The sailors and SCI staff at 25 South Street heard news of the invasion over the radio, along with the rest of the world: “the faces of seamen and staff alike reflected the gravity and solemnity of the Day. Our Director, Dr. Kelley, conducted a special noon-day service in the Chapel which was well attended, very impressive and greatly appreciated by all.”

Many seamen at 25 South Street expressed disappointment that they had not been involved in the invasion, and a good number of men abandoned their shore leave and signed back on vessels that very day. Later, reports would surface of the heroic role that the merchant marine played in the invasion. Troop ships circled the U.K. for weeks in preparation, staying clear from ports or congregating with other vessels to avoid arousing the suspicions of the Germans. Additionally, 200,000 gross tons of the decommissioned merchant fleet were intentionally sunk off the beaches to create an artificial harbor for the invasion fleet. [see The Lookout 1944 July http://qcarchives.com/sci/items/show/1305 and New York Times 1944 June 6]