The four camps at Hiltingbury had a total capacity of 11,000 men and 2,000 vehicles and were the largest group of camps in any of the marshaling areas before D-Day. The camps of Marshalling Area C were mainly located to the north of Southampton. Many of the Allied troops who camped in this area embarked for Normandy from that city’s docks.
At the end of May, the camps were sealed, meaning that the troops inside were not allowed to leave. This was a step to minimize the risk that enemy spies – or the British public – might realize that D-Day was drawing very near. From 31 May onwards, and according to a highly detailed timetable, troops began to make their way down to the coast and embark onto the ships and landing craft that would take them to Normandy. Vehicles were often loaded earlier, and troops on foot embarked only just before D-Day.
Once the troops landing on D-Day itself had left the camps, forces who would be landing on subsequent days took their place, forming a steady stream moving down towards the south coast that in many places continued for months. Later on, some of the camps were reused for other purposes, such as for holding enemy prisoners of war.
