How 2000 American troops became Nottingham locals in World War II

In March 1944, as World War II raged around the globe, Wollaton , with its grand hall and its pastures, largely remained a sleepy village. The war, though it may have looked - and was - bleak, was nearing its final straight and preparations for the Allied Invasion of Normandy on June 6 were well underway.

American Paratroopers - the 508th regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division - had descended on Wollaton Park and pitched tents on the grass overnight. It was to be their base before their part in the D-Day landings. The boys - with an average age 20 - also made an impression on the local girls, and many formed relationships. But on May 30, the troopers left for Normandy - 2,056 of them in total, in 117 planes from Folkingham and Saltby Airfields in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire respectively.

While those with a vested interest are well-versed in Wollaton Park's involvement in the latter events of World War II, the 508th's stay is still a relatively unknown portion of the city's history to many in Nottingham. Now, the village is hosting an exhibition, to commemorate what is an iconic anecdote for those few old enough to remember it happening today.

Wollaton Park

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