Pre invasion pics 101st Airborne

Discussion in 'American' started by furham, Sep 7, 2013.

  1. furham

    furham Member
    Researcher

    Aug 28, 2013
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    The first 5 pictures were taken in England in March of 1944 prior to the invasion. The last picture of the color guard was taken in an unknown location. My father is third from the right. I've had people tell me it was taken possibly at Ft. Bragg or Camp McCall.

    [IMG=850x606]http://imageshack.us/a/img703/1268/v4ke.jpg[/IMG]

    [IMG=850x687]http://imageshack.us/a/img833/7355/mr7w.jpg[/IMG]

    [IMG=850x683]http://imageshack.us/a/img845/4097/6ljp.jpg[/IMG]

    [IMG=850x529]http://imageshack.us/a/img690/8498/pxvo.jpg[/IMG]

    [IMG=850x680]http://imageshack.us/a/img826/8109/52su.jpg[/IMG]


    [IMG=850x680]http://imageshack.us/a/img849/7620/2bsb.jpg[/IMG]

    Edited by Pat to reduce image size to 850 pixels wide
     
  2. Pat Curran

    Pat Curran Administrator
    Staff Member

    Oct 20, 2012
    2,547
    11
    Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
    Hi Randy,

    I would be pretty sure the colour party shot is taken in America. There appears to be a low ridgeline behind the troops at right (blue arrows) which may help with tracking down the location:
    [​IMG]
    I presume the mark indicated by the red arrows is a stain on the back which is showing through to the front...and not any form of stamp?

    I'll have look through my copy of "My Three Years with Eisenhower" by Captain Harry C. Butcher to see if the date of the other photographs can be discerned from the diary.

    Thanks for posting these Randy,

    Regards,

    Pat
     
  3. Gennaker

    Gennaker New Member
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    Nov 28, 2014
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    Picture N°4 : Could the One star general walking alongside Ike and behind Taylor be Don Pratt? Thanks
     
  4. John Szweda

    John Szweda Administrator
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    Oct 25, 2012
    570
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    Male
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    Denis,

    I never looked real close at the photo before, but I think you are right that it is General Don Pratt.

    John
     
  5. Jonesy

    Jonesy Active Member
    Researcher

    Nov 23, 2014
    223
    2
    Wiltshire, UK
    Are the first four photos taken around Welford Airfield when Churchill inspected the 506th PIR on the 23rd of March 1944?
     
  6. John Szweda

    John Szweda Administrator
    Staff Member

    Oct 25, 2012
    570
    9
    Male
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    Neil,

    The 4th Photo does appear in the book "D-Day Then and Now" (volume 1 pg. 282)
    It's caption identifies the location as being on the Court Oak farm just east of Welford airfield.
    It also confirms the identity of General Pratt.

    John

     
  7. furham

    furham Member
    Researcher

    Aug 28, 2013
    18
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    The dates on the photos do say 23 March 1944.
     
  8. sirjahn

    sirjahn Active Member
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    Oct 24, 2012
    103
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    With the troops wearing spats I would say it would have to be Glider Troops not Parachutists.
     
  9. ddayHorsa

    ddayHorsa Active Member
    Researcher

    Dec 20, 2013
    220
    0
    Hi all,

    I'm not sure if this is the most appropriate thread for the following newspaper article, which appeared in the local paper today; but it is the closest I could find. (please don't hesitate to move it if there is a more appropriate place.)



    [​IMG]



    Charles
     
  10. Pat Curran

    Pat Curran Administrator
    Staff Member

    Oct 20, 2012
    2,547
    11
    Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
    Hi Charles,

    The last of these great warriors are slipping away by the day now.

    Makes our work here all the more urgent and necessary.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Pat
     

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