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Home , 91st Bombardment Group, Dover Castle, Exeter Airport, James Stagg, Netley, Newark Air Museum

UNITED ALLIES D-DAY AND SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP TOURS Featuring stories and places in pivotal to Britain and the of America’s Special Relationship - and the part 450,000 US servicemen played in the Allied victory, under the leadership of President Roosevelt and General Eisenhower.

MEMORIALS, MUSEUMS, TOURS

75TH D-DAY ANNIVERSARY – 2019

ENGLAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’S WARTIME CONNECTIONS

SHOWCASING ENGLAND’S REGIONS

FIT AND GROUP TOURS D-Day was the pinnacle of the special wartime relationship between the United States of America and the . Commemorate the 75th anniversary of the largest seaborne invasion in history – and mark a milestone in military history – with a unique tour of England in 2019.

June 6, 1944 was the start of The operation was mounted from the largest naval, air and land land, sea and air: much of its operation the world has ever planning and preparation have seen. Referred to by the been preserved and await your codename , discovery in England. Experience the D-Day invasion enabled the hidden delights of the United States, the United and , and learn what Kingdom and their allies to made this enchanting coastline land vast numbers of troops in the ideal place from which to Normandy, leading to the Allied launch a secret operation. victory in . Visit the RAF bases and airfields Operation Overlord required of , the launch sites many months of planning for the troop carriers of the and an unprecedented level of United States . international cooperation. Indeed, Look over the English Channel without the special relationship from the gentle countryside forged between the United States towards those iconic French and the United Kingdom, triumph beaches, and witness the over Nazi would have treacherous waters that so many been impossible. Between 1943 American and British servicemen and 1944 alone, over 1.4 million crossed on the eve of war. American servicemen and more Boston Stump (Puritans) Pay your own tribute to the brave than 9 million tons of equipment men and women of the Allied and supplies crossed the Atlantic forces with a tour of England: a to Britain, in preparation for true journey through history. D-Day. The 75th anniversary offers a The following suggested Gloucester Cathedral chance to revisit those shores itineraries showcase content that and discover the places where can be used to add half or full- World War II heroes were made; day excursions to existing tours, to recapture the mammoth or combined to build a fully beginnings of a military milestone; customised, themed tour. They and to relive the groundbreaking can even be tailored for groups. efforts made by the United States and the United Kingdom and their allies.

American Cemetery, Cambridge

2 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 3

GETTING HERE ACCOMMODATION Hampshire is approximately 70 miles southwest of London, in southern England. Lainston House, Winchester Grand Harbour Hotel, Solent Forts, private island From London, Winchester is 1 hour by rail or 1 hour 30 mins by road; Southampton is 1 hour 15 mins by rail or 1 hour 45 mins by road; and is 1 hour 30 mins by rail or 1 hour 30 mins by road. Five-star luxury country house An iconic hotel with 173 rooms and Unique luxury accommodation on hotel with beautiful grounds and a suites on the city’s waterfront. military landmarks used during For more destination information see: visit-hampshire.co.uk resident falconer. , off the coast of grandharbourhotel.co.uk Portsmouth. exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house Prior to D-Day, many American units called the county of Hampshire their home-from-home. The solentforts.com/luxury-hotel waterfront city of Portsmouth, a major naval base, played a key role in the . TOURS & TOUR GUIDES Nearby, Southwick House was where General Eisenhower gave the go-ahead for Operation See Southampton The Gosport D-Day Trail Portsmouth Guided Walks & Tours Overlord. Across the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, Gosport was another major embarkation Scheduled and bespoke walks and Pick up a leaflet and follow this self- Walking and on-coach guided tours talks with specialist guides, on a guided trail around Gosport’s D-Day of historic Portsmouth including a point for D-Day, while Southampton became the front line of the invasion. US fighter bombers range of themes; see graffiti made places of interest, including the D-Day walking tour. by US soldiers as they queued to Canadian Memorial. took off from airfields across the New Forest National Park, where the heaths and forests board their warships. visitportsmouth.co.uk/things-to-do/ discovergosport.co.uk guided-walks-and-talks provided excellent cover for men and equipment. At Lepe Beach, you can still see remains of seesouthampton.co.uk where the Mulberry Harbours’ enormous Phoenix Caissons were built and launched. ANCESTRAL SERVICES

PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC ROYAL MILITARY POLICE THE D-DAY STORY, PORTSMOUTH DOCKYARD & THE MARY ROSE MUSEUM, PORTSMOUTH Hampshire Genealogical Society, Hampshire Record Office, Portsmouth History Centre Portsmouth Winchester This compelling blend of storytelling, Get the most comprehensive view Southwick House, a Georgian house Family, local and naval history archives. personal accounts and visual of English maritime history at this on the outskirts of Plymouth, was Registered charity run entirely by Archives and local studies. volunteers. portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/libraries/ imagery brings D-Day and the story vast dockyard, with 12 museums and the nerve centre for Operation hants.gov.uk/archives.htm portsmouth-history-centre-and-records- of Operation Overlord to life. vessels from above and below the Overlord. It was here that hgs-familyhistory.com office water. Step aboard Nelson’s HMS Eisenhower gave the infamous order Witness the scale of preparations Victory, best known for her role at “OK, let’s go,” thus launching the and the role US forces played, with the Battle of Trafalgar. And discover single biggest operation in military first-hand testimony from Harry Henry VIII’s favourite ship The Mary history. The breathtaking Map Room Butcher, Eisenhower’s personal aide Rose, which sank in Portsmouth bay features the original D-Day wall and Group Captain James Stagg, in 1545; there’s now a boat-shaped map charting the progress of Allied the Scottish meteorologist who museum built around its salvaged forces. determined when to launch hull. Across the harbour in Gosport, the assault. With its stock of genuine artifacts, you can explore two World War the Royal Military Police Museum II-era submarines and uncover the theddaystory.com provides authentic insight into this history of naval firepower. crucial period.

BUCKLER’S HARD & BEAULIEU, historicdockyard.co.uk NEW FOREST rhqrmp.org/rmp_museum.html

Bucker’s Hard, an 18th-century ROYAL VICTORIA COUNTRY PARK, shipbuilding village, was used to NETLEY FOOD & DRINK build motor torpedo boats and the river was used as a base for landing This former site of the Royal Victoria aircraft during Operation Overlord. A Hospital was used in 1944 by US Wykeham Arms, Winchester top-secret training school for special Forces prior to D-Day and still hosts Award-winning pub steeped in The D-Day Story agents of the Special Operations the original hospital chapel within its charm. Executive was established on the grounds. nearby Beaulieu Estate; uncover their wykehamarmswinchester.co.uk clandestine actions at the Secret hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/ Army Exhibition. rvcp DID YOU KNOW? Dancing Man Brewery, Southampton bucklershard.co.uk Independent brewhouse and beaulieu.co.uk restaurant in a 14th-century wool American troops watched World Heavyweight Champion Joe Lewis box in Matterley Bowl, a natural house, opposite the pier. amphitheatre in Hampshire. dancingmanbrewery.co.uk

