Marching in the footsteps of heroes

On Sunday, October 7, the area will resound again to the sound of marching as the Screaming Eagles Living History Group (SELHG), who keep alive the memory of the famous 101st Airborne Division's Band of Brothers during the Second World War, march.
The sponsored event, dubbed ‘Marching in the Footsteps of Heroes,’ will raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund and for the Littlecote memorial. The 12 mile, circular route begins at Littlecote at 9.30am, arriving outside The Bell pub in Ramsbury at 10.30am.
Marchers arrive at The Green, Aldbourne, at mid day before returning through Ramsbury at 1.45pm and returning to Littlecote between 3pm and 4pm.
SELHG spokesman Peter Davies said: “Every year we collect for two worthy causes.
“This year our primary cause will be the Army Benevolent Fund and the secondary cause is the placing of a wall plaque on Littlecote House to commemorate the British and American troops that were billeted in the house and surrounding area during World War Two.
“The SELHG replicates the appearance of the 101st US Airborne Division. Elements of the 101st were twice billeted and trained in Ramsbury and the surrounding area, once before D-Day and again before Operation and Market Garden.”
He added: “Although sadly many World War Two veterans from the 101st have passed away, the group remains in regular contact with many of the survivors and they frequently recall the hospitality and friendliness shown to them by the people of Aldbourne, Ramsbury and Hungerford.
“This is a chance to see how the soldiers that lived in your village looked as they marched past your front door in 1944.”
SELHG comprises afficionados from all walks of life that have a common interest in 101st Airborne Division and who collect original uniforms and kit which allow them to stage accurate and authentic living history displays.
The group’s original equipment includes single pyramidal tents, officer tents, pup tents, parachutes, mortars, bazookas, radios, sand bags, flag poles, jeeps, Colt .45s, carbines, and machine guns.
During re-enactments the weapons fire blanks to recreate the sound of battle.
Members also employ military tactics during the battles to demonstrate, for example, how a unit would advance onto an enemy position, to capture and hold.
All members are well versed on the unit's history, kit, weapons and tactics.
Their website is at

For more details of the route and timings, email

and title your email ‘101 Route Map.’ Alternatively telephone 0771 0044 269