17th AIRBORNE MARCH

[FAAA]

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION / ARMY NURSES MEMORIAL FUND CHARITY MARCH

 

Back in October members of the FAAA joined the Screaming Eagles LHG and other attached groups for the Annual Sponsored March around the training areas of the 503rd PIR, 101st and 17th Airborne Divisions in Berkshire.

 

This year the FAAA chose to represent the 17th Airborne Division with the ladies as usual representing ANC of the 818th Air Evac Sqn.

 

While the history of the 101st in the area is very well documented it is less know that elements of the (550th Attached) 194th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 17th Airborne Division were based in the very same stables used by some of the Companies of the 506th PIR, when those Units left Aldbourne for Holland in September 1944. We felt it fitting that the 17th for once should be represented on the March alongside those more famous 101st representations.

 

It is interesting to note that the attached element of the 194th that were Aldbourne based were certainly not a rookie outfit, but was combat tested and had been in combat in August as the 550th Glider Infantry Battalion in Southern France, as part of the 1st Airborne Task Force and had been sent to England from that Campaign to re-enforce the 194th

 

As always the March starts and finishes at Littlecote House, with Hills, narrow tracks and river crossings in between, this year the distance was around 14/15 miles and I can only confirm what everyone from the group has been saying that this one was the hardest march to date and I have to agree with the guys that for us this was much harder than the H4H and Belgium marches we had previously done even though over a shorter distance.

 

This year we were raising cash for the RBL Poppy appeal, however the organising group the SELHG kindly agreed we could split the money raised between the RBL and our own Army Nurses Memorial Fund.

 

It would be true to say we made it harder for ourselves by representing elements of a support weapons platoon and were pulling, dragging and pushing a Utility hand cart carrying 60mm Mortar and Ammo all the way round, however a challenge was set and AS A TEAM we did it with no mechanical help and all who started on the march from this group finished it with heads held high and hearts pounding.

 

A fantastic effort by all who took part, especially the ladies who were representing the very people we were walking for, the US Army Nurses Corps.

 

The cash raised really got our fund off to a good start and it was a pleasure to walk in the Footsteps of Heroes with members of this group and the others who took part.

 

Another proud weekend with members of this Association.

 

LB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FAAA]

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Jenny and Martin of C&A Photography for the pictures .

[Lackland82]

[thats too cool

[willysmb44]

I’ve always wondered why re-enactors in the UK/EU seem much thinner than those in the US. After looking at these photos, I’m starting to think I’ve found a connection!

GREAT work, I particularly feel for the poor kid who had to lug the 1919 around. I had to carry one of those all day at an event once and would never do so again. Anyone who’s lugged one any distance understands the Don Rickles ‘Crapgame’ bit in “Kelly’s Heroes” where he keep trying to give the 1919 to anyone else who will carry it.

[docbutzen]

I love seeing someone do an airborne impression outside 101st and 82nd... even though I do 82nd, I still plan on expanding into 511th and 503rd. My best impression will hopefully be 509th in North Africa. Although I believe they were 3/503 at that point.

 

Doc Butzen