4 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 5 ENGLISH RIVIERA

FOOD & DRINK GETTING HERE The English Riviera is approximately 200 miles southwest of London, in southwest England. Cream tea at The Imperial Torquay Thatched Tavern, Maidencombe The Drum Inn, Cockington Village From London, Torquay is 3 hours by rail or 3 hour 30 mins by road; Dartmouth is 4 hours by road. Traditional cream teas come 17th-century thatched tavern serving Lutyens-designed country pub and For more destination information see: englishriviera.co.uk with glorious sea views at this locally sourced foods. restaurant steeped in charm and clifftop hotel. rustic character. thethatchedtaverndevon.co.uk theimperialtorquay.co.uk vintageinn.co.uk/restaurants/south-west/ This 22-mile stretch of Devon coastline on England’s south coast welcomed 4,000 American troops in thedruminncockington the build up to the D-Day landings. Agatha Christie’s house Greenway was even requisitioned by the ACCOMMODATION US Coast Guard. The harbours at Torquay and Brixham were used for embarkation; Brixham is the Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe The Grand, Torquay The Imperial Torquay Beach best preserved and a World War II site of international significance. In a stunning location on Torquay One of Agatha Christie’s favourites, A luxury heritage hotel with beach huts seafront, many of the 132 bedrooms The Imperial has 152 rooms overlooking and suites, overlooking Babbacombe have sea views. Torbay from a prime clifftop location. TORQUAY HARBOUR BRIXHAM HARBOUR GREENWAY HOUSE Bay. grandtorquay.co.uk theimperialtorquay.co.uk On the eve of D-Day, June 6th 1944, The Brixham slipway and Just outside Brixham, Agatha Christie’s caryarms.co.uk 23,000 members of the US 4th embarkation yard was built in 1943 former summer house stands as a Infantry Division embarked from as part of Operation Overlord 1930s time capsule. Requisitioned TOURS & TOUR GUIDES Torquay Harbour. Today, plaques and, despite some alteration during World War II and home to the in the harbour commemorate this and modification over the years, US Coastguard prior to the D-Day event. Torquay, a traditional and represents the best preserved landings, this grand family home Unique Devon Tours English Riviera Tour Guides Agatha Christie Potent Plants thriving seaside town, welcomes example of a historic World War II showcases 13 murals, painted by Lt Driver guide service offering tailored Local expert guides for groups and FIT. Torre Abbey Museum & Gardens runs visitors with shops, cafes and a resource of national significance. Marshall Lee who was stationed here. themed tours across Devon and a tour that pays tribute to the Queen marina to explore. The surrounding Nowadays this pretty harbour with Depicting the journey from the USA Cornwall; D-Day, World War II and englishriviera.co.uk of Crime’s knowledge of pharmacy beaches, such as Babbacombe and cascading colourful houses mixes to the River Dart, Christie herself ancestral tours available. through its potent plants garden. Find cliffside Oddicombe, form part of tradition with a modern vibrant requested they should be preserved. out more on a pre-booked guided Devon’s English Riviera, a wonderful fishing industry and is home to the uniquedevontours.com tours with the head gardener. place to explore and unwind. Golden Hind Museum Ship, which has nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway great views over the harbour. torre-abbey.org.uk/gardens/tours-and- tor-bay-harbour.co.uk BYGONES, TORQUAY D-DAY EMBARKATION RAMPS talks visitbrixham.com

One man’s obsession with Concrete slipways at Beacon Quay in DARTMOUTH STEAM RAILWAY railwayana has overtaken an entire Torquay Harbour were constructed building at Bygones. One part of the for the embarkation of American Enjoy superb sea and country collection covers wartime Britain; troops on D-Day. Plaques at Brixham views from your restored carriage. see a genuine Anderson Shelter and Torquay commemorate the Depart Paignton along the coast to and militaria displays of everything American heroes. Goodrington Sands, where the line DID YOU from uniforms to ration tins. The torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and- passes right above colourful beach 45-minute guided tour goes into community/armed-forces/ww2-slipways KNOW? huts. Cross the towering Hookhills detail on the original artifacts and Greenway House Mural. Credit FionnDavenport Viaduct, built by Isambard Kingdom displays from World War I and II. Brunel. Journey through Churston In preparation for Operation and its stunning views of the bygones.co.uk Torbay coast to Greenway Halt and Overlord, an ill-fated, top-secret COCKINGTON COUNTRY PARK BRIXHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM Greenway House - Agatha Christie’s secluded summer home. End your rehearsal took place on Slapton trip in the picturesque village of ANCESTRAL SERVICES A 420-acre parkland with gardens Celebrating the town’s fascinating Sands just five weeks before the Kingswear, across the river from and woodlands surrounding a 17th- past, this museum has displays of historic Dartmouth. century manor house. The workshop archaeology, Victorian life and both Brixham Heritage Museum Devon Family History Society Normandy landings. A Sherman yard is filled with craft studios from World Wars. Visitors can explore dartmouthrailriver.co.uk The museum’s Family History Centre Local and specialist knowledge of Tank stands at nearby Torcross blacksmiths to glassblowers. exhibitions of D-Day and the offers expert help researching family Devon genealogy and history. Mayflower II, built in Brixham. as a memorial to all who lost countryside-trust.org.uk/cockington trees in the area. devonfhs.org.uk brixhammuseum.uk their lives in the exercise. brixhammuseum.uk

6 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 7 PLYMOUTH DEVONPORT NAVAL HERITAGE SALTRAM HOUSE & THE SOUND GETTING HERE CENTRE Plymouth is 230 miles southwest of London, in southwest England. Track Plymouth’s naval heritage since The Georgian mansion of Saltram The Hoe, at the heart of Plymouth, From London, Plymouth is 3 hours 15 mins by rail or 3 hours 50 mins by road. 1300, including both World Wars, at House, owned by the National has breathtaking views across the Flights from London City to Airport (47 miles from Plymouth) take 1 hour 10 mins. the Devonport Naval Heritage Site Trust, is full of treasures, stories Sound (an almost perfect natural and Visitor Centre, which records For more destination information see: visitplymouth.co.uk and intrigue. During World War II, harbour) and a series of moving the close and dramatic relationship Saltram House hosted the US 29th memorials, including the Naval of the , the people Infantry Division who landed at War Memorial, the statue of Sir of Plymouth, the Dockyard and Omaha beach in Normandy. Groups Francis Drake and National Armada From April to June 1944, over 36,000 US soldiers embarked from Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. Devonport Naval Base (the largest welcome. Café on site. Memorial. Visitors can also climb the naval base in Western Europe). Open iconic Smeaton’s Tower, a historic Set on England’s south coast between Cornwall and Devon, this historic port served as a receiving to groups by appointment. Visitors nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram lighthouse. Plymouth Hoe is a public can also tour HMS Courageous, a space. base for the US Navy’s coastal bombardment and 6,000 troops who rested and redeployed from decommissioned nuclear submarine. visitplymouth.co.uk/explore/areas-to-visit/ here. Today, their bravery is honoured at Normandy Hill St Budeaux and the dramatic memorial devonportnhc.wordpress.com the-hoe at Saltash Passage. FOOD & DRINK ROYAL WILLIAM YARD ROYAL CITADEL PLYMOUTH BOAT TRIPS The Artillery Tower Rockfish Barbican Kitchen Named in honour of King William A dramatic 17th-century fortress Plymouth Boat Trips offer themed Modern British cuisine served in a Fresh, sustainable fish and shellfish, Brasserie kitchen set in the famous IV, this was the major victualling built to defend the coastline from tours and harbour cruises - including 1500s military building, with sea in a New England-style beach shack Plymouth Gin Distillery Building, depot for the Royal Navy. One the Dutch, the Royal Citadel is still in a dockyard and warship boat trip. views. setting. within the historic Barbican. of England’s most magnificent military use. The Citadel is open to Cross the River Tamar to Cornwall’s industrial monuments, today Royal guided tours. Pre-booking required. Mount Edgcumbe (full details on artillerytower.co.uk therockfish.co.uk barbicankitchen.com William Yard is a beautiful leisure Cornwall page). area with marina, boat trips, shops, english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/royal- Private hire available for groups. restaurants, accommodation and citadel-plymouth ACCOMMODATION Regular scheduled tours throughout stunning ocean views. the season. Boringdon Hall Hotel Glazebrook House Hotel Crowne Plaza royalwilliamyard.com plymouthboattrips.co.uk Luxury manor house hotel with 40 Secluded boutique hotel once City centre hotel, with ocean views. rooms, two restaurants and a spa on owned by a naval commander and Ideal for groups. the outskirts of the city. visited by the Queen Mother. THE BOX SALTASH PASSAGE ihg.com boringdonhall.co.uk glazebrookhouse.com Opening in 2020, The Box will bring Follow in the footsteps the US troops would have taken as they walked Plymouth’s rich naval history to life along Normandy Hill ‘US Route 43’ to the embarkation ramps at Saltash TOURS & TOUR GUIDES for modern audiences. Passage. Local tour guide is advised. Named for the old ferry route between Exhibitions will include ‘100 journeys Plymouth and Saltash and known for impressive views of the River Tamar, that shaped the world’. The Box will here spanned by two lofty bridges, Saltash Passage is the gateway to much Select South West Tours Unique Devon Tours America Loves Cornwall of Plymouth’s naval heritage. It was from here that 40,000 US troops from also be the principal archive for the Expert, personalised tour guide Specialist driver-guided tours Customisable day and touring the Vth and VIIth corps of the US Army embarked on the D-Day landings. area’s historical records. service. Walking and driving tours, with local experts, tailored to your packages, including D-Day The location is commemorated by an unusual stone memorial. including specialist D-Day and World individual requirements. commemoration tours and holidays, plymhearts.org/thebox visitplymouth.co.uk/things-to-do/saltash-passage-history-detective-p1765193 War II-themed tours. for small groups visiting Plymouth uniquedevontours.com and Cornwall. selectsouthwesttours.com americalovescornwall.com

