Historic World War II-dated 48-star U.S. Naval Ensign flag from the USS Burnett County (LST-512), an LST-491 class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy and assigned to the European Theater where it participated in the Invasion of Normandy. The cotton flag, 60 x 36, marked as size “No. 11,” contains seven red and six white horizontal alternating stripes and a dark blue canton with 48 white stars. Also included are other World War II souvenirs, including various pieces of shrapnel, shell casings, currency, and a handwritten note from the sailor who collected the flag and shrapnel, detailing where he found the items; the note, which is in several pieces, comes with a modern transcription. In very good to fine condition, with overall darkened toning, scattered marks and stains, and a tattered fly end. Originates from the collection of WWII veteran George Wimpenny Roy, Seaman 1st Class, U.S. Navy.
The Normandy landings, code-named Operation Neptune and better known as D-Day, were a pivotal moment in World War II. On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, marking the beginning of the liberation of France and Western Europe. This daring operation paved the way for Allied victory on the Western Front.
Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) were specialized ships developed during World War II to land troops and vehicles directly onto beaches during amphibious assaults. Unlike traditional ships that required docks or piers, LSTs had a shallow draft and a unique bow design with opening doors and ramps. This allowed them to get close to shore and unload cargo, tanks, and troops directly onto the beach. The LST design made them highly versatile. They could handle both deep ocean travel and shallow beach landings. The flat bottom allowed them to rest on the beach while the twin propellers and rudders were protected to avoid damage during grounding.
LSTs played a crucial role in World War II for the Allied forces, with more than 1,000 American LSTs built to support the Allied war effort. The design originated from a collaboration between the British and the United States. The British used converted ships for early landings in 1942, and then both countries built new, improved LSTs together. These ships were used extensively in both the Pacific War and the European Theater, including the D-Day invasion in Normandy.
