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A Gathering of Eagles
2009
Littlecote Manor, Berkshire
By invitation, FAAA supported
the Screaming Eagles and 514th Trucking Company at this annual event at the now famous
pre-invasion headquarters of the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne
Division in England. The manor house is very old and
has much history prior to the Second World War.
Notably, the remains of a Roman villa lie within its
grounds, Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour here in 1535 and it
was the headquarters of Colonel Popham, the owner's, Parliamentarian
regiment during the English Civil
War in the 17th century. Consequently, the event was
also attended by a contingent from the Sealed Knot.
Today, Lttlecote Manor is a
well appointed hotel and spa complex, sympathetically
extended and maintained to retain its period charm and
history for future generations to enjoy.
Two 101st impressions were
adopted: on the Saturday, in unreinforced M42 jump suits in a
pre-invasion training scenario; switching to reinforced
M42 jump
suits on Sunday to represent preparation immediately prior
to D-Day. FAAA had not represented the 101st since the
60th D-Day anniversary deployment to Normandy in 2004, so
there was much attention to detail in converting our
jumpsuits and field gear from our familiar 82nd impression,
as there are subtle but important differences between the
Normandy battle order of the two famous airborne
divisions.
FAAA's role was acting as a
mortar platoon in support of the Screaming Eagles' rifle
company. The day was divided into into training of the
mortar crews, FAAA's two squads serving a tube apiece,
particpation in a mock battle display and preparation for
the closing parade. This provided a good mix of
activities to occupy the group and for attending members
of the public to observe.
We also mustered a good
number of vehicles, four Jeeps and two Dodge weapons
carriers, as FAAA is now blessed with several
among its membership.
During the evening, we took a
tour around the manor house, with the First Sergeant
providing commentary on the 506th history at appropriate
points. The high point was the library, used as
Colonel Sink's office, where Captain Sobell was dramatically
relieved of command of Easy Company. More pleasantly,
we used it to promote 1st Lt Ware to Captain, as OC of the
Army Nurses section and XO of FAAA.
We were then treated to a
live swing band at the hotel bar, alongside the hotel
guests, who appreciated the period atmosphere created by our
presence.
We were made to feel welcome
by the staff at the hotel and treated to the use of the
showers in the manor's wonderful spa facility, a rarity at
re-enacting events, for which we are very grateful. We
also extend our thanks to the Screaming Eagles for their
help and co-operation.
The following is a re-created
letter from one of the troops, as a dialogue to accompany
the pictures that follow:
Dear Mom and Dad
It seems like ages since I last wrote but I know it was only
just over a week ago, but so much has happened here since
then, time just seems to fly.
Although I can not tell you exactly where I am or what my
unit’s mission is, I can tell you that I am in the company
of a special bunch of guys who are itching to get into
combat. I can not say that this is the case for me but I
feel ready to go if we have to. Training is hard, but here
in England we have some time to see the sights and it is
sure nothing like what I have seen back home.
We are at a place that is very green, it should be it never
stops raining, well somedays it does, but we seem to always
be training or on field problems on those days! At
this time we are again on training and since going over to
the Mortar Platoon it seems the training is endless.
It seems that something big is about to happen, we have
turned in equipment and jump suits and the platoon Sgt has
been painting what looks like playing card symbols on our
helmets, I don’t know what all this means but things are
getting a little more interesting around the camp.
A few days ago we had a visit from the British Prime
Minister, he watched us training and some of the guys took
part in a jump, I was volunteered to be in an Honor Guard
and Uncle Bob, the Colonel, said afterwards I did good.
We have had some dances here, organised by the Red Cross
club and these have been well attended by me anf my buddies.
Last week, I met a swell gal from a medical unit but she is
moving out soon so I don’t know if I will hook up with her
again anytime soon.
My buddy in supply has a good contact now over at Regiment
and he has been able to get some camera film from the
outfits photographer. I used that old camera that you
gave me some years back Pa, I hope some of these pictures
get back to you, I doubt you will recognise me in some, I
have grown up since the last you saw me!
Well Mom and Dad I hope that whatever is happening here,
happens fast and we all get back home soon. I will write
again when I can.
Your ever loving son
Thomas J Smart
Sgt
Parachute Infantry
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