ANCESTRAL SERVICES

Devon Family History Society The Box, Records Office Promoting the study of genealogy The principal archive for the area’s and history, especially for Devon historical records. Opens spring families and places. 2020. devonfhs.org.uk plymhearts.org/thebox Plymouth Naval Memorial Plymouth Hoe

8 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 9 CORNWALL

GETTING HERE ACCOMMODATION Cornwall is approximately 230 miles southwest of London, in southwest England. Rose in Vale, St Agnes Cornwall Hotel, Spa & Estate, Butterwell Farm, Bodmin From London, Penzance is 5 hours 20 mins by rail or 4 hours 50 mins by road; Tregorrick Padstow is 4 hours 30 mins by road. Flights from London Gatwick to Newquay take 1 hour 10 mins. Four-star country house hotel with A family-run farmhouse with self- 22 rooms in a secluded spot close to A modern spa hotel in a historic catering holiday cottages and a B&B For more destination information see: visitcornwall.com Truro. manor house, with self-catering in a gorgeous private estate. Ideal for woodland lodges, close to St Austell. cycling and fishing. roseinvalehotel.co.uk Cornwall’s coastline was a key embarkation point for the D-Day landings, using Mount Edgcumbe thecornwall.com butterwellfarm.com

to ferry thousands of American troops, armour, equipment and supplies to the beachheads of FOOD & DRINK TOURS & TOUR GUIDES northern France. Aircrews were also trained at St Merryn Naval Air Station near Padstow and JH & M Choak’s Traditional Cornish Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, America Loves Cornwall Treligga on Cornwall’s north coast. Pasties, Falmouth Watergate Bay Customised and World War II Watch Cornish pasties being hand Jamie Oliver’s social enterprise specialist tours. THE LOST GARDENS MOUNT EDGCUMBE HOUSE AND made to a traditional Cornish recipe, makes a difference to young people’s PENDENNIS americalovescornwall.com OF HELIGAN COUNTRY PARK or have a go at making your own in lives through daily menus served to Charlie Choak’s Pasty School. ocean views. Cornwall’s real-life secret garden Ordered by King Henry VIII to guard Mount Edgcumbe commemorates the Finesse Chauffeurs was landscaped hundreds of years the Falmouth estuary, Pendennis many US troops stationed here during choakspasties.co.uk fifteencornwall.co.uk ago. When the gardeners left in Castle has a Tudor keep and World War II. A dedication is made to Fully bespoke or pre-planned 1914 to join the Great War, their Elizabethan-era tunnels to explore, heroes of the 29th Infantry Division, chauffeur-driven themed tours for world was lost beneath tangles and it played a role in both World who gave their lives during the battle ANCESTRAL SERVICES groups of up to six. of weeds. The gardens were only Wars. The Battery Observation point, for Omaha Beach on D-Day and in rediscovered in 1990, following a added during World War II, retains subsequent operations. The house finessechauffeurs.co.uk Cornwall Family History Kresen Kernow, Redruth huge Atlantic storm. Today, visitors its wartime appearance, including is a true taste of Poldark’s Cornwall, Society, Truro can explore acres of restored lawns, camouflage paint. A US-made surrounded by ancient barrows, A modern archive and library space rhododendrons, jungle plants, howitzer gun rings out at 12 noon woodland, forts and chapels set within Research library and other bringing together the world’s largest DID YOU wildlife, ancient woodland, kitchen sharp throughout the 865 acres of remote coastline, secret resources, for members and the collection of manuscripts, books gardens and farmland. summer months. beaches and smugglers’ coves on the public researching Cornish and documents related to Cornwall. KNOW? Rame Peninsula. family history. Opening 2019. heligan.com english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ pendennis-castle mountedgcumbe.gov.uk cornwallfhs.com https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/cro Sir Tim Smit, one of the enthusiasts behind the restoration of the Lost Gardens PRIDEAUX PLACE LANHYDROCK CORNWALL’S of Heligan, went on to co-found The Prideaux family’s Elizabethan The elegant rooms and staff quarters 300 years of military life are the Eden Project, Cornwall’s manor house looks out over the little of this magnificent late-Victorian explored in the Bodmin Keep, which fishing village of Padstow. The family country house and gardens are open was once home to the Duke of world-class eco-attraction. still live in the antique-filled house, to view, and the family’s varied roles Cornwall’s Light Infantry regiment. but they warmly invite you to step in World War I are well documented. Of particular interest is the World inside and discover its rich history. The property is now owned by the War II room, where there is detailed The 121st Engineer Combat Battalion National Trust. exploration of the regiment’s role in of the US Army marched from here the war, especially in the Battle of nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock to take its place for the Monte Cassino and Operation Market D-Day Landings. Garden during the Battle of Arnhem, where they fought alongside the prideauxplace.co.uk 82nd US Airborne. There’s also a panel on the 46th Foot Regiment’s role in the US War of Independence in 1776. Part of the display includes a Masonic Bible from 1712, which George used to be sworn into the Masonic Lodge.

