English: D-Day slipway, Torquay. One of a pair of slipways, built in May 1943 by the Royal Engineers for D-Day embarkation of troops, and of which there are several remaining examples on the south coast. "However, of all these embarkation sites, the substantial concrete slipways at Torquay stand out, dominating the modern harbour. Surprisingly, they are not advertised in any way and their historical significance is not obvious to the many visitors the town attracts. In fact the men of the 77th Infantry Division, destined for Utah Beach, embarked from here, and it is here every four years that the Normandy Veterans hold a commemoration service on the harbourside at the head of the slips ... To coincide with the 56th anniversary of embarkation, on 6 June 2000, these structures were afforded protection by the Secretary of State, much to the delight of the veterans. Thus the Torquay slips now have recognition as structures of particular importance for commemorative and historic reasons." (From Matériel Culture: The Archaeology of 20th Century Conflict, by A. J. Schofield, William Gray Johnson, Colleen M. Beck).

In spite of their grade II listing, the slipways remained under threat of demolition during the early years of this decade, but now seem safe.

Beyond is part of the pontoon shown in 820898. The sea wall on the left is also recent.