20-21st February 2010 In the Footsteps of the 82nd Airborne, LaGleize, Belgium.

Well, I sit here recovering from a 23km Hike in LaGleize, Belgium, have walked in the foot-steps of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne, this weekend.

This was my third year of attending this event , accompanied by Corporal Patrick “MightyMurph” Murphy and Private Dan O’Dwyer, together with members of the Living History Association, the Belgian Friendly 101st, and the All American Pathfinders living histoty group

This year I think was the hardest one so far, but as always fantastic experience which any living historian should consider doing at least once. This year we were joined by Lt Col Bryan Denny, a serving officer in a mechanised unit of the US Army-the wolfpack. In due course a report to foolow, but suffice to say, yet again, what a fantastic experience!!!

As always “click” on any of the photos to take you to the whole album on webshots









Corporal Murphy samples a D Ration











MightyMurph, not feeling so “Mighty”!


Mail call!!!


Private Dan O’Dywer receives 8 letters,( most are from the auto finance company-he hasn’t paid for his 1941 P11 deluxe)









“3” becomes “44” as the all the living history groups unite for one last photo just before the finish..


And finally a “Tradition” amongst GI44-45 members a celebratory beer as we make it to the marches conclusion..

Good pics!

Thats the first event of 2010 and it looked a bloody good one!

Sam

samharris45 wrote:Good pics!

Thats the first event of 2010 and it looked a bloody good one!

Sam

It was

samharris45 wrote:Good pics!

Thats the first event of 2010 and it looked a bloody good one!

Sam

I still can't figure out why you don't come along to at least one of these. Madness!! SAVE MONEY- ROB a Bank!! Seriously you do not know how good they are. For all the pain, down times, the highs outweigh the lows!!

I'm goona kick your arse if you don't come along to the Bastogne one- start saving now!!! Hell- I'll pay for you!!!!

The colour ones- a few of the 160 odd colour ones "Click" on any to take you to the whole album on webshots

Meeting the vets


Superb museum at Diekirch




I nearly wet myself...



Catching up with letters from home, private Dan O’Dwyer is dismayed to find that he’s in trouble with the auto finance people. He owes money on his 1941 Plymouth P11


With Debs and friend from the stage door canteen

That Diekirch Museum was absolutely Superb, think Imperial War Museum dedicated to late war WW2 GI and German and you begin to get an idea. Thanks for posting JC.

nice pics guys, looks like we got all the snow. the museum looks very interesting, mr costino, look at all them rations lol.

riz

Nice phtos Paul was the "Shorter" there?

Cheers,
Chris.

Er....No! Initial reports were that he was stuck with wrok in Germany, later reports were that he was stuck at home in Halstead!!!!! And he had a bloody letter!!

Johnny_Costino wrote:Er....No! Initial reports were that he was stuck with wrok in Germany, later reports were that he was stuck at home in Halstead!!!!! And he had a bloody letter!!

Save it till the next one.

True- in one respect they are all 65 years late!

Absolutely fantastic Paul, not in the least bit jealous I missed that one!

Good impression from all of the GI 44-45 guys!

Cheers,
Ben.

Well after what i can only describe as having been one of the best weekend i've experienced in many a year i'd like to echo both Murph and Pauls comments... an absolutely superb event!!!!!!

There were so many superb moments, too many to mention individually but a fantastic experience in every way. I think Pauls quality photos give you the idea. I don't think i will ever forget glancing back at one stage of the march to see 50 odd GI's marching in column behind me through the snowy Ardennes.. an amazing sight.

I really can't recommend this this trip highly enough to the rest of the group, it is a true 'living history' experience and in the words of our own Johnny Costino is 'living the dream!'.. I'm already looking forward to next year!!!!

Now a proud member of the Bastogne Cookie Club!

Paul, on your advice went out today and bought Stalag 17 on DVD.... Mail call now makes total sense to me!!!!

Great film!!!!!

Cracking photos guys, looks like a truly memorable weekend. Will have to book myself from work in order that I can make it next time.

Richard.

some good stuff there boys looks like a belting museum

Great pics Paul

Cheers Richard- PM your address, I have a certain item left by you!!

Yes,I known.
Shady told me by sms.
Thanks.
We'll work something out.
PS .I send you a lot of pics. Amongst them a copy of Paraglide Oct 17 1944 for the 82nd US Airborne
Don't know how to put in on the forum.

murph wrote:That Diekirch Museum was absolutely Superb, think Imperial War Museum dedicated to late war WW2 GI and German and you begin to get an idea. Thanks for posting JC.

I have just got back from France and would you beleive it went to that same museum! Looks like I was following you around but just a week later lol

We got in for 3 euro each just because a small area was closed off! Bloody massive place isn't it!

samharris45 wrote:

murph wrote:That Diekirch Museum was absolutely Superb, think Imperial War Museum dedicated to late war WW2 GI and German and you begin to get an idea. Thanks for posting JC.

I have just got back from France and would you beleive it went to that same museum! Looks like I was following you around but just a week later lol

We got in for 3 euro each just because a small area was closed off! Bloody massive place isn't it!

Was that the one in Luxembourg? If so I spent an hour or so wandering around with my jaw dropped to the floor, ever see so much US kit in absolute mint condition?

murph wrote:

samharris45 wrote:

murph wrote:That Diekirch Museum was absolutely Superb, think Imperial War Museum dedicated to late war WW2 GI and German and you begin to get an idea. Thanks for posting JC.

I have just got back from France and would you beleive it went to that same museum! Looks like I was following you around but just a week later lol

We got in for 3 euro each just because a small area was closed off! Bloody massive place isn't it!

Was that the one in Luxembourg? If so I spent an hour or so wandering around with my jaw dropped to the floor, ever see so much US kit in absolute mint condition?

yes it was! I thought that was it on the first floor and I was impressed with that! Then it went on and on and on!!!! I couldn't get over the ammount of rare german kit he had. I think I counted 16 MP44's alone! The main hall was great too. That 6 ponder A/T gun was live! Didn't know if you saw that!

Sam

I think that display of the river crossing is awesome, you can almost imagine you are there watching it for real.

It looks realy good, must visit that some time.

Where did you go in France Sam, was it just you and your girlfriend or did you go on an organised trip?

Cheers,
Chris.

Ben's Dad wrote:It looks realy good, must visit that some time.

Where did you go in France Sam, was it just you and your girlfriend or did you go on an organised trip?

Cheers,
Chris.

It was my Brother's 21st and me, Jack, Ant my dad and his mate Barry went. We visited Leper, Bastogne, Luxenburge and Verdon but saw plenty in between as well. A hell of allot of driving but well worth it!

I will try and get some pics up