cornwalls-regimentalmuseum.org Pedennis Castle Cornish coastline

10 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 11 KENT

GETTING HERE ACCOMMODATION Kent is southeast of London, in southeast England. , Maidstone Bromley Court Hotel From London, is 2 hours by rail (the High Speed One train takes just 1 hour) or 1 hour 40 mins by road; Canterbury is 1 hour by rail or 1 hour 25 mins by road. Beautifully appointed self-catering Stay in the castle once owned by Modern luxury in a historic setting. and ‘glamping’ on the Leeds Castle the richest man in the United States, Ideally placed for visiting Kent and For more destination information see: visitkent.co.uk estate, which played an intriguing William Waldorf Astor. Self-catering London. secret role in World War II. and B&B options available. bromleycourthotel.co.uk Known as The Garden of England, there’s even more to beautiful Kent than its nickname suggests. No leeds-castle.com/accommodation hevercastle.co.uk/stay

other county has witnessed such conflict and diplomacy. Its stretches of coastline, which include the famous USN P22 GUNBOAT, SANDWICH FOOD & DRINK , and undulating countryside were backdrop to the in World War II, The P22 Rhine Patrol vessel is a Shepherd Neame Brewery, home to mighty ports and warships, and witness to the Leeds Castle peace talks of 1978 and 2004. unique craft. Initially operated by the Faversham US Navy, she was built in Germany Britain’s oldest brewery and home to an American design. In 1958 to nostalgically-named beers like DOVER CASTLE AND SECRET KENT BATTLE OF BRITAIN Germany was granted its own navy THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER ‘Spitfire’ and ‘Bishop’s Finger’. WARTIME TUNNELS MUSEUM, and all 17 patrol vessels served as Guided tours are available. survey craft for the German army. Dover Castle is an exquisite medieval The most famous cliffs in Europe, the Located on the former site of RAF Today, visitors can step aboard for a shepherdneame.co.uk royal palace and gateway into the White Cliffs of Dover are arguably Hawkinge, the closest RAF station first-hand experience and even take inner workings of World War II. Built the UK’s most iconic natural feature. to enemy-occupied France in World a trip across the bay. in the 12th century by Henry II, the A clifftop walk reveals dramatic War II, this museum is home to the The Smoke House, Folkestone castle welcomed pilgrims travelling views across the bustling English world’s largest collection of Battle of p22.org.uk to worship at the shrine of martyr Channel to the coast of France. Britain memorabilia. Head to the town of Folkestone for Archbishop Thomas Becket, and top-notch fish and chips by the sea. The White Cliffs of Dover are a There are artifacts from over 700 bolstered the defenses of this valuable symbol of freedom, hope and home, aircraft losses - including full-size coastline. During World War II, the thesmokehousefolkestone.co.uk as captured by Dame Vera Lynn in replicas of authentic Hurricanes and castle served as a command post and the famous wartime song. An area Spitfires - many of which include military hospital. Buried deep within steeped in military history that is not personal tributes to the servicemen RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM, MANSTON the cliffs, an amazing series of secret to be missed. involved. wartime tunnels await discovery. Iconic World War II fighter planes are on display at the historic Battle of Visitors can explore this underground nationaltrust.org.uk/the-white-cliffs-of- kbobm.org Britain airfield. A Spitfire MK XVI (LF) and a Hurricane IIC are complemented network, guided by vivid recreations dover and video projections. by other war artefacts, plus a Spitfire flight simulator experience. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/ spitfiremuseum.org.uk dover-castle TOURS & TOUR GUIDES THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL, , WESTERHAM CHATHAM CAPEL-LE-FERNE Kent Greeters South East Guides Chatham, one of three Royal British This memorial honours members Chartwell is a splendid house in the Explore Kent with a local expert on a Directory of professional Green and Dockyards, played a crucial role in of the who fought heart of Kent’s beautiful countryside. free walking tour. Booking essential. Blue Badge Guides in Kent. both World Wars. The first shots the crucial Battle of Britain against For 40 years, it was the family home the might of the . Located of World War I’s maritime force of inspirational wartime British Prime visitkent.co.uk/stay-and-eat/getting-here/ southeastbestguides.org at Capel-le-Ferne (a site that was The White Cliffs of Dover were fired by a Chatham Division Minister Sir Winston Churchill. Here kent-greeters destroyer (HMS Lance). Now a tactically important in both World he wrote his most famous works and captivating maritime museum, a Wars), the memorial encompasses the speeches that shaped the history number of warships can be seen an emotive monument dedicated to of a nation. Visit the gardens’ artist’s ANCESTRAL SERVICES at the dockyard. HMS Cavalier ‘the few’ and an interactive centre studio, estate and house. commemorates the 11,000 lives exploring the key moments of this and 142 Royal Navy destroyers lost dramatic and decisive battle. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell Kent County Council History and Canterbury Cathedral Archives Medway Archives Centre, Strood during World War II. Archives Centre, Maidstone battleofbritainmemorial.org Rich collection of manuscripts, Resources for researching your thedockyard.co.uk Extensive collections of maps, maps, historic records and books family story, and the history, records, stories and histories of the dating from the 8th-century. geography and people of Medway. people of Kent. canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/ cityark.medway.gov.uk kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/ archives-library/visits history-and-heritage/kent-archives

12 | United Allies | US Connections Battle of Britain Memorial US Connections | United Allies | 13 ESSEX

GETTING HERE ACCOMMODATION FOOD & DRINK Essex is northeast of London, in southeast England. Wivenhoe House Hotel, Colchester County Hotel, Chelmsford Tiptree Jam Shop, Tea Room & From London, Harwich is 1 hour 20 mins by rail or 1 hour 40 mins by road; Colchester is 1 hour Museum, Tiptree by rail or 1 hour 25 mins by road; and Chelmsford is 30 mins by rail or 1 hour 5 mins by road. Eighteenth-century country house Hotel with modern facilities in the hotel in parkland, requisitioned by city centre but with easy road and Jam factory experience and award- For more destination information see: visitessex.com the War Department during both rail access to London. Ideal winning tea rooms, serving locally World Wars. Profits support the for groups. produced jam, cream teas and University of Essex. afternoon teas. countyhotelchelmsford.co.uk Essex has strong links to the United States. During World War II, the county, which bridges eastern wivenhoehouse.co.uk tiptree.com London and the North Sea, was home to 43,390 US servicemen and 16 airbases, and played a key role in England’s defence strategy. This ‘friendly invasion’ had an immediate impact on the local scene - Essex people got their first taste of peanut butter, chewing gum and coke, and the vital runways, hangars and concrete pillboxes are still visible today.

THE FORGOTTEN GARDENS OF MARKS HALL GARDENS AND EASTON LODGE, GREAT EASTON ARBORETUM, COGGESHALL DID YOU These elegant Edwardian gardens In 1944, Marks Hall served as the KNOW? designed by Harold Peto are now ‘Wing HQ’ for over 750 American fully restored. The site of a World bombers, flying from airfields across War II airfield, the gardens include the county of Essex. Today visitors In 1941, a German fighter a tree-lined memorial walk with can imagine the sounds and sights various species commemorating the leading up to D-Day or simply landed at RAF Debden, before nations that flew from here. explore the geographically themed gardens, arboretum and picturesque inexplicably flying away as fast eastonlodge.co.uk lakes; there is a memorial to the as possible. fallen of in the STOW MARIES GREAT WAR North American section. AERODROME, MALDON markshall.org.uk ANCESTRAL SERVICES Europe’s largest surviving World War I aerodrome is now a museum with WILLINGALE AIRFIELD AND Essex Record Office, Chelmsford hangars packed with late production ARCHIVE PROJECT and replica World War I aeroplanes. This large records office connects US families with their distant Regular events include air displays, Built in 1942, by the US Army 831st relatives. talks and Great War Living History. Engineer (Aviation) Battalion, Visitors can eat in the original Mess. Willingale Airfield was one of 15 essexrecordoffice.co.uk Tailored group visits available. airfields in Essex allocated to the USAAF. The Archive Project is a stowmaries.org.uk collection of historical items that help tell the story of Willingale BOXTED AIRFIELD MUSEUM, Village over the last 150 years, MALDON including its time during World War II. Dedicated to the USAAF and RAF airmen who were stationed here willingalevillage.uk/archive-project during World War II, including 56th Fighter Group - the top-scoring American fighter group during the TOURS & TOUR GUIDES War in Europe - Boxted Airfield Museum has loan of the largest Guide East surviving piece of a B-26 Marauder in the UK. Coach, walking and costumed themed tours, based in Colchester. Image caption Chelmsford Cathedral guideeast.co.uk US Memorial Marks Hall Arboretum Credit Fionn Davenport Credit Fionn Davenport

