Wartime pontoons win battle for survival

Concrete pontoons that were pivotal in the preparations for the D-Day landings are to be given protected status by Historic Scotland.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th May 2011, 23:54 BST

Updated 28th May 2011, 22:05 BST

The surviving elements of the Second World War Mulberry Harbour project on the coast around Garlieston in Dumfries and Galloway are to be listed in recognition of their national importance in the war effort.

The six prototype pontoons, known as "Beetles", were used in sea trials in 1943 to determine their usefulness in launching a military offensive. A year later they played a critical role in the Allied invasion of Normandy.