US troops celebrated (From Barry And District News)

US troops celebrated

7:20am Thursday 19th January 2012 in Letters

NEXT year sees the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the first American troops in the Vale of Glamorgan during the Second World War.

St Cyres School in Penarth is working alongside a group of local historians to commemorate this event by staging a living history event on Barry Waterfront on the weekend of June 16-17.

This will see 100 British-based American military re-enactors setting up an authentic Second World War American camp and staging displays, steam train rides from the Waterfront Halt to Barry Island and educational activities centred around Barry and Penarth Docks, major supply ports in the build up to D-Day.

There will be 40s-style entertainment, a live radio broadcast and two ‘evacuation’ steam trains filled with local primary school children in 40s costumes.

The weekend will be a large-scale event, with thousands of people expected to attend over the two days.

Do you have any photographs or documents relating to the American troops in the area during WW2?

If so, we would like to hear from you.

A room on Barry Island Station will be filled with exhibits and photographs relating to the period 1942 to 1945 and you can help us make it happen by allowing us to copy and display your photographs and documents.

I can be contacted at St Cyres School or on 07708 255295.

Dr Jonathan Hicks Head teacher St Cyres School Penarth