14 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 15 HERTFORDSHIRE

GETTING HERE Hertfordshire is northwest of London; it is one of the Home Counties. From London, St Albans is 30 minutes by rail or 50 mins by road; Hertford is 50 minutes by rail or 55 mins by road. For more destination information see: visitherts.co.uk

North of London, bucolic Hertfordshire is one of England’s ‘Home Counties’ with a rich history all of its own. Home to Royal heroes, rebels and religious uprisings, the county played a vital role in World War II, with its aircraft innovators and busy airfields helping to liberate the skies of DID Europe. Bovingdon Airfield was an important operational base where most US bomber crews that YOU came to Britain were trained for combat; thanks to its impressive , this famous airfield is KNOW? now used as a filming location. Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her DE HAVILLAND MUSEUM, ASHRIDGE ESTATE, RINGHSALL BROCKET HALL, WELWYN SHENLEY childhood at Hatfield

A small and charming aviation Now run by the National Trust, This quintessentially English country House; you can visit museum - the oldest in Britain Ashridge is a working estate with house is now a peaceful hotel with the oak tree where she - dedicated to the aeronautical miles of footpaths criss-crossing two championship golf courses innovations of the de Havilland through its downlands and beech strung through the 18th-century stood when she heard she company. Iconic World War II and oak woodlands. It was used parkland, but it was a different Mosquitos sit alongside Tiger Moths, as a base to train and billet troops picture during World War II. The was queen. More recently, Hornet Moths, and the world’s first during both World Wars and was estate was handed over to the War the house is also known for commercial aircraft (the Air France a convalescent home for St Albans Office and became a maternity DH106 Comet). Hospital in World War II; it’s easy to hospital run the Red Cross; more featuring in The King’s Speech imagine recovering soldiers walking than 8,300 wartime babies were dehavillandmuseum.co.uk these same trails. born here. Book one of the elegant and The Crown. afternoon teas and indulge in nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate a traditional selection of finger sandwiches and homemade cakes ROYSTON & DISTRICT MUSEUM and pastries, served in traditional FOOD & DRINK ANCESTRAL SERVICES AND ART GALLERY butler fashion and accompanied by a live pianist. During World War II, this unique Ye Old Fighting Cocks, St Albans Hertfordshire Archives and Local space housed the American Airforce brocket-hall.co.uk/what-s-on/afternoon- Studies Britain’s oldest pub. Award-winning tea 91st ’s social For an intimate look at this ales, fresh food, and cosy timber club and is now a free community region’s unique history, and help interiors await you. museum. tracing your family tree, visit the yeoldefightingcocks.co.uk local archives. roystonmuseum.org.uk archives.hertfordshire.gov.uk

ACCOMMODATION TOURS & TOUR GUIDES The Grove, Chandler’s Cross Sopwell House, St Albans Hotel Cromwell, Stevenage A luxury five-star hotel just 18 miles Historic country house hotel with 128 Characterful hotel with history in the St Albans Tour Guides from London. rooms and suites. old town centre, a short train ride from London. Expert guide-led tours covering thegrove.co.uk sopwellhouse.co.uk everything from St Albans’ Roman cromwellstevenage.co.uk heritage to its close ties to the Ryder Cup. Private groups catered for too. de Havilland Museum stalbanstourguides.co.uk Credit Fionn Davenport

16 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 17 CAMBRIDGE

ACCOMMODATION FOOD & DRINK GETTING HERE

Cambridge is 60 miles north of London, in the East of England. Hilton Cambridge City Centre The Varsity Hotel & Spa Fitzbillies From London, Cambridge is 50 mins by rail or 1 hour 30 mins by road. One of the largest hotels in the city Rooftop terrace and bar, spa and A Cambridge institution that has For more destination information see: visitcambridge.org centre, this Hilton is well located for dining options in a convenient city- been serving its traditional Chelsea colleges, museums and shopping. centre location close to colleges. buns since 1920. www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united- thevarsityhotel.co.uk fitzbillies.com Cambridgeshire and the region of East Anglia played a key role throughout World War II. Today, kingdom/hilton-cambridge-city-centre- STNHCHI/index.html the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial pays tribute to 3,812 US personnel who rest The Anchor CHURCHILL COLLEGE ANCESTRAL SERVICES Fresh seasonal food served on the here, with a further 5,127 names featuring on the Wall of the Missing. Nearby, IWM Duxford, with banks of the River Cam; it’s got strong links to English rock band Part of Cambridge University, Cambridge American Cemetery & its American Air Museum, features a selection of restored aircraft flown by The Mighty Eighth. Pink Floyd too. Churchill College was founded in Memorial 1960 in honour of Winston Churchill. anchorcambridge.com CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN IWM DUXFORD WIMPOLE HALL View the Winston Churchill Memorial, The visitor centre incorporates CEMETERY walk the extensive college grounds personal stories, photographs, films or visit the Churchill Archives Centre, and interactive displays. Parker’s Tavern Uncover the moving stories of those 3,812 US personnel lie at rest in the Home to the last World War II US and view documents from more than who served at RAF Duxford and peaceful grounds of the Cambridge hospital, closing in 1946, and to Located in the University Arms hotel, 570 political, military and scientific abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/ meet the most celebrated of British American Cemetery. At its heart stands Britain’s first Prime Minister, Wimpole Parker’s Tavern has been serving figures from the Churchill period. europe/cambridge-american-cemetery planes from World War II, including the Wall of the Missing, inscribed with Hall remains the largest country Cambridge visitors since 1834. the Spitfire and . The the names of 5,127 American soldiers house in Cambridgeshire. Take time chu.cam.ac.uk The Churchill Archives Centre museum is also the permanent home lost during the air campaigns over to stroll around the magnificent parkerstavern.com

of the American Air Museum, which northwest Europe and the build-up gardens, visit the working Home Access to millions of historic features original aircraft such as the to D-Day. The chapel’s stained-glass Farm and discover the ‘big skies’ that documents from the 20th century. Sally B17 bomber, used by the Eighth windows display numerous state seals make this such an inspiring county

Air Force (known as The Mighty and military decorations. The cemetery, to visit. Eighth) who were stationed close to today surrounded by mature woodland chu.cam.ac.uk/archives Cambridge during World War II. and reflective pools of water, is the nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate only World War II American military iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford cemetery and memorial in the UK. TOURS & TOUR GUIDES abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/ THE RAF BAR AT THE EAGLE cambridge-american-cemetery Official Tours of Cambridge Take a walking tour of the city with an official Cambridge Blue Badge Guide. The Eagle pub opened in 1667 but Enjoy access to the awe-inspiring chapel and grounds of King’s College with its recent history is particularly ELY CATHEDRAL the two-hour King’s College & The Backs Tour. Gain a glimpse of student life interesting. The RAF Bar is covered with the 90-minute Highlights tour, featuring Pembroke College. All tours Cambridge American in graffiti by US and British airmen, It’s only a short trip from Cambridge include the stories of famous Cambridge students such as Sir Isaac Newton, Cemetery and Memorial who burned their initials and to Ely, a city whose ancient cathedral Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking. squadron numbers into the ceiling is famed for its stunning Norman visitcambridge.org/official-tours with candles and Zippo lighters. architecture, stained-glass windows While you’re here, sit down for and idyllic grounds. Ely Cathedral a drink and something to eat also has longstanding connections and imagine James Watson and to the US Armed Forces. On the Francis Crick interrupting diners to outside of the wood panels is graffiti announce they had discovered “the inscribed by American servicemen secret of life” - the DNA double-helix at the nearby US bases at Alconbury - just as they did here in 1953. and Lakenheath, including the green footprints of the Jolly Green Giant, greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/ the signature of the pilots of the cambridgeshire/eagle Sikorsky MH-53 helicopter used in Vietnam. elycathedral.org

