YOU could say Robert Watts, now 85, was the first person to hit Juno Beach on D-Day.

As wireman and second coxwain aboard a tank landing craft, it was his job to occupy the tiny cable locker in the bows of the ship and release the mechanism that let the ramp down. And LCT 2245 led the flotilla ashore.

 "What worried me most was the possibility of the door not opening properly," he said. "It stuck at first but then it went."

The LCT had been fitted with a raised deck on which two Centaur tanks were positioned along with a couple of Jeeps. But the main cargo was men, Canadian infantrymen and Royal Marines.

"We were packed to full capacity," he said. "There was no cover for the army boys. I felt concern for them slipping and sliding on the deck in their studded boots.

"Weather conditions were atrocious. A force eight gale was blowing. It seemed the craft would turn over.

"I reckon at least 90 per cent of the soldiers were extremely seasick. The stench of diesel oil and vomit all over the deck is one I won't forget in a hurry.

"In my eyes these men were heroes. I admired every one of them."

As the Normandy coastline became more distinct, both crew and soldiers focused on the mission ahead.

"We were reminded this was no holiday trip when HMS Warspite opened a broadside," he said. "The shells screeched over the top of us and the blast knocked my tin helmet over my eyes.

"Action stations was called. Before taking up my position forward I looked down from the stern and I shall always remember the breathtaking sight of so many craft of all types making their way towards the beaches. 

"The sound of sten-guns and mortar fire was intense. As I ran along the tank deck to the cable locker a hail of bullets struck the side of the bulwark.

"The Centaur tanks had started their engines ready to move. After the door lowered they moved off and the soldiers were crouching, following behind for cover.

"The horrors of war became only two clear as three of our soldier comrades fell dead."

For the crew of LCT 2455, there was now a problem. She was supposed to remain afloat to ferry supplies ashore. But as the tide fell she came down on a mine which blew a hole in the hull. Water came in dowsing the engines and generators.

Eventually the hole was patched with cement and the engines - three Grays two-strokes - and generators could be got going.

Meanwhile they were left high and dry, a sitting target. They were attacked by Stuka dive-bombers which killed crew members of other vessels but mercifully missed their own.

The saddest memory of all for Robert was watching infantry soldiers, with their heavy boots and packs, being landed in water up to their necks. Many went under and were drowned before they ever had a chance to fire a shot.

But there was humour too, especially the vision of two German officers, one in his pyjamas, the other wearing only a pair of pants, marching down the beach with their hands raised to surrender.