Stories of the Americans in Britain during World War II

Let us tell you through the stories of the young Americans who lived, worked, and died in Britain during World War II.
About this Event

Many of the visitors to Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial ask, but…’Why is it here?’.

During this walking tour, we aim to answer that question, and explain why Americans remain buried here, eighty years after the end of World War II.

When America entered WWII, on 7 December 1941, she knew it would not be possible to fight a war in the European Theatre of Operations from the USA. Almost, the only place left, that could be considered, was the United Kingdom.

The first troops landed in Belfast on 26 January 1942. America had already been primed and was ready to go.

These young Americans were drawn from every walk of life; every station, high and low; every town, and state. It was almost as if American life was translocated to these shores. Scattered around the south and east of England, personnel carried out logistical tasks to ensure that everything was in the right place at the right time; they underwent training for the battles ahead; in particular, airmen went out daily to take the war to the enemy; and everywhere the air would ring to the sound of diverse American accents.

Indeed, the aircrews, so bravely, executed near-impossible tasks, then flew back to bases in Britain, ready to do it all again the next day.

They did so to a country that was relatively peaceful. There were trips to the pub and chance meetings at dances. The Americans shared their culture - their jazz and their jitterbugging - with the local people, who, in turn, took them into their homes, and hearts.

Thousands died here in the UK, or surrounding waters, to be buried in one of the temporary wartime cemeteries. Later, more were commemorated here on the Wall of the Missing. All had hopes and dreams. What might they have gone on to do with their lives if death had not intervened? We will never know, but do not think that they expected to rest for eternity in an English field, “far from home”.

In the words of Dwight D Eisenhower, “They did it so the world could be free.”

Let us share their stories with you.

Why are we here? Because they are here. The American Battle Monuments Commission will never forget, so that, as General of the Armies John J Pershing said, “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”