Exercise “SHAMROCK” was an a practise amphibious assault landing for the U.S. 3rd Division at the end of July 1944. The exercise was a rehearsal for the Division’s part in the forthcoming Operation “DRAGOON”.
The Exercise lasted three days. Beaches had been prepared at Formia (between Naples and Rome) to represent, as near as possible, the ALPHA assault beaches in the planned Operation. Personnel were taken on board ships in the Naples area on the afternoon of 29th July 1944.
The vessels taking part in the Exercise moved to the outer harbour and anchored for the night. At about 04.00hrs on 30th July they sailed north for Formia. The initial bombardment of the Formia beaches by naval forces began at about 05.30hrs on 31st July. The practice assault began at 08.00 hours.
No. 111 R.A.F. Beach Section took part in this exercise. They were attached to 36th Engineer Combat Regiment, as part of the beach organisation supporting the 3rd U.S. Division’s landings.
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