SITES OF INTEREST

CAMP A – The main area of Camp A covered what is now Lewell Way and Glebe Way, with Nissen huts along the roadside. The camp entrance turned through the hedgerow and into the space where the playground now stands.

CAMP B – The camp was situated mainly in the area covering Conway Drive, Rectory Road, Rectory Close, Littemead, Chalky Road and Woodlands. It included parking for heavy vehicles, equipment maintenance and a fuelling point.

CAMP C (GREEN HUT) – This area made up Camp C. Large numbers of Nissen huts could be found in the fields on both sides of the lane. The Green Hut now sits on the concrete plinth where an original hut would have been.

 AFRICAN AMERICAN CAMP – Company A, 383rd Engineer Battalion (Separate), US Army was encamped in Fryer Mayne Wood. Whilst in Broadmayne, these African American soldiers were responsible for extending the original British Army camp in the village. The extended base was known as a ‘Sausage Camp’ and used primarily by units involved in Operation OVERLORD, the Allied invasion of Normandy.

BRICKYARD COTTAGE – During bombing raids, American soldiers would run to the field between the cottage and Oakwood to dig small holes which they would put their heads and shoulders into for protection. All that was left to see were dozens of khaki clad bottoms sticking up in the air. They were also known to sneak into the front garden and steal vegetables.

TREE GRAFFITI – Carved deep into the trees here is evidence of American soldiers camped in the village in the days before D-Day. These include the marks of soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment and the 1st US Infantry Division.

HQ & OFFICERS’ BILLET – Broadmayne House was the headquarters building of Camp D5. It also served as the Officers’ billet.

THE BLACK DOG – The Black Dog was one of two Broadmayne pubs in 1944 and was well used by the service personnel based here. The second pub, The Compasses, was based further along Main Street and is now a private residence.

THE NEW INN – Another pub popular with the service personnel based at Camp D5 in 1944 was The New Inn at West Knighton. Photographs survive of soldiers from the US 1st Infantry Division enjoying the local beer here.

OLD ROAD – Here you will be able to see the original tarmac road, straightened by US Army Engineers to allow large military vehicles more room to manoeuvre. These temporary alterations left a permanent impact on the shape of the village, post-war.

SCREW PICKET – Once part of a large barbed wire entanglement that surrounded Camp B.

MT Section – This site was used by both the British and US Armies for repairing military vehicles and equipment.

 NOTICE BOARD – From here, concrete hard standings for military vehicles and artillery can be seen along the right hand side of Rectory Road. Similar areas can be found on both sides of Chalky Lane, around Woodlands and along Beech Close.