Ely Cathedral IWM Duxford Credit Fionn Davenport

18 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 19 LINCOLNSHIRE

ACCOMMODATION GETTING HERE

Lincolnshire is approximately 120 miles north of London, in the East Midlands. Washingborough Hall Hotel, Lincoln The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa White Hart Hotel, Lincoln From London, Lincoln is 2 hours by rail or 2 hours 50 mins by road. A luxury family run country house With its Dambusters bar, where In the heart of historic Lincoln, the For more destination information see: visitlincolnshire.com and visitlincoln.com hotel close to Lincoln city centre, and the famous 617 Squadron met, this White Hart Hotel’s Tank Room is ideal for the International Bomber hotel is at the heart of Lincolnshire’s where the concept for the first tank Command Centre. aviation heritage; the gardens are was created. stunning too. Perfect for groups. washingboroughhall.com whitehart-lincoln.co.uk Known as Bomber County, Lincolnshire, on England’s east coast, is synonymous with military petwood.co.uk aviation. During World War II, there were more than 50 active military airfields across the county CRANWELL AVIATION HERITAGE and every village learned to love the tens of thousands of USAAF and RAF crews living among MUSEUM, SLEAFORD Royal Air Force College Cranwell was them. Today, the county’s many museums and heritage sites keep their stories and connections the world’s first military air academy (HRH Prince Charles and HRH Prince alive. All who contributed to Bomber Command are remembered at the new International Bomber William both attended). The Cranwell Command Centre, Lincoln. Aviation Heritage Museum tells its story through interactive exhibits, including a Jet Provost flight BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL LINCOLN AVIATION HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL BOMBER simulator. FLIGHT CENTRE, CONINGSBY CENTRE, EAST KIRKBY COMMAND CENTRE, LINCOLN community.lincolnshire.gov.uk/ Guided tours at RAF Coningsby A family-run museum dedicated Opened in 2018, the centre is the Cranwellaviationheritagemuseum/ include aircraft from the Battle to Bomber Command, based on world’s most complete resource on of Britain Memorial Flight. These an original airfield, complete with the role of Bomber Command in SCOPWICK CEMETERY World War II machines, once the hangar and control tower. Exhibits World War II. Interactive displays and sharp point of Britain’s air combat include ‘Home Front’ and ‘Escape’, first-hand accounts, a library and technology, can still be seen taking a rare collection of ground vehicles temporary exhibitions help serve its Scopwick Cemetery is the final International BomberThe Command Petwood CentreHotel to the skies on ceremonial occasions. and a . Visitors can goals of recognition, remembrance and resting place of RCAF pilot John Knowledgeable volunteers run the experience a taxy ride in Just Jane, a reconciliation. Set within landscaped Gillespie Magee, better known as The tours, which take between 1 hour and restored Lancaster Bomber (advance peace gardens, the Memorial Spire Pilot Poet who wrote High Flight. TOURS & TOUR GUIDES 1 hour 30 mins and may include such booking essential), witness dogfight is the UK’s tallest war memorial and iconic craft as the Avro Lancaster, displays and parachute drops, or offers views over Bomber County, visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/interest/ Hidden Lincoln Green Badge Guides Spitfire and Douglas Dakota. simply browse hundreds of unique which hosted a third of Bomber scopwick-cemetery photos arranged by squadron. Special Command stations and thousands of Customised walking tours of historic Guided walking tours of Lincoln city lincolnshire.gov.uk/history-and-heritage/ events take place on the site. Suitable American pilots and aircrew. FOOD & DRINK Lincoln with local specialists. centre, for FITs and groups. battle-of-britain-memorial-flight for groups. internationalbcc.co.uk hiddenlincoln.com lincolnguidedtours.co.uk lincsaviation.co.uk Wig & Mitre, Lincoln

Traditional pub on Lincoln’s cobbled Aviation Heritage Trail Tour Lincoln RAF DIGBY, LINCOLN CATHEDRAL ANTIQUES CENTRES Steep Hill. ASHBY-DE-LA-LAUNDE Self-guided tour of Lincolnshire’s Open-top sightseeing bus tour of wigandmitre.com aviation heritage. Lincoln, with live commentary. One of the finest gothic cathedrals Europe’s largest antiques centre is The faithfully restored Operations visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/aviation-trail visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/bus-tour- in Europe, Lincoln’s towers served based in an old RAF base a few Room at RAF Digby has the plotting lincoln as a beacon for returning World War miles outside Lincoln; RAF Hemswell table, operations clock and status The Bronze Pig, Lincoln II pilots. Don’t miss the Airmen’s was the home of the Lancaster boards set up as they were on 21 Fine dining and a relaxed Chapel where the names of 21,000 bomber during World War II. There’s October 1939. Learn about RAF atmosphere in historic Lincoln. ANCESTRAL SERVICES RAF personnel are remembered. a wide range of militaria among the Digby’s role during World War II, and Combine with a visit to nearby extensive antiques for sale. visit memorials to various squadrons thebronzepig.co.uk Lincoln Castle. and the Canada Room, which is International Bomber Command Lincolnshire Family History Society hemswell-antiques.com Centre Digital Archive dedicated to the RCAF and their Online resources and research lincolncathedral.com Stokes Coffee, Lincoln time here. Free-to-use digital archive of centre with stewards. visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/raf-digby This family business has been serving documents and oral histories from tea and coffee since well before across the world, covering aviation lincolnshirefhs.org.uk World War II; they even served and military heritage. George VI when he was an officer at internationalbcc.co.uk nearby Cranwell. stokes-coffee.co.uk

20 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 21 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

GETTING HERE FOOD & DRINK Nottinghamshire is approximately 120 miles north of London, in the East Midlands. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, From London, Nottingham is 1 hour 40 mins by rail or 2 hours 20 mins by road; Newark is 1 hour 15 Nottingham mins by rail or 2 hours 30 mins by road. Built into the rock that Nottingham For more destination information see: visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk Castle stands on, England’s oldest inn has craft beer, hearty meals and a moving tribute wall for ex- Alongside bomber crews from RAF NO. 5 Group, tens of thousands of US Airborne troops and servicemen from Canada, England and the USA. plane and glider crews made a home in Nottinghamshire. Many completed their training here greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/ before joining the fight on D-Day and during (the Battle of Arnhem) nottinghamshire/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem and the Ardennes Campaign (the ). The School of Artisan Food, Welbeck THE NATIONAL HOLOCAUST CLUMBER PARK, WORKSOP NEWARK AIR MUSEUM CENTRE AND MUSEUM, NEWARK Based in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the school is housed in the This National Trust property and Both memorial and a place of Explore a varied array of military former fire stables, which date back stunning parkland was home to learning, this well-equipped centre aircraft, from Tiger Moths to the to 1870, and offers tailored artisan Churchill’s prototype trench-cutting on the edge of Robin Hood’s English Electric Lightning, at this courses from foraging to baking. tank testing. The park was also a Sherwood Forest is the only one of former World War II training base. Newark Air Museum secret storage location for large its kind in the UK. The permanent Climb inside cockpits, examine rare schoolofartisanfood.org quantities of ammunition. Follow the exhibition for adults and children Avro Lancaster artifacts and browse World War II walk to visit the sites of aged 12 and over is complemented the dedicated shop for prize books TOURS & TOUR GUIDES these wartime activities. by an interactive display for and collectibles. Howard Heeley younger children, which explains from Down to Earth Promotions is nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park the Holocaust through the eyes available for talks on USAAF activity Brackenbury’s Britain Howard Heeley Ezekial Bone of a fictional German-Jewish boy. in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Cultural and countryside customised Aviation historian and writer offering Scheduled and bespoke character- Pictures, reconstructed rooms, walking tours for FITs and groups. a range of custom talks on regional led themed tours of Nottingham, WOLLATON HALL, NOTTINGHAM objects and first-hand accounts newarkairmuseum.org aviation heritage, including the from Robin Hood to the city’s lace- bring the story of the Jewish brackenburysbritain.co.uk USAAF. making heritage. Within the grounds of this 16th- struggle and the horrors that NEWARK CEMETERY century stately home stands a followed to life. Pilgrims & Prophets [email protected] ezekialbone.com memorial to the men of the US holocaust.org.uk Newark Cemetery contains the General history and Christian and 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, graves of hundreds of Canadian, America heritage tours. 82nd Airborne Division. Many of Polish and British airmen. Guided these young men assembled here pilgrimsandprophets.co.uk tours available. before seeing action in two of the most challenging engagements of newark.gov.uk/Friends-of-Newark- World War II - Operation Overlord Cemetery.aspx ACCOMMODATION and Operation Market Garden. [email protected] St James Hotel, Nottingham Hart’s Hotel, Nottingham Lace Market Hotel, Nottingham wollatonhall.org.uk Stylish, city centre boutique hotel. Luxury style in Nottingham city City-centre boutique hotel with 42 centre. rooms. RUFFORD ABBEY, RUFFORD stjames-hotel.com hartsnottingham.co.uk lacemarkethotel.co.uk

