticulous planning where departure times for groups of vessels at a multitude of moorings, harbours and docks along the Bristol Channel was coordinated with respect to the tide.