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Torcross

Located at the south end of Slapton Sands, Torcross is a lovely little village with a long stretch of sandy beach. The area was made famous as the training ground for US Army forces preparing for the D-Day invasion in World War II. An American Sherman tank stands beside the visitor parking lot, as a reminder of those grim days. The tank was lost at sea in 1944 when a training exercise went tragically awry, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives. It as rescued from the sea in 1984. Beside the tank are memorials to the servicemen who took part in the training here.

Several eatieries and a pub lie across the road, beside the beach, and a handful of shops stretch along to wjhere the road turns inland towards Stokenham. A path leads up the hill above the village, and a climb is rewarded by wonderful views across Start Bay and Slapton Ley nature reserve (see photo). Footpaths lead beside the nature reserve towards Slapton, and a birdwatching hide stands beside the car park.

Images of Torcross

click for a larger image

Fishing boat drawn up on the sands at Torcross	This American Sherman tank acts as a war memorial at Torcross
Two views across Slapton Ley nature reserve. By day....	.... and by night.

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Slapton

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