The author, a former British infantryman turned battlefield guide, has spent a lot of time researching the story of two young medics who jumped into Normandy on D-Day. The errors in dropping the 101st and other airborne units that night caused major confusion, but these two guys set up an aid station in the church which took in those injured during the jump, those wounded in action, and included any German prisoners. At one stage the village was overrun by the enemy, but the German respected the Red Cross flag on the church, thanking the Americans for their efforts. During the drop, the paratroopers had lost equipment, but ingenuity and the ‘Can Do’ mind set saw the use of parachutes for bedding, and a handcart in use to carry the wounded. They ran their aid centre till the seaborne forces caught up with them. The two GI’s were then able to return to their units, and saw the war out.
The author also tells us about the two central characters, their upbringing, and their life after the war. Included in the pages is a plethora of photos, both from the war, and of the locations today. The church has become a destination for tourists who have a bit more interest in WW2 than the average traveller. This book is a very easy read, delivering the story of a very slim slice of D-Day and beyond in an excellent manner. As well as describing the events, the various airborne procedures and equipment are described.
Recommended.

Paul Middleton MAFVA