THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
A plaque was unveiled yesterday, August 20, commemorating the site near Weston Super Mare, England, where former US President Dwight D Eisenhower camped for one night en route to D-Day in 1944.
The plaque, located in Weston Woods, is positioned on the local water tower, marking the spot where General Eisenhower stayed overnight in a caravan as part of his role as Supreme Allied Commander for Europe from February 1944 until the end of World War II.
Councillor John Crockford-Hawley gave a history of the event during the unveiling. He explained how Weston Woods was ideal as a place to stay under cover, with the trees hiding troops from enemy bomber and fighter planes. Eisenhower attended the site as part of a "moral boosting tour", according to Cllr Crockford-Hawley. Although Eisenhower had provisions to stay in a local hotel, he chose to spend the night under canvas with his troops.
Also attending the event were the Mayoress and Mayor of Weston Super Mare, whilst the unveiling was completed by 10 year old Ivan Jeffery, a member of the Airborne Misfits Living History Reenactment Group, who came dressed as a US soldier and saluted the plaque.
To see the unveiling and hear more from Cllr Crockford-Hawley about the history, check out the Youtube video of the unveiling at youtu.be/CkCpQxdxhkk.
