A copy of the schedule of the memorial service held on Sunday morning, 27th August, 1944, by the 506th PIR for the men KIA and missing in Normandy. The service was held at the Regimental HQ at Littlecote House, just outside the village of Chilton Foliat, England.
1/

The men from the different companies of the regiment were bused to the estate from surrounding villages, where they joined together on the green field in front of the house.
2/

A band played the march in such a slow cadence that everyone got out of step, but once the regiment was in place, "the 2,000 young American warriors spread like a solid brown carpet on the lawn, the grand house before them, it made an inspiring sight"
3/

Chaplain Tilden McGee (pictured on the podium with General Taylor and Colonel Sink to his right) gave a talk and then read the regimental prayer, written by Lt. James Morton (prayer pictured)
General Taylor then made a speech as a fly by formation of C47's passed overhead.
4/

The list of the dead & missing was read out by Cap Salve Matheson (formerly of Easy Co). David Webster noted it seemed to go on endlessly, there were 414 names, & each name brought a sharp intake of breath from the surviving members of the soldier's squad, platoon, & company
5/

A flower tribute was laid by 9 year old local girl Patricia Owen (pictured), and the rifle salute rang out for those who had never made it back.

Excerpts from David Webster "Parachute Infantry"

6/6
#bandofbrothers #506thpir #parachuteinfantry #ww2 #wwii