Peter Haughton describes his experience from volunteering at the age of 16, to joining the famous 7th Armoured Division, the ‘Desert Rats,’ as a member of Tank Crew. 

Peter recalls his role in the D-Day landings, landing at Arromanche on D+1. He remembers ‘Fear, sheer bloody fear’ in anticipation of the landings, which they had no brief for, but his regiment were pleasantly surprised to land in relative peace. This peace was shattered in Villers-Bocage where they were surprised by German tanks, which took out the majority of their regiment while his squadron listened in fear nearby. After regrouping, they pushed on towards Germany. However, Peter was wounded in Holland, and had to receive treatment in the UK before rejoining his regiment.

Despite highlighting challenges such as the inferiority of their equipment, Peter looks back fondly on the camaraderie of the tank crews, which he believes got him through the war; ‘There was always someone there to make a joke of it, no matter how serious it was.’ He even chuckles at the memory of the shortcomings of tank navigation. Nevertheless, he soberly recalls the ‘wonderful blokes’ who were not so lucky, and continues to ask himself why he was spared.

His story reflects the courage of the soldiers who were sent out with little idea of what to expect during the D-Day landings, whilst highlighting the importance of friendship and camaraderie, especially when the odds were against them.