Arthur Rose, a 100-year-old D-Day survivor, read a letter he wrote shortly after the invasion, describing his feelings of nervousness and expectancy. He recounted the immense preparations and the rough seas during the initial attempts before landing in Normandy.
First-hand accounts from D-Day survivors like Arthur Rose offer invaluable historical perspective and emotional depth to the understanding of pivotal World War II events, preserving personal experiences for future generations.
Arthur Rose, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and D-Day survivor, read a letter he wrote approximately a month before the invasion and a few days after June 6, 1944, during a commemoration ceremony in Normandy, France. The letter described his initial disbelief that he would participate in the invasion, thinking men like him would come later to clear the damage. However, two weeks prior to D-Day, he was informed he would be part of the invasion and described the immense activity and preparation in the assault port, with thousands of ships and landing craft being readied. Rose recounted the confusion and the constant checking of supplies like fuel, ammunition, and provisions. He noted the word came that D-Day would be June 6th. Rose described his feeling as a mix of nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what would happen next, rather than fear or excitement. He detailed the rough seas and seasickness during the first attempt, which was called off due to weather, and the subsequent sailing where they witnessed shelling and explosions near the French coast. Upon landing, their work involved continuous back-and-forth trips bringing in equipment, medical supplies, and ammunition, transforming the coast into a vast harbor. Rose concluded by expressing gratitude to his commander and stating he was well, whole, and happy.