Joseph 'Eddie' McCann, boatman, US Navy ©
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Read this introduction to Eddie McCann's story, then listen to him describe his experiences, using the links at the foot of this page.

Joseph 'Eddie' McCann was one of the survivors of Exercise Tiger, a secret US Navy operation on the English coast, which aimed to prepare troops for the invasion of Normandy. It ended in heavy losses, after a surprise attack by the German Navy.

In total, 749 US Navy and Army troops died during the exercise. McCann, who piloted small boats to carry troops, was sent to try to rescue survivors, but could pick up only 45 still alive - 11 of whom died a little later.

Some days later, McCann was in charge of one of the small boats that carried troops from battleships to the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. He had joined the US Navy at 13, after running away from home. In 1944, aged 15, he had already been in several battles, including some in Sicily and North Africa.

	'Exercise Tiger: rescuing comrades' Play audio Read transcript

	'Not a word about it' Play audio Read transcript

	'D-Day' Play audio Read transcript

	'Omaha Beach' Play audio Read transcript
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