The History of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (P.I.R.) is well documented both in book form and on the internet (see links). Suffice to say the Regiment was established in the summer of 1942 when 132 enlisted men and 8 officers were brought together at Camp Toccoa in Georgia. This had followed the attempts of 5,800 men tackling physical and mental tasks, trying to become a new breed of soldier.... a Paratrooper. Only 1,948 made the grade. The troops trained long and hard on Mount Currahee. Currahee was an American Indian word meaning "We stand alone" and became the Regiment's Battle Cry.

After training at Fort Benning, Easy Company joined the 101st Airborne Division (nicknamed the Screaming Eagles) at Fort Bragg and were then deployed to England towards the end of 1943.

On June 6, 1944, D-Day, the 506th had their "rendezvous with destiny" as they jumped into the night sky over Normandy, France. The liberation of Europe was underway. From France through Holland, the Battle of the Bulge and then deep into Germany, the men of Easy Company fought long, bitter battles with Hitler's Army, proving conclusively that the Nazis were not the "Master race".

This living history group is probably no different to any other in that we are very much a veteran orientated organisation and have the support of several surviving Airborne veterans from the 506th PIR.

These include:-

Richard D Winters - Quote " ........... on behalf of all members of Company E thanks for your support."

 

Shifty Powers - Quote " Just let me commend you. I feel your work in reenactment is extremely valuable in keeping history alive and interesting........ And yes I agree with you. We must always remember our past , learn from it and never forget the sacrifice our soldiers made for freedom."

 

Bill Guarnere - Quote "That is nice for you to reenact WW2 in Scotland. I see a lot of Reenactors from all over the US and the World. I always stop and talk to all reenactors. They are doing a fine job. Bless 'em all. Have nothing but respect for each and every one of them."

 

Don Malarkey - Quote "I think reenactors do a valuable service in keeping alive the memories and history of WW2..... I salute you on developing the interests of WW2 in the UK."

 

Our group does not seek to glorify war. Our members have all visited the battlefields and cemeteries scattered throughout Europe and have seen the headstones listing ages of 17,18,19 and more. Tragic losses, leaving relatives with a legacy they can never forget.

The story of Easy Company is one of courage, sacrifice and victory. Like so many others it is a story that should not be forgotten.

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM