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Header: Gower, where many amphibious training exercises also took place before D Day. Photo shows a typical DUKW (Duck) landing.
American Dog Tags
found at Scurlage, Gower
American Dog Tags
found at Scurlage, Gower
The south coast of Gower was a training area for Amphibious Landing Operations from 1943.
Two American Dog Tags were found by Ron Sanders, a member of Swansea Metal Detecting Club. Mr Sanders said, : "I knew this particular field, next to South Gower Sports Club, which was was the site of a World War Two American Army Camp, named Scurlage Castle Camp, by the United States Army, near to Port Eynon Bay.
"On previous visits I found US Army buttons and badges, dropped by GIs, however on this occasion I found two US Army dog tags, one in the name of David Ochoa and the other in the name of Carl Price.“
Another tag was found by John Parton and this was owned by Kenneth M PLANK, who lived in St Lois and completed his 3 years of war service in October 1945.
The descendants of GIs Price and Ochoa were eventually located living in West Virginia and New Mexico respectively. Mr Sanders returned their dog tags, along with a letter - "It is thanks to men like your father that we enjoy our freedom today and I take immense pleasure in being able to return his identity tag to you.
Many of the US Army Camps in Gower and Swansea, 1943 and 1944
South Gower Training Area showing the two bays used for Amphibious Landing Operations, Port Eynon and Qxwich, as well as some of the American Camps.
A Camp was constructed, at Scurlage by the US Army
A Camp was constructed, at Scurlage by the US Army
Scurlage Castle US Army Camp, from 1943.
NB - this plan is not aligned north -south
LEGEND for Scurlage Castle US Army Camp.
An aerial photo of Scurlage Castle US Army Camp, March 1944.
NB - this is not aligned north -south
Scurlage Castle US Army Camp, 1943, a drawing by David Tucker, showing the Army check points.
NB - this plan is not aligned north -south
After the Yanks have gone!
A typical empty American campAfter the Yanks have gone!
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