Uncovering the Untold Stories: The U.S Paratroopers Who Trained in a Quiet English Village

💪The village of Old Worn, Wiltshire became home to a battalion of U.S paratroopers 80 years ago, as they prepared for the D-Day Landings.

🏰The paratroopers took up residence in Nissan huts and camps in the village, living among the locals and experiencing the peaceful English countryside.

🔍Archaeological excavations in Old Worn have uncovered artifacts and structures that provide valuable insights into the daily lives of the paratroopers during their training.

👥The paratroopers formed strong bonds with each other, creating a brotherhood that supported them throughout their training and wartime experiences.

🌍The training in Old Worn prepared the paratroopers for their role in major battles, such as the D-Day Landings, where they played a crucial part in the Allied victory.

How long did the U.S paratroopers train in Old Worn?

—The paratroopers were stationed in Old Worn from September 1943 to May 1944, training for less than a year before their deployment for the D-Day Landings.

What kind of living conditions did the paratroopers have in Old Worn?

—The paratroopers lived in Nissan huts, tar and paper huts, camps, and even private houses and pubs in Old Worn. They adapted to the local surroundings and formed connections with the villagers.

What role did Old Worn play in the training of the paratroopers?

—Old Worn served as a training ground for the paratroopers, where they underwent rigorous exercises, drills, and preparations for the challenges they would face in battle.

What have the archaeological excavations in Old Worn revealed?

—Archaeological excavations in Old Worn have uncovered artifacts such as identification tags, ammunition, and even remnants of the Nissan huts where the paratroopers lived. These findings provide valuable insight into their daily lives and experiences.

What was the significance of the U.S paratroopers' training in Old Worn?

—The training in Old Worn prepared the paratroopers for their pivotal role in major battles, notably the D-Day Landings. Their training and experiences in Old Worn shaped them into a formidable force that played a crucial part in the Allied victory.

00:01Introduction to the quiet village of Old Worn in Wiltshire, which became the training ground for U.S paratroopers.

01:27Insights into the training and preparations the paratroopers underwent in Camp Toccoa and their arrival in Old Worn.

05:56Description of the living conditions and facilities available to the paratroopers in Old Worn.

09:26Discussions about the archaeological excavations in Old Worn and the artifacts uncovered, providing insights into the paratroopers' daily lives and experiences.

12:46Personal interviews with veterans who took part in the archaeological dig, highlighting the impact of the experience on their mental well-being and the connections made with the past.