SPECIFICATIONS S130
lying in a shed not far from where she launched her infamous attack during Exercise Tiger.
The Wheatcroft Collection belongs to Kevin Wheatcroft, an avid collector of military memorabilia. His collection of German military vehicles includes 88 tanks and is widely acknowledged as the world’s biggest. Wheatcroft’s family also owns the Donington Grand Prix Museum in Leicestershire.
S130, he says, will be restored as a “floating museum and memorial to all sailors who died during WWII.”
Many of the boat’s original fittings and weapons have long since disappeared, and to complete her inventory Wheatcroft acquired the rights to salvage parts from three other S-boat wrecks scuttled off the Danish coast after the war. These have added to the many parts he’s collected over the years – among them the mighty V20 engines, gun platforms, a radio and some bridge equipment.
For the families of the American troops who died during Exercise Tiger, the revival of the S130 as a memorial will no doubt generate mixed emotions. But at Slapton Sands there stands another, less controversial salute to the fallen – a Sherman tank.
To follow the restoration of S130 visit the Wheatcroft Collection’s Facebook page. When completed the vessel will live in Devon’s Richmond Dry Dock.