Our Longest Day

Spectacular cloud formations obscured the English coastline at dawn today, then broke back agreeably to reveal the River Thames, Parliament and Piccadilly Circus. We descended to Heathrow, then sped through London on the wrong side of the road to spend the afternoon in Aldebourne, a small town that hosted Easy Company in village fields, stables and homes as they prepared to invade and liberate Europe. The townsfolk "adopted" these Americans and wept openly when they departed to jump into Normandy, knowing that many of their boys would not return.

Wide open fields made perfect areas for jump and tactical training, as we imagined thousands of men on the winding roads connecting area villages taken over by this gargantuan war effort. The area looks just as it did in 1943, says our historian Ron Drez.

Alan Walters, owner of  The Crown pub in Aldebourne, won a
flight in a Spitfire, the legendary RAF fighter plane. He took a
break from his taps to illustrate the thrill of his experience.
His Dad was in the RAF.

Earlier, we entered the ancient Littlecote House (about a dozen miles from Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame) to see the headquarters of the Airborne Division we are following. A large section of the huge, rambling mansion was requisitioned from the willing owners. We walked on stone laid five centuries ago. Google Litttlecote House for the full story. Famous kings and queens and nobility frequented the place and there are stories. . . some not so nice.

In Aldebourne, we ordered fish and chips at the The Crown, the pub frequented by Easy Company officers. We ate outside and enjoyed the pastoral cottagy feel of this charming village.

Still jet-lagged, we're now tucked in at the Elcot in Newbury tonight. Showers, a nice meal and then a full night's sleep before Reville. We need our rest. We invade France tomorrow.

These Brits enjoy re-enacting the exploits of the American Screaming Eagles, frequently joining others
to  dress up, display memorabilia and do whatever it is that re-enactors do.
We happened on these friendly guys on the green in Aldebourne. Got us in the mood.