The last surviving tank landing craft used at D-Day finally opens to public

‘It's something I never thought I would experience again’ – emotional D-Day veterans were given a tour of the restored landing craft in Southsea ahead of its public opening.

Following a six-year project to transform the last remaining landing craft tank (LCT) in the world, the LCT 7074 is now ready to open its doors to visitors at its new home outside the D-Day Story museum on the seafront.

The LCT 7074 was used to transport tanks to France during Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944.

Waterlooville veteran Walter Taylor was the first D-Day survivor to go aboard the vessel today (Dec 11) following its complete restoration, which included the installation of two Sherman tanks on board.

The 96-year-old was a Sherman tank driver during D-Day. He said: ‘It’s marvellous. It’s something I never thought I would experience again, coming back to the landing craft tank 76 years later. It means everything to me.

‘It’s amazing to be here – it could be this landing craft tank was the one I was one. I thought all these years later it’s still here. It wasn’t like this though – it was a bit muddier when we were on it.’

The LCT 7074 was decommissioned in 1948 and was then used as a nightclub in Liverpool in the 1970s and 80s. However, she fell into disrepair and sank into the Mersyside dock in 2010

Supported by a £4.7m grant from the National Lottery she was then restored at the Portsmouth Naval Base, managed by the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Portsmouth City Council.

Bill Silvester, who was a member of Royal Navy communications team that went ashore on D-Day, was also given a tour of the LCT 7074.

The 96-year-old from Southsea said: ‘D-Day is something that is always in my head – it’s something I’ll never forget. I was only 20 then.’

Dorset resident James Rawe, 95, who was a crewman for the LCT 977 and LCT 1051 during D-Day, added: ‘Seeing the LCT was interesting. This was a mark 3, I didn’t serve in one of these – but it’s all so long ago.

‘I remember lots of explosions and people getting shot. I think it is important we remember what happened.’

Cllr Steve Pitt, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development at Portsmouth City Council, said: "We are delighted to be officially opening LCT 7074 to the public and to welcome our first visitors on board this spectacular ship.

"This year has caused several delays to the movement and opening of the ship but to be able to open LCT 7074 before Christmas is a huge testament to the hard work of everyone at The D-Day Story, NMRN and everyone else involved.

"It is a huge honour to hold another piece of history in Portsmouth, to preserve, inspire and educate visitors about D-Day and the important part our city played in this historic event."

Nick Hewitt, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: "When she was rescued by the museum, she was rusty, unloved and covered in barnacles; having spent many years submerged at Birkenhead Dock. But now, she is transformed.

"The restoration of LCT 7074 has been a long and arduous project for the team at NMRN, but to see her outside The D-Day Story and to know that so many visitors will be able to experience her first-hand is a fantastic feeling. I would also like to extend my thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the grant that made this work possible."

Stuart McLeod, Director London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are delighted that after six years of dedicated work, LCT 7074 is restored and ready to welcome visitors on board. Thanks to the support of National Lottery players, visitors to The D-Day Story will be able to immerse themselves in the important story that this outstanding piece of maritime heritage tells."

The LCT 7074 will open to the public on Saturday, December 12 from 10am. Entry is included as part of admission to the D-Day Story.