A country estate, open to visitors. The abbey was requisitioned for ANCESTRAL SERVICES wartime use and housed cavalry DID YOU offices, a tank regiment and, later, KNOW? Italian prisoners of war. Nottinghamshire Family History Society, Nottingham The Society offers membership for those who are eager to access parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk/centre/rufford- experts who offer guidance on locating their family history and abbey Newark Airfield was used to launch Operation Market archived information. Garden in 1944. nottsfhs.org Wollaton Hall

22 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 23

GETTING HERE ACCOMMODATION Worcestershire is approximately 130 miles northwest of London, in the . The Wood Norton Diglis House Hotel, Worcester From London, Worcester is 2 hours 20 mins by rail or 2 hours 20 mins by road; Droitwich Spa is 2 hours 20 mins by rail or 2 hours 10 mins by road. Country house hotel with royal Super location in Worcester city connections that served as a BBC centre, beside the River Severn. Ideal For more destination information see: visitworcestershire.org monitoring base during World War II. for FITs and small groups. thewoodnorton.com diglishousehotel.co.uk Worcestershire’s rolling Malvern hills, ancient properties and secure radio network stood ready to protect the British royal family during the darkest hours of World War II. The armour-plated TOURS & TOUR GUIDES DID YOU railway carriage, built for George VI, is stationed at Highley on the Severn Valley Railway; it was KNOW? Discover History here, in the private sitting room, that General Eisenhower and Winston Churchill revealed their Costumed and themed guided tours. Ideal for educational and group In 1875, US demand for Lea D-Day plans to the King. tours. & Perrins Worcestershire discover-history.co.uk Sauce was so high it THE COMMANDERY & SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY SPETCHLEY PARK GARDENS FORT ROYAL HILL had to be imported Worcester Walks Housed in an historic building, this A wonderfully nostalgic experience, Home of the Berkeley family for in casks. It wasn’t Guided walking tours of the city Worcester museum is dedicated this heritage steam railway runs over 400 years, in the 1940s the centre. to the English Civil War. In 1651, it for 16 miles between the stations property welcomed pilots from the manufactured in formed King Charles I headquarters of Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, USAAF 8th Air Force recovering worcesterwalks.co.uk the US until 1902. for his troops gathered to fight the and even hosts 1940’s weekends from action in the Battle of Britain. decisive Battle of Worcester. John throughout the Summer. Built Today, the property is renowned for Adams and Thomas Jefferson chose in 1862, the railway delivers its spectacular floral displays. to visit the city and battlefield in breathtaking scenery, as it follows 1786, and were inspired to learn the beautiful River Severn into spetchleygardens.co.uk how they shaped England’s politics, Shropshire. Visitors to Highley and the concepts of liberty and station can enter King George VI’s democracy. Just two years later, they armor-plated carriage – where ANCESTRAL SERVICES would use this experience to help General Eisenhower and Winston draft the US Constitution. Churchill briefed the King on The Hive, Worcester Operation Overlord. museumsworcestershire.org.uk This modern five-storey venue combines public and university thebattleofworcestersociety.org.uk svr.co.uk libraries, and the Worcester Archive Severn Valley Railway and Archaeological Service. Explore RAF MUSEUM BROADWAY TOWER your ancestry through church, AT CROOME council, hospital and private family records - some dating to the 12th- This former RAF base was a centre Hilltop folly in the Worcestershire century. Staff will guide you through of technological innovation and Cotswolds, with outstanding views. the extensive resources, narrow testing during World War II, where broadwaytower.co.uk your search across print, microfilm airborne was first developed. and Internet, or conduct research Easy to reach, it’s set within a on your behalf. beautiful country estate just outside the city of Worcester. FOOD & DRINK thehiveworcester.org nationaltrust.org.uk/croome/raf-defford Tasting England Food tours and traditional English cooking classes. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. tastingengland.co.uk Ut tempus ultricies laoreet. Sed est purus, tempor nec malesuada sit amet, molestie sed enim. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut tempus ultricies laoreet. Sed est purus. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut tempus ultricies laoreet. The Commandery Broadway Tower

24 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 25 GLOUCESTER

GETTING HERE Gloucester is 100 miles west of London, in southwest England. From London, Gloucester is 1 hours 55 mins by rail or 2 hours 20 mins by road. For more destination information see: thecityofgloucester.co.uk

The inland port city of Gloucester - birthplace of the music of The Star Spangled Banner - is surrounded by relaxing spa towns and the glorious Cotswold hills. The city and surrounding county of Gloucestershire played a major part in World War II airborne operations: invasion glider training and aircraft construction was carried out in the area; gliders used at Arnhem, D-Day and the Rhine Crossing took off from RAF airfields across the county; and the Gloster E28/39 - the revolutionary Allied World War II jet, designed by Frank Whittle - was born and DID YOU KNOW? made its first flight here. The tour boat NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM ACCOMMODATION Queen Boadicea II

