LCT 7074: Midnight operation is 'last chance' to bring D-Day vessel ashore in Portsmouth
AN HISTORIC vessel that was instrumental in the D-Day landings is on the cusp of being shown off to the public for the very first time.
LCT 7074, a landing craft tank that carried tanks and soldiers to the beaches of Normandy, has been the subject of a multi-million pound, six-year restoration project.
Now the goal is to get her from the National Museum of the Royal Navy to the D-Day Story Museum in Southsea – a task that has proved tricky in current conditions.
Last night, under the cover of darkness, the vessel was towed on a barge from Portsmouth Harbour towards Southsea seafront, with a view to get her onto the beach and tow her towards the museum.
But with strong winds causing major problems for the tugboats, the decision was made to postpone until tonight.
LCT 7074’s landfall tonight is not gauranteed, but Nick Hewitt, head of collections and research at the NMRN, is optimistic about its chances.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s operation, he said: ‘I was in good spirits on Saturday – but must admit that I may have been in denial over the weather conditions.
‘It was heartbreaking and so frustrating when we had to abort the mission.
'We had a long delay getting out of the naval base but then watched her pass the Round Tower and make it to the seafront, only to turn around and head back again.’
Last night’s attempt was a race against the clock due in large part to Portsmouth’s tide cycle.
The vessel is meant to wash ashore as the tide goes out early in the morning, but opportunities to do this are few and far between.
‘This is our last chance to do this until September,' Mr Hewitt admitted.
‘We knew had this time in our back pocket but it is our final opportunity to make this happen for the time being.
‘Everyone is geared up and ready to go, so I’m hopeful for a successful night.’
Once ashore, LCT 7074 will be taken to the D-Day Story Museum via crane, where she will sit under a specially-built canopy.