Personal Stories

The following personal accounts recall the experiences of those who lived through the momentous events of the Second World War.

Eileen Barnes

Eileen Barnes remembers the impact that the American GIs had on the Kennet Valley.

Frank Smith

Frank smith remembers American paratroopers in Chilton Foliat.

George Baxter

British paratrooper George Baxter's diary entry for D-Day, 6th June 1944

George Rosie

American paratrooper George Rosie recalls his experience on D-Day, when he was taken prisoner by the Germans.

Joan Greenwood

Joan Greenwood recalls meeting an American Paratrooper in Newbury.

Joe Byrnes

Joe Byrnes remembers the Americans billeted in Lambourn.

Roger Airgood

Roger Airgood, a C-47 pilot based at Membury Airfield, recalls working with American paratroopers and Glider Infantry.