Housed in an atmospheric and Hallmark Gloucester The Cheltenham Chase Hotel was one of the ‘Little historic warehouse, the museum On the fringes of historic Gloucester, A modern, four-star hotel with Ships’ of and reveals Gloucester’s historical position 95 rooms. Suitable for groups. 122 bedrooms, well located for as the United Kingdom’s foremost in May 1940 helped Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa and inland port. Discover the story of the hallmarkhotels.co.uk/hotels/hallmark- the Cotswolds. region’s diverse waterways through hotel-gloucester evacuate troops from the fascinating and surprising insights, qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/the- beaches of Dunkirk. including the key role of women on cheltenham-chase-hotel Gloucester Docks the docks during World War II. Don’t GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL miss the chance to tour the canal and SOLDIERS OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE docks on Queen Boadicea II, one of One of the most beautiful buildings MUSEUM FOOD & DRINK ANCESTRAL SERVICES TOURS & TOUR GUIDES the little boats used in the evacuation in England, Gloucester Cathedral has of Dunkirk in 1940. been an important centre of Christian The history of the Gloucestershire nwm.org.uk/gloucester worship since 678-9 AD. Marvel at Regiment, the ‘Glorious Glosters’, is Hillside Brewery Gloucestershire Archives Gloucester Civic Trust guided the stunning craftsmanship, from the walking tours told through exhibits, uniforms and Brewery tours and experience days Provides various records for 14th-century choir stalls to the Great FRANK WHITTLE & THE JET AGE weaponry in this museum located in the countryside. researching family history, in addition From cathedral to dockyard and East Window. This ancient church has MUSEUM in the historic Gloucester Docks. to a guide covering records for the the streets in between, a 90-minute witnessed some of the most important The regiment’s roles in D-Day, the hillsidebrewery.com Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. stroll with an expert guide is a great events in British history, from the Brimming with rare artifacts, the American War of Independence and way to discover the rich layers of commissioning of the Domesday Book the Korean War are highlighted. gloucestershire.gov.uk/archives is a must-see The Fountain Inn history that have shaped Gloucester to the coronation of Henry III. Near for aviation fans. Don’t miss the soldiersofglos.com for over 2,000 years. extraordinary replica of Frank Edward II’s tomb, look for the British Historic, traditional English pub in Hidden Heritage and American flags; a plaque here the heart of the city centre. Whittle’s revolutionary Gloster Gloucestershire’s genealogy gloucestercivictrust.org memorialises local man John Stafford E28/39 - the first Allied World War II service (based at Gloucestershire Smith (1750-1836), who was born just thefountaininngloucester.com National Waterways Museum Boat jet - which was constructed and first Archives) is run by Liz Jack, a direct behind the cathedral and baptised in it. Trips flown under top-secret conditions in descendent of Button Gwinnett. Gloucestershire. Sir Frank Whittle’s He wrote The Anacreontic Song, which Greek On The Docks See historic Gloucester Docks (a was adopted as the tune of The Star- hidden-heritage.co.uk son is still a patron of the museum. Exceptional Greek cuisine and filming location for Alice Through Spangled Banner. relaxing dockside atmosphere. the Looking Glass) from Queen jetagemuseum.org gloucestercathedral.org.uk Soldiers of Gloucestershire Boadicea II, one of the ‘Little Ships’ greekonthedocks.co.uk Free online soldier search database. of Dunkirk. soldiers.soldiersofglos.com canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/ gloucester-docks/boat-trips

26 | United Allies | US Connections Gloucester Cathedral US Connections | United Allies | 27 BRISTOL

FOOD & DRINK GETTING HERE

Bristol is 120 miles west of London, in southwest England. No.1 Harbourside From London, Bristol is 1 hour 40 mins by rail or 2 hours by road. Bar/restaurant serving locally For more destination information see: visitbristol.co.uk sourced food, with an emphasis on sustainability. no1harbourside.co.uk Bristol is a vibrant port city with far-reaching American connections. It was the departure point of John Cabot’s 15th-century voyage, which was backed by many Bristolian merchants and the Cream Tea Cruise Maritime heritage-themed boat tours Sheriff of Bristol. Many centuries later, American World War II supply ships used rubble from a through the Floating Harbour and River Avon, with a fresh cream tea. freshly-bombed Bristol as ballast, dumping it in New York’s East River and creating a landfill now bristolpacket.co.uk known as the Bristol Basin. Clifton College, meanwhile, was the headquarters of the entire US Army in Britain and where much of the United States’ involvement in the D-Day landings Bristol Hoppers Craft Beer Tours Walking tours combining Bristol’s was planned. heritage and culture with at least seven local beers. bristolhoppers.co.uk M SHED MUSEUM AMERICAN MUSEUM, BATH

Aerospace Bristol explores the From ancient city to a centre of Claverton Manor, in nearby Bath, TOURS & TOUR GUIDES pivotal - and remarkable - role that contemporary innovation, M Shed is worth a visit for the extensive Bristol has played in the story of tells the story of Bristol in fascinating grounds and arboretum alone, but it Bristol Balloons flight. detail. also houses the American Museum - the only museum of decorative and See the city’s varied architecture Historic planes, like the 1910 Bristol Located on the harbourside, this American folk art outside the United from above. Boxkite, sit alongside icons of unique museum is divided into four States. modern invention such as the sections – People, Place, Life, and bristolballoons.co.uk supersonic Alpha Foxtrot, the Working Exhibits – each capturing americanmuseum.org final Concorde to ever take flight. a different element of Bristol’s Visitors are invited to step aboard rich history. Enjoy a multisensory Bristol Insight this magnificent plane, which was experience by riding a giant crane or BRISTOL CATHEDRAL Bristol’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour designed and built in Bristol, and steam railway; or learn about Banksy, mentions Clifton College, as well as capable of travelling from London Wallace and Gromit and local music A place of worship since the 12th diving into the city’s wider history. to New York in less than three and a via the many exhibits. century, Bristol Cathedral contains half hours. An unmissable treat. one of the world’s finest examples bristolinsight.co.uk bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed of a medieval hall church. The lofty Brunel SS Great Britain aerospacebristol.org vaulted ceilings are a big draw, but don’t miss the stained-glass windows ANCESTRAL SERVICES ACCOMMODATION commemorating the roles locals played during the war, including the Bristol Archives fire service and St John’s Ambulance. The Bristol Avon Gorge Hotel Archives of the city of Bristol, Four-star boutique hotel in a Grand hotel with views of the Clifton bristol-cathedral.co.uk surrounding areas, as well as the waterfront location. Suspension Bridge. British Empire & Commonwealth UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL Collection. www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the- theavongorgehotel.com BOTANIC GARDEN bristol-hotel bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-archives Stunning horticulture and history combine at the University of Bristol Brunel Institute at Brunel’s SS Great Botanic Garden. Visitors can enjoy Britain the exquisite gardens as well as view Access objects and expert help the room where US General Omar from one of the world’s finest Bradley lived during Clifton College’s maritime collections. tenure as the headquarters of the US Clifton Suspension Bridge First Army. ssgreatbritain.org/brunel-institute bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden 28 | United Allies | US Connections Aerospace Museum US Connections | United Allies | 29 SCOTLAND TRAVEL INFORMATION HUMBERSIDE Getting here and getting around. AIRPORT DONCASTER The product in this document can AIRPORT be built as a touring itinerary, or it MANCHESTER can be used as modular content and AIRPORT incorporated into existing England tours. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE Many of the destinations and things to do can be accessed in a day from London but we recommend you linger LINCOLN EAST MIDLANDS for longer in these regions outside of NEWARK AIRPORT BOSTON London and uncover the real England. NOTTINGHAM By Air England is well connected to the US, with frequent daily flights from 35 US airports. Key gateways include London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester. Regional gateways provide easy access to some of the destinations outside of London, and many provide connecting routes to the US. WALES ENGLAND

By Rail WORCESTER CAMBRIDGE Travelling by rail is a scenic and relaxing WORCESTERSHIRE STANSTED way to enjoy England. Most main AIRPORT cities and towns have well serviced ESSEX HARWICH railway stations and all will connect to LUTON London. For some of the more rural AIRPORT ST. ALBANS CHELMSFORD destinations, a taxi or a driver guide GLOUCESTER would be necessary for FITs. Train travel HERTFORDSHIRE tends to be cheaper when booked in SOUTHEND advance. AIRPORT The BritRail pass provides ultimate LONDON flexibility and value for money for BRISTOL traveling in Britain. The passes must be BRISTOL CANTERBURY purchased before visitors leave the US. AIRPORT KENT britrail.com DOVER Great Western Railway operate the HAMPSHIRE train network from London across the South West of England and Wales and the overnight sleeper service between SOUTHAMPTON London and Penzance. For routes and ticket information and sales: EXETER PORTSMOUTH AIRPORT gwr.com By Car NEWQUAY For self-drive visitors, cars in England AIRPORT are right-hand drive and cars drive ENGLISH on the left-hand side of the road. Hire PLYMOUTH RIVIERA cars tend to be manual (stick shift) so be sure to request an automatic on CORNWALL booking.

30 | United Allies | US Connections US Connections | United Allies | 31 30 miles Supported by VisitBritain/VisitEngland through the